It's been a while since we saw a proper MotoGP replica style bike break cover, and now for 2024, we're seeing Italian icons Aprilia get in on the action with their RSV4 X ex3ma - an extreme take on the brand's RSV4 superbike.
Set to be released in a small run of just 30 bikes, the RSV4 X ex3ma brings the latest generation of MotoGP to the public, but it does come at quite the cost...
But before we get to that let's look at what makes the RSV4 X ex3ma so special beyond its very cool styling over the base RSV4.
The RSV4 X ex3ma is part of the Factory Works programme launched by Aprilia Racing: a project conceived and executed in-house at the Noale Racing Department, designed to bring the same technology developed in racing to riders competing at the highest levels in derivative series championships or for those who want an RSV4 or Tuono V4 with unrivalled performance.
Romano Albesiano, Technical Director of Aprilia Racing, explains the overview of the new bike.
“This motorbike represents the most extreme evolution of the programme we initiated to deliver cutting- edge technology directly from our racing division to our customers. The transfer of racing technology to the public is often talked about, but at Aprilia Racing, it is a tangible reality. Our engineers have created something far beyond an evolution of the already exceptional RSV4. This is most evident in the aerodynamics, featuring innovations typically reserved for a MotoGP bike. The ex3ma is the first motorbike on general sale with a complete ground effect package, increasing lateral load by three times compared to the previous X model: The stepped fairing and cornering wings are innovations Aprilia first introduced in MotoGP. The front wing, a true MotoGP design, is 550 mm wide and generates five times more downforce than the previous X Thirty model, which already surpassed the road version, delivering exceptional acceleration. Significant advances lie beneath the surface, starting with the renowned APX racing ECU, which has been extensively upgraded to enhance performance and user-friendliness. Many components, both visible and hidden, are new or optimised to reduce weight. This motorcycle is undoubtedly the bike that most closely delivers the riding experience of a modern MotoGP machine.”
The spec sheet describes a racing bike with no compromises. At its heart is the legendary 1099cc 65° V4 engine. Aprilia Racing's engine specialists have fettled the V4 into delivering 230 hp at 13,500 rpm (with a maximum speed of 13,900 rpm) and 131 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. This performance is achieved through specific tuning which includes a higher compression ratio, a high-permeability Sprint Filter air filter, and an SC Project exhaust system with titanium headers and twin tailpipes.
Even the body of the bike takes things up a notch with the RSV4 X ex3ma being the first and only bike available for public sale equipped with ground-effect aerodynamics. This highly sophisticated technology, entirely developed and patented by Aprilia Racing, was previously exclusive to the RS-GP 24, which competes in MotoGP.
The specific shape of the moulded fairing on the flanks exploits air pressure between the ground and the bike during cornering, increasing grip. The entire aerodynamic package, derived from MotoGP, includes the newly designed front wing, the under wing (commonly known as the ‘spoon’) under the swingarm, and the cornering wings on the lower part of the front mudguard. The fairing is made entirely of carbon fibre, crafted by PAN Compositi using the same techniques as MotoGP. Compared to the already advanced X Trenta, it increases vertical air pressure fivefold in a straight line, improving stability and precision while reducing wheelies. In corners, it triples the downforce, significantly enhancing grip.
The special Perla Nera livery draws inspiration from Aprilia’s heritage and the mythology of motorbike racing. The glossy black and graphic finish of the RSV4 X ex3ma is a clear tribute to one of the iconic bikes in the sport’s history, the RS 250, on which Max Biaggi won three consecutive world championships from 1994 to 1996 in the 250cc class. It’s no coincidence that Aprilia Racing chose this livery for the recent Silverstone race.
The multi-titled twin-spar aluminium frame, long a symbol of Aprilia’s mastery in crafting agile and precise frames and suspensions, is enhanced by Ohlins mechanical suspension featuring a custom setup, including a sophisticated pressurised fork. The Brembo braking system includes a 19x16 radial pump at the front end, GP4 MS billet callipers with Z04 racing pads and 330 mm T Drive brake discs, while the rear brake disc is equipped with a calliper featuring surface nickel plating.
The Aprilia RSV4 X ex3ma has carbon fibre rims, which reduce weight and unsprung mass, enhancing handling, acceleration, and braking performance. These rims are fitted with the same slick tyres used by Pirelli in the Superbike World Championship: SC1 (front, 125/70) and SCX (rear, 200/65).
That works level of performance, as we mentioned at the start comes at quite the cost which sadly for many of us mere mortals will likely be out of reach.
Pricing for the RSV4 X ex3ma is listed at €80,000 excluding taxes which at current exchange rates puts the price in New Zealand dollars in excess of $141,000!
That said, there will only be 30 ever produced, so if your desire for the ultimate Aprilia matches your chequebook head to FACTORYWORKS.APRILIA.COM and order yours today.