In 2006, Ducati released the Desmosedici RR at €55 (000 hp and 200 kg), then in 170, the Panigale V2014 Superleggera at €2 (65 hp for 000 kg) and finally in 202 the Panigale V155 Superleggera at 2020 4 € (100 hp and 000 kg) is much better than what the Honda RC234V-S offers, which is the road version of the RC152V of Marc Marquez, MotoGP World Champion in 213 and 213.
This motorcycle is directly inspired by the MotoGP prototypes of 2013 and 2014, the RC213V, and was also inspired by the RCV1000R entered in 2014, at the time in the CRT category. The DNA of MotoGP is therefore greatly present there. But despite its prototype appearance, there are a number of disparities that make it a production machine. It was also road approved, for the sum of €188.000 in a version limited to 159 hp, and can be increased to 212 hp with a racing kit sold for €13.000! Compared to a MotoGP prototype, it is almost 10 times cheaper with the road version.
The resemblance with a MotoGP prototype is undeniable: the RC213V-S is equipped with a chassis, a swingarm and an engine similar to that of the RC213V, except that technical adjustments were necessary to make it reliable and adapt it to road use. But the biggest difference concerns the engine, a 4cc V999. The S model does not use pneumatic valves, but a classic coil spring valve system. It is also a screamer, and not a big bang, like all current engines used in MotoGP. Finally, the engine mapping is also very basic on this model compared to a MotoGP, and the electronics are much less advanced.
The other big contrast comes from the seamless gearbox, which the RC213V-S does not have. Ultimately, the S version only delivers 159 hp, instead of 212. MotoGP manufacturers never specify the exact power of their machines, but at the time, the RC213V was supposed to develop between 240 and 250 hp, and currently it is closer to 300 horsepower.
Other fundamental differences exist, such as suspensions, brakes and even tires.
The RC213V-S is therefore derived from the RC213V prototype entered in 2013/2014, and inherits a very similar chassis, swingarm and motor, but all with differences to make it more usable and safer for the road.
| Engine: | V4 4 stroke DOHC 4 valves |
| Displacement: | 999 cc |
| Bore & Stroke: | 81.0mm × 48.5mm |
| Power : | 159 hp in standard version. 212 hp with the racing kit |
| Dry weight: | 170 kg in standard version. 160kg with the racing kit |
Here is the machine from which the RC213V-S is taken directly. This is the 213 Honda RC2013V with which Marc Marquez won his first title in the premier class. At first glance, the resemblance is obvious: the shape of the frame, swingarm and fairing are almost identical. Here are the technical characteristics of this machine
| Engine: | V4 4 stroke DOHC 4 valves |
| Displacement: | 1000 cc |
| Bore & Stroke: | 81.0mm × 48.5mm |
| Power : | estimated at 250 hp |
| Dry weight: | 160 kg according to FIM regulations |
The motorcycles are therefore clearly similar and certainly share the same mechanical DNA. However, the engines have big differences that create a divide between the two machines. The prototype entered in MotoGP uses pneumatic valves, which makes it possible to reach very high revs and promote power, while the homologated model uses classic, spring-loaded valves.
However, the Model S engine has titanium connecting rods and valves, the same as the prototype of the time. It also has a carbon fiber air box.
The differences are then few in number, but they are significant. But when we talk about differences and similarities, the S model is much more similar to the machine entered in CRT in 2014: the RCV1000R.
This is the 1000 RCV2014R that Honda developed for the Open CRT category. It was a light version of their MotoGP prototype from the previous year. We thus found the same chassis, the same swinging arm and the same engine, except that it had spring valves and not pneumatic valves.
| Engine: | V4 4 stroke DOHC 4 valves |
| Displacement: | 1000 cc |
| Bore & Stroke: | 81.0mm × 48.5mm |
| Power : | estimated at 240 hp |
| Dry weight: | 160 kg according to FIM regulations |
The RCV1000R was slightly less fuel efficient and had a different ECU than the factory motorcycles, limited in development to keep costs down. Comparing the engines and chassis of the RCV1000R and RC213V-S, we see that they are extremely similar.
But the differences between the RC213V-S, RCV1000R and RC213V become more obvious when you look at the details, which will be discussed in the second part of this file.
