Here you go:
http://www.orpheusweb.co.uk/bob.williams/aprilia/rsv-sp.htm
This explains why. New, the bike came "out of the crate" without the twin shotgun full race system fitted, without the injectors set for "race mode" and without a few other engine optimisation configurations. This was deliberate as the bike was a homogolation special and intended for track so tuners could set it up to suit.
The changes to boost power included the pipes and a special Eprom unit.
I know that my own Edwards rep (standard Eprom but factory pipes when received) was down considerably (115BHP rear wheel) and it took quite some fettling to get around 130 rear wheel BHP from it.
The SP revs harder (more oversquare) and makes more power higher up the rev range
http://www.orpheusweb.co.uk/bob.williams/aprilia/rsv-sp.htm
This explains why. New, the bike came "out of the crate" without the twin shotgun full race system fitted, without the injectors set for "race mode" and without a few other engine optimisation configurations. This was deliberate as the bike was a homogolation special and intended for track so tuners could set it up to suit.
The changes to boost power included the pipes and a special Eprom unit.
I know that my own Edwards rep (standard Eprom but factory pipes when received) was down considerably (115BHP rear wheel) and it took quite some fettling to get around 130 rear wheel BHP from it.
The SP revs harder (more oversquare) and makes more power higher up the rev range
Dont forget the engine wasn't just the only thing that made the SP "Special", yes it was derived from a Cosworth design (around the cylinder heads) its was also smaller in capacity to rev higher (more power), but the frame was different, the engine mounts and head stock were adjustable and the body work made of carbon fibre.
Of all the Ape's it is true exotica and should be appreciated for what is was when it first came out.
Of all the Ape's it is true exotica and should be appreciated for what is was when it first came out.
Joined Oct 2010
512 Posts | 0+
North Cambs
Think the point's being missed here. It's not about how it performs but the exclusivity, it's worth what someone will pay for it. That'll inevitably be a collector so as far as they're concerned it'll never turn a wheel in anger again.
An FSIE made £6k recently...
An FSIE made £6k recently...
Joined Sep 2011
176 Posts | 0+
cheshire uk
Haven't even looked at it yet but whatever it is it isn't worth it. It's just an old bike to most people and for the same most people they would never get to appreciate the differences. That said I am sure that most of us have something that we would happily pay a premium for just because it is the one
Joined Jul 2012
107 Posts | 0+
East Coast, North Island, New Zealand
Yeah I can see what you're saying, just seems incredible that the standard motor and the SP motor make the same power "out of the crate". I can understand your edwards bike being a bit down on power if it's had modifications without having the injection modified to suit etc... Meh, who knows, guess they're all different really. Either way, the SP is a sweet bike, so is the Edwards rep, I'd be happy to have either in my garage. Oh, and if you can afford it, of course it's good value!
I could kick myself for not buying the SP when I had the chance, although I know I'd have been frightened of dropping and damaging it. It was a toss-up between the two, but have to say that the Edwards is a fantastic road bike if a little high geared in first (even with 16T front, it doesn't top out until over 60mph). As the others have said, the SP is what it is, a very exotic and exclusive bike and already a collectable classic. Its not too surprising that the SP didn't leave the factory tuned to the tens; most manufacturers who sell SP versions for similar reasons supply their bikes pretty much the same. The idea is that they'll be bought by pro-racers or similar, so what's the point of fitting their best road going wheels etc when the recipient will probably bin them in favour of carbon race jobbies anyway (hence the Brembo wheels on the SP) plus will probably have preferences on tuning, hence they arrive in the crate usually un-tuned. You're actually buying the potential for a 150BHP race bike with a very exotic chassis. Ditto the Edwards. You're buying the potential for a 147BHP RSVR, but it sure isn't that straight from the factory (more like 115 to 120 rear wheel BHP).
That makes them more attractive in a sense. It allows full bespoke set up of suspension, frame and engine for individual circumstances which is the point of SP bikes as they emulate the race bikes they're based on.
Joined Nov 2010
422 Posts | 2+
Tamworth, staffs
way way outta my price range but a sweet ride non the less!
id be happy to have that in my collection!
Vee60 is absolutly right, the SP was a homologation special that was a base to start from , adjjustability is the key phrase here...anyone remember the OWO1? that came out in certain circumstances with less power than the road bike, but the kit was available to make it faster from YEC and that did the job ! bolt on power!
id be happy to have that in my collection!
Vee60 is absolutly right, the SP was a homologation special that was a base to start from , adjjustability is the key phrase here...anyone remember the OWO1? that came out in certain circumstances with less power than the road bike, but the kit was available to make it faster from YEC and that did the job ! bolt on power!
Joined Jul 2012
107 Posts | 0+
East Coast, North Island, New Zealand
I can understand not tuning them up to the nth degree, but the same output as the stock standard base model mille is a bit of a surprise. None the less, both are extremely nice bikes, I have an 01 Mille, plenty of aftermarket goodness and that's something special to me so owning either of those two bikes I can't imagine. Still young, still plenty of time, but hard not to drool when I See the pics :inlove
