Aprilia's RS-V4 caught on test

Less than four months before it is set to be shown in public for the first time we can reveal that Aprilia’s forthcoming V4 superbike is still testing in heavy disguise with little sign of the final body styling in place.

Snapped last week at an Italian test track, these exclusive pictures reveal the latest stage of the machine’s development and show that it’s still in very early stages of prototype testing.

The number on the side of the bike – P01 – means this is prototype number one, and reveals that there’s still a long way to go before the machine is completed. Back in November last year, we caught an even earlier bike – Prototype Zero – which was the very first running bike to use Aprilia’s new V4 engine.

This machine might still be a long way from production, but the new photographs reveal details that are likely to be carried through to the final production machine. The frame, which is completely different to anything Aprilia currently offers, is very similar to the “zero” prototype, suggesting it’s a design that worked and is set to be developed further. It’s noticeable that despite the bike’s V4 layout, the new chassis is actually slimmer than an RSV’s, making the slapped-on RSV bodywork look loose-fitting.

For more details see today’s MCN, Wednesday July 25, 2007.