Aprilia has introduced the extremely limited edition RSV4 X at its Aprilia All Stars event at Mugello in Italy, where the likes of Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, current MotoGP riders Andrea Iannone and official test rider Bradley Smith welcomed the new motorcycle.

Unmistakeable in its design lucidity and applied technology, the RSV4 is created around a 65-degree V4 engine, never before seen on a factory sport bike.

10 years after the birth of the first model in 2009, a bike that already had one eye on the category’s future, Aprilia has now introduced the RSV4 X – a very special commemorative version limited to just 10 units of the new RSV4 1100 Factory – a jewel of Italian manufacturing and a collector’s item, dedicated exclusively to the track.

That Aprilia Racing experience is also evident in the work carried out to lighten the motorbike, which results in an exceptional dry weight of 165kg. To achieve this, Aprilia Racing selected a series of precious, lightweight components, such as the carbon fairing, enriched with special dedicated graphics inspired by the livery of the Aprilia RS-GP competing in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, as well as a tank that is the same shape as the original, but more lightweight.

Another competition-derived element is the racing push-button panel for adjustment of the main electronic controls making up the RSV4 X. There are numerous billet aluminium details, such as the clutch lever, the front brake lever guard, the engine sump guards, the adjustable foot pegs and the upper steering plate, important details that make for a further weight saving. Marchesini forged magnesium wheels magnify the already spectacular handling of the RSV4 and mount Pirelli slick tyres.

The inimitable 1100cc V4 engine is selected and prepared directly by Aprilia Racing, the most advanced Piaggio Group platform for the development of technology applied first to racing bikes and then to factory models. This special preparation involves hand-assembly and the subsequent fine-tuning of all tolerances, just as is done for competition engines.

The distribution system is also overhauled, with the adoption of new intake camshafts, new valve return springs and caps, as well as brand-new convex bucket tappets that, similarly sized, allow for the use of shafts with more aggressive cam profiles, deriving from SBK.

The Akrapovic exhaust system features titanium manifolds and a carbon tailpipe, while the air filter has been replaced with a Sprintfilter element: the air filter with the highest permeability available on the market (as well as being waterproof), the same unit used by Aprilia Racing in MotoGP.

Electronic tuning is guaranteed by a specific ECU mapping, with dedicated track settings. These components ensure an increase in maximum power, from an already excellent 217hp for the standard model, to the impressive 225hp of the RSV4 X. The Aprilia V4 is equipped with the ANN (Aprilia No Neutral) system, the gearbox with neutral positioned below first gear that speeds up shifting from first to second and prevents any up-shifting errors.

This solution derives directly from Aprilia experience in WSBK and MotoGP and is made available to the public on a production model for the very first time. Another world first involves the Brembo braking system, the company choosing the Aprilia RSV4 X to debut its refined and extremely efficient machined from solid GP4-MS callipers. These act on a pair of steel brake discs with T-Drive technology and are controlled by a machined from solid 19×16 radial pump.

Each of the 10 Aprilia RSV4 X bikes, offered at a price of 39,900 Euro (approximately $63,000 AUD), can be reserved exclusively online from the second half of April, by accessing the website www.factoryworks.aprilia.com. The lucky buyers will have the chance to collect their bike from Aprilia Racing and enjoy an exclusive tour of the Noale racing department.

RSV4 X is part of the Factory Works programme launched by Aprilia Racing – unique in the world, it takes the technology developed for the Aprilia RSV4, a seven-time superbike world champion, and makes it available to those planning to compete at high level in production-derived championships or who want a RSV4 with performance optimised for track-use.

Former champion Mike jones will replace three-time superbike world champion Troy Bayliss at DesmoSport Ducati for the remainder of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Following Bayliss’ injuries sustained at Phillip Island’s opener, the factory Ducati squad drafted in Jones for last weekend’s second stop at Wakefield Park, earning a race podium before winding up fourth overall.

Jones, a former DesmoSport Ducati rider in 2016, currently sits third in the standings, and contested the first two rounds solely to remain sharp as he awaited a full-time deal to present itself either overseas or domestically.

“Three weeks ago when Ben asked if I could help set up Troy’s bike during testing while he was injured, which led to me racing for the team at round two,” Jones explained. “At the airport on Monday while travelling home from the event, Ben and Troy offered me to race the rest of the season for them.

“Although I was planning to compete in the Spanish Superbike Championship this season, I’m very excited about this last-minute opportunity to be on-board with DesmoSport Ducati against one of the toughest fields of superbike racers in years.

“The team is the strongest it’s ever been, and the bike is significantly different to the Ducatis I raced in 2016 and 2017, which gives me the strong belief we can win races, and challenge for the championship. I’m highly-motivated and really looking forward to putting in the maximum effort with the team to achieve these goals.”

DesmoSport Ducati co-owner Ben Henry added: “In some ways it was difficult, and in others, it was a very simple decision to make for Troy and me. We race at the highest level, and it’s our aim to win the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship.

“With Troy missing two rounds against so many racers capable of winning, our best chance to achieve our goal is to continue working with Mike.

“The work he did with us in testing and at round two made the bike even better to ride, and so, after some long conversations, Mike has been offered Troy’s race bike for the rest of the season. Troy, once he’s able to ride again, will now focus on setting up the V4 R with us, while Mike gives the ASBK championship his full attention.”

Jones has starred in multiple MotoGP guest appearances since his last full-time ASBK campaign in 2016, racing the Superstock 1000 European Championship in 2017 before transitioning to the STK1000 category in the Spanish Speed Championship last year.

Round three of the ASBK is scheduled to take place at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia on 26-28 April.