The 2021 presentation of the Aprilia Racing Gresini team took place yesterday live from the Losail circuit in Qatar. The 2021 version of the RS-GP has been revealed, and the least we can say is that the technical teams rolled up their sleeves during the winter break to make numerous improvements to the Noale prototype.
The new Aprilia was presented yesterday, and many new features are present: the chassis, the engine, the aerodynamic assembly, the exhausts, a larger rear loop, with possibly a damper in the salad box, and a swingarm in carbon. We can say that the teams at the Noale factory have not been idle this winter!
The bike is completely different from the 2020 version. First of all, the chassis: its basis is largely the same, but there are a few small tweaks here and there. We suspect that Aprilia has played with the stiffness characteristics by slightly adjusting its shape.
The swingarm is now made of carbon and the shape has changed. We'll have to see what the riders think when they get off the bike after the first tests. The spoon has also been redesigned to work better.
The exhausts are reminiscent of those of the Ducati. The lower exhaust has been shortened and is now beveled and the upper exhaust has been re-routed to exit much straighter.
Behind him is a much larger salad box, which could house a mass damper, like the Ducati. They help to fine-tune small vibrations on the motorcycle, helping to reduce tire wear and create a better contact patch between the tire and the ground surface.
Aprilia has also upgraded its engine, Massimo rivola saying I have ” de nouvelles culasses, de nouveaux corps d’injection et de nouveaux pistons “.
Even simple things like the ergonomics of the bike have been reviewed. The tank is remodeled with the aim of giving more support to the pilots.
Above, a photo of the 2020 version, which allows us to appreciate the technical developments.
A beautiful tribute to Fausto Gresini is placed at the front of the motorcycle.
The aerodynamic package has also been completely redesigned. The front spoiler is now more pronounced and the fins themselves have changed. You can see that the two fin elements have been moved closer together, with the second and smaller element now enlarged
The shape has also changed. Previously, it was like a big shutter coming out. Now they are much more curved and fall downward towards the edges.
Compared to the aerodynamic package of the 2020 version, seen here, the difference is obvious. The front wing was imposing but its shape more upright.
So here is the Aprilia RS-GP 2021, it remains to be seen what it will do on the track, and the answers should come very quickly!
Photos: Dorna
