Michael Laverty goes under the skin of the new Aprilia RS-GP

Last year’s also-rans get right in the mix during first test of 2021

Aprilia showed they have made the most of concessions that mean they can develop a new engine and aeros into the 2021 season, with lead rider Aleix Espargaro setting the third-fastest time onboard his heavily revised RS-GP. Having debuted a brand new machine for 2020, Aprilia have addressed many of their weak areas. The main frame has been modified in how the subframe mounts to the machine, but the rider position remains relatively unchanged, the angle of the seat isn’t as steep so the rider will sit lower and benefit from a taller screen. The bike itself is under the weight limit for the first time since Aprilia’s return to the premier class and lap times set by Espargaro have been particularly impressive.

1 Aerodynamics

Aprilia had two options of the front scoop to test in Qatar. The target is more downforce but this seemed to come at the expense of top speed due to increased drag. Espargaro commented that the bike felt much more physical to ride due to the extra downforce from both options on the new aero package. The front scoop has a much more curved profile, lending itself to providing increased downforce when leaning over.

2 Engine tweaks

Having the luxury of concessions means Aprilia can homologate a new engine ahead of round one, and they have confirmed lighter and more compact engine internals combined with a brandnew clutch design. Thermodynamic efficiency has reportedly been improved, with scope for development potential, again something that only Aprilia can continue during the 2021 race season.

3 Following Ducati’s lead

The new seat unit has a Ducati feel to it, with similar exhausts. Aprilia appear to be working in a similar direction as Ducati with the mass damper in the tail unit. The silhouette of the seat cowling mirrors that of previous edition Desmosedici.

6 Ducati-style exhaust

The exhausts from the rear bank of cylinders, those that exit the seat unit, bear a distinct resemblance to those of the Ducati Desmosedici, even the exhaust valve mount on the top side is similar, a switch which Ducati made for 2020 (previously the valve was mounted on the underside). In Aprilia’s defence they share the same exhaust firm in Akrapovic, so any gains will naturally filter between the factories.

5 Suspension

Revised rear shock settings have been touted, expected to be a new rear linkage setting to work with the bi-directional bleed valve shock Öhlins introduced in 2020. Aprilia have also evaluated different carbon fork tubes on the front-end of the Öhlins-sprung machine.

4 Carbon Swingarm

Aprilia have finally made the switch to a carbon-fibre swingarm, a move that took longer than expected. Wheelspin has been a common complaint from the Aprilia camp and the new swingarm could help find that extra grip needed without compromising rigidity under acceleration. Suzuki are now the only manufacturer not to have a carbon-fibre swingarm in their MotoGP arsenal.