Aprilia RSV 4 Factory
APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY
A revolutionary project and a unique history of victories
on the racetrack have come together to create the RSV4. A
supersport with absolutely exclusive racing technology, developed
around the 4 narrow V cylinder engine developed from the
technical know-how that has led Aprilia to victory on racetracks
all over the world.
Aprilia RSV4 hits the racetrack and the roads with one
goal only: to win.
33 championships, 254 MotoGP World
Championship wins
and 8 Superbike victories : over the last two
decades Aprilia has become a modern motorcycling
legend. The bikes from Noale have dominated
tracks the world over thanks to the genial design, courage and
extraordinary abilities of the technicians who pursued innovative
solutions by experimenting, innovating and sometimes
revolutionising technical schemes that seemed to be
unchangeable. Aprilia RSV4 FACTORY, the bike that brings
Aprilia back into the 2009 Superbike World
Championship, is the product of this immense technical
know-how. It is a highly technologically advanced motorcycle,
conceived for racing and for this purpose
designed and developed by Aprilia together with the
marque's Race Division, the largest and most advanced of
its kind in Europe and one of the most important in the world.
Aprilia RSV4 FACTORY
is a racing machine that, in
line with the Aprilia tradition, follows a completely
innovative approach in its design and construction. Its
narrow V engine, the use of
state-of-the-art electronics,plus its
lightness and extreme
compactness are only a few of the features that make it
unique in the world. Aprilia RSV4 FACTORY is
designed and built with the same philosophy adopted by the
Aprilia race division. This is why RSV4
FACTORY is the most “complete” Superbike racing
replica, ready for those who want to venture onto the track with
a class leading motorcycle.
The engine of the RSV4
FACTORY is the most innovative and powerful
Aprilia has ever built. It is a super compact
999.6 cc 65°
V-four cylinder
engine designed for maximum power (180
CV), where powerplant engineering comes together with
the finest materials and the most
advanced electronic control solutions. Aprilia's engine,
in fact, uses a Ride by Wire multimap
technology, a solution that opens up new frontiers for engine
management, with practically infinite possibilities for further
development.
Besides the triple map Ride by Wire system, a
sophisticated electronic injection system with
two injectors and adjustable height
ducts are fitted.
Aprilia RSV4 FACTORY is an absolute
supersport motorcycle, the most complete bike available on the
market for bike fans, and its
chassis confirms this: designed for the
racetrack, it has adjustment features that are typical of racing
motorcycles. The adjustable geometry chassis
allows parameters such as the position and inclination of
the headstock, the height of the
swingarm pin and even that of the
engine to be changed. The construction
technology is also motorsports-derived: the RSV4
FACTORY chassis and
swingarm are made of aluminium
with variable section castings and pressings.
The components are the
state-of-the-art in motorcycling technology: Öhlins
Racing fork, rear monoshock and
steering damper, Brembo monobloc callipers, forged
aluminium rims.
Aprilia RSV4 FACTORY is the new
benchmark in the street legal superbike sector.
The unique characteristics of the bike are
listed as follows:
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Compact, innovative
design
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New - and unique - 65°
V-four
cylinder engine
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Multi-adjustable perimetral aluminium
alloy frame
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Adjustable engine position relative
within frame
-
Asymmetric aluminium
swingarm
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Öhlins Racing full adjustable
fork and rear monoshock.
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DESIGN: the quest for ultimate compactness
Creating the most compact, innovative
and gorgeous supersport bike on the market:
a tough and intriguing challenge for Aprilia's
style department! This is how RSV4 Factory was
created, a motorcycle that sets new performance and riding
standards while opening new horizons in ultra-sports
motorcycle design. Just a few simple and distinctive
styling elements highlight rather than conceal the specific
technical features of the Aprilia RSV4
Factory. Its frame and engine stand out as
fundamental elements of the motorbike's design.
In line with Aprilia traditions, the design of
RSV4 Factory does not focus merely on looks but
it serves technology and performance. Every
detail has been conceived not just to be unique and
beautiful, but also and above all to be
efficient.
The needs of the optimised dynamic intake system
feeding the V4 defined the strong-charactered
front, with extra-large air intakes
that not only develop considerable overpressure in the airbox
(approx. 35 mb @ 280 km/h), but also completely separate the
headlamps from the bottom of the fairing. This results in
an absolutely unique style, never seen before on
a sports motorcycle. The look of the RSV4
Factory is absolutely original, technological and
definitely aggressive. The triple headlamp cites
the original Aprilia maxi sportsbike, that RSV that set new
standards for sports twins in 1998.
Smaller, lower and narrower than any 4
cylinder bike before,the RSV4
Factory's extreme compactness is its strength,
together with an almost obsessive pursuit of perfect
ergonomics (crucial for perfect riding control),
which has always distinguished Aprilia's road and World
Championship dominating motorcycles.
In depth aerodynamic studies minimised
surfaces without compromising the bike's class-leading
aerodynamics. The spectacular, ultra-compact tail
fairing is one of the most distinctive features of this
motorcycle. The LED taillight merges
stunningly into the tail, offering excellent
luminosity. Even the rear of the RSV4 Factory is
absolutely unmistakable.
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ENGINE: an exclusive 65°
V4
The pursuit of maximum engine
performance in a supersport motorcycle must be
accompanied by a perfectly positioned engine in the
frame. Mass centralisation, swingarm length and optimum
weight distribution are ingredients for
achieving the most competitive bike, together with the pursuit of
maximum power and perfect power delivery.
Aprilia engineers have known for years that a
narrow V engine layout is the ideal
technical solution for obtaining a class-beating
chassis architecture that emphasises the
performance of the engine. It is no coincidence
that the RSV 1000 twin, launched in 1998, is still universally
acknowledged as the sports motorcycle with the best chassis ever.
Even the multiple race-winning RSA 250 GP motorcycles (5
world championship victories in the last three seasons)
produced by Aprilia's race division have a V
engine. Aprilia was able to draw from its extensive
expertise gained in years of unrivalled supremacy in the
Motorcycle World Championship; hence, when the time for
defining the new Superbike came, after evaluating all possible
solutions, a narrow V engine was chosen. A
65° V-4 cylinder engine, the only solution
that could ensure unparalleled performance,
enabling the outstanding chassis architecture that has defined
all Aprilia racing motorcycles for the past twenty years.
Besides the exclusive configuration that makes
the 65° V4 unique around the world, the
technical advantages of the Aprilia four-cylinder engine can be
summarised as follows:
-
Perfectly integrated into the
frame, with optimal mass
centralisation and minimised inertia for benchmark
agility.
-
Absolute slimness,
its overall width is comparable to that of a
twin cylinder motorcycle, with huge benefits in terms of
ergonomics and aerodynamics.
-
The compactness of the engine makes a
very oversquare cylinder layout possible,
using large bores and subsequently larger
valves, helping the engine breathe more freely and
achieve higher engine speeds (14,000 usable
rpm).
The engine was entirely developed by
Aprilia's Research and Development Division, aiming at
offering record performance and ridability in compliance with the
strictest reliability and quality standards.
Aprilia's V4 design exploited the most powerful
calculation programmes currently available on the market,
resulting in a highly optimised engine layout.
By slightly opening the angle of the V (with respect to a 60°
V engine), the designers could make use of the larger space to
optimise the inlet ducts and maximise
engine efficiency. The RSV4 engine has
class-leading fluid dynamics attributes that no
narrow V engine can match.
The unique timing system
makes extremely compact heads
possible (measuring only 250 mm high at the rear),
especially in the area beneath the frame spars, which are thus
much narrower than would otherwise be possible. The
lateral timing chain drives the intake camshaft
only and follows an optimised path for improved timing precision
and chain durability.
A gear pair at the centre of
the cylinder bank transmits drive to the exhaust camshaft. This
solution made it possible to obtain an extremely compact
head in the exhaust area. The V4 is even more
compact than the V60 Magnesium twin mounted on the RSV
1000 R.
A countershaft
dampens vibrations even more than in a 90° V
engine. The crankcase is a monobloc configuration with
integrated cylinder liners for maximum
rigidity and consistent
performance.
Electronics of the
Future
Aprilia's RSV4 Factory engine features
full Ride by Wire technology. There is no direct
connection between throttle grip and the throttle
valves, which are completely controlled by a latest
generation Marelli control unit.
Each bank has a dedicated servo unit
actuating the two relevant throttle bodies only.
Hence the two banks, and subsequently the
quantity of fuel injected, can be managed independently. While
this solution has been tried and tested by Aprilia, it has never
been applied before on such a powerful engine, thus
opening up practically infinite possibilities for power
delivery control. This technology immediately benefits
the rider who, thanks to the triple mapping that can be
controlled directly from the handlebar, can change the
engine delivery mode and thus the motorcycle's temperament at any
time.
The fuel supply uses two injectors per
cylinder:one injector is placed downstream of the
throttle valve and a "shower" injector is placed in the
airbox and starts working at high loads and revs. The
technological excellence of the V4 engine is complemented by
electronically controlled variable length intake
ducts. At low revs and loads, the long duct
favours torque and smooth power delivery. When top
performance is required, the upper part of the intake duct
raises, thus shortening the duct and leaving the
engine free to express its full power potential.
A butterfly valve in the exhaust further
optimises power delivery.
The transmission was also
designed according to the most advanced criteria. To underscore
the racing soul of the V4 engine, a
cassette gearbox is used, with a multiplate wet clutch
disc equipped with a mechanical slipper system
to optimise engine braking torque and ensure stability
under hard braking.
Lastly, in order to minimise weight, Aprilia's
new engine makes large use of ultralight
materials; all valve covers and external housings are
made from magnesium.
THE V4 ENGINE in Short
Engine capacity:
999.6 cc
Architecture:
65° V4
Power:
180 HP (132.4 kW) at 12,500 rpm
Crankcase: monobloc with integrated cylinder liners
Timing system:
4 valves per cylinder (Titanium and Nymonic)
operated directly by a camshaft driven by a mixed chain/gear
system (lateral timing chain, central gear train)
Fuel system:
Magneti Marelli electronic injection with 2
injectors per cylinder and integrated independent Ride by Wire
system for each bank. Three mappings selectable from handlebar.
Electronically controlled variable length intake ducts
Antivibration
countershaft
Maximum rpm:
14,100 rpm
Compression ratio:
13:1
Transmission:
6-speed direct-control cassette gearbox
Clutch: multiplate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
Exhaust
system: 4 into 2 into 1 headers
with oxygen sensor and single silencer with integrated catalytic
converter and butterfly valve.
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CHASSIS: Aprilia's entire racing know-how
A unique engine like Aprilia V4 could be nothing
but combined with an extraordinary chassis that stresses the
uniqueness of this motorcycle. Years of races and victories at
the top level melts into a racing chassis
implemented by Aprilia's research and development department,
with construction solutions and adjustments that only racing
prototypes can boast.
RSV4 Factory
reaps the rewards of Aprilia's entire
racing experience.
Perfect mass centralisation was
a must when the RSV4 Factory frame was being developed.
Everything was designed in order to achieve the best possible
result, starting from the tank position (crucial
for riding) with most of the fuel under the
saddle in order to optimise motorcycle balance and
eliminate any riding differences between full and empty
tank.
There is no doubt: Aprilia RSV4 Factory
is a true track-ready motorcycle, and a
front/rear weight distribution of 52/48
confirms this.
Frame
In line with Aprilia race division traditions,
the RSV4 structure uses castings and aluminium pressings that are
welded to create a far more rigid frame than that of the RSV 1000
twin, which was already a benchmark. In particular, torsional and
flexural rigidities were optimised in order to offer perfect
feeling and control as well as the ability to handle high power
outputs such as those of the Superbike version.
Notwithstanding the higher performance, the
RSV4 Factory frame weighs
almost the same as the RSV, at only 10.1 kg, a
lightness matched only by racing frames. The special
construction technology also allows both the
frame and the swingarm to show
the natural and shining colour of the aluminium,
which makes the appearance of the RSV4 Factory very similar to
that of a racing prototype.
Designed using the knowledge acquired
during GP racing, the spectacular swingarm of the RSV4
Factory, like its frame, is made by combining
castings (the internal part and the swingarm pin/wheel
connection areas) with aluminium bent sheet
elements (the external part) to form a very
rigid but super light box section capable of minimising
the moving masses, exalting the reactivity and sensibility of the
motorcycle to the suspension adjustments. The asymmetric
conformation, with an arch section on the right side and
a reinforcing arch on the left, made it possible to implement an
exhaust system with optimised internal volumes
without penalising the rigidity of the swingarm. Here too, FEM
modelling was used in the design process to optimise
cross sections and thicknesses. The swingarm of
the RSV4 Factory weighs only 5,100
grams, close to the absolute standard threshold for this
technical element.
The desire to offer the first four V
cylinder "race ready" superbike in the world
led Aprilia to find unique solutions that will
hardly be found on competitors' bikes even in the years to
come.
In order to boost chassis performance and make
it match the rider's style and wishes, or features of the track,
Aprilia RSV4 Factory ensures a
combination of adjustments that are pretty much
infinite. The multi-adjustable
suspensions, taken for granted on a motorcycle of this
level, are combined with adjustments of the headstock
position and rake (through interchangeable bushings),
the rear end height, the swingarm pin height and -
introducing a new capability exclusive to this bike - the engine
position in the frame.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory is the most highly
adjustable production motorcycle in the world, just like a real
race bike.
Suspension
The Öhlins Racing
upside-down fork has 43-mm
stanchions and is titanium nitride coated to minimise friction.
The wheel travel is 120 mm. Like in race motorcycles, the fork
allows precision adjustment for hydraulic compression and rebound
damping and spring preload.
The Öhlins Racing
rear shock absorber is equipped
with a “Piggy Back” nitrogen canister and can be
adjusted for spring preload, compression and rebound
damping and length, thus allowing the height of the rear
end of the bike to be changed to adjust the set-up to the
different riding styles and tracks. The wheel travel is 130
mm.
The motorcycle is also equipped with an
Öhlins Racing adjustable steering
damper.
Brakes
The front system
is without a shadow of a doubt the best system
available on the market. Brembo monobloc radial
callipers are the state-of-the-art in racing braking
systems thanks to their power, high
modulability and fatigue
resistance.
The dual 320-mm diameter stainless steel
floating discs are completely new and were developed by
Aprilia specifically for this motorcycle. A rotor with reduced
height and asymmetric perforation were used, allowing the braking
power to be improved and the front wheel to be lightened by
approximately 500 grams. The floating retainer is fastened to the
flange with 6 pins only in order to minimise inertia and
weight.
The brake pump is the radial type to
improve lever feel and response accuracy. The
rear braking system is Brembo “Serie Oro”
with 220-mm diameter stainless steel disc and two-piston
caliper, with racing-type pump and integrated
tank.
Rims
The search for greater
lightness led to implementation of new
forged aluminium rims. The original
design further decreases the weight
(approximately 1 kg less than the RSV 1000 twin) which, together
with the new brake discs, minimises unsprung mass and rotating
mass inertia, benefiting motorcycle responsiveness.
Components
A real Superbike is special not only as far as
performance is concerned but also for the care
it is built with. With regard to the RSV4 Factory, the
details say it all: no other "race
ready" motorcycle has ever been built with such
care. The attention paid to its
construction not only satisfies the desire for beauty (a
motorbike built like RSV4 Factory is in any case gorgeous), but
most of all aims at achieving the goal: to win. This is why every
detail was thought out to increase performance and
functionality, reducing the weight and considerably increasing
the product's quality and finish.
The following components are worth
pointing out:
- Instrument panel: the mixed
type (digital-analogue), it receives all the information from the
CAN line and becomes an integral and
crucial part of the self-diagnosis system as it is
fitted with memory. It is a real onboard
computer, fitted with a dot matrix display inserted in a
minimal, extremely modern and compact
design that provides all the information
relating to the use of the motorcycle, including: shift light,
engaged gear indication, indication of the engine map being used
and chronometer with time storing memory. Its functionality was
improved to reach a level that is even better than that of the
best products available on the market, all use modes are
controlled from the left hand switchgear unit so the
hands can always remain on the handlebar.
- the front headlamp uses
three elements that call to mind of the first
RSV 1000 twin, proving to be perfectly integrated, even from the
structural point of view, with the top fairing and creating a
very distinctive front. The parabolic mirror was designed with
modern calculation systems that led to an excellent result:
maximum visibility at night with reduced weight
and size.
- The electrical system
was designed in order to achieve maximum
functionality, rationality and minimum weight: the result is an
extremely clean and compact layout that makes maintenance
operations easier and is preset for use on the
racetrack as the parts dedicated to the headlamps can be
easily removed. Even the turn indicators - with
the front indicators incorporated in the rear
view mirrors and the rear indicators in the
license plate holder –
can be removed quickly for
use on the track, the real hunting ground of
Aprilia RSV4 Factory.
A complete range of accessories
is available for Aprilia RSV4 fans:
- Akrapovic racing exhaust system
- Öhlins TTX36 rear shock absorber
- adjustable footpegs
- racing half-handlebars
- fairing protection pads
- high top fairing
- fairing caps for rear mirrors
- rear stand pins
- license plate retainer cover
- motorcycle cover
- dedicated stand
- carbon heelrests
- tank cover with backpack
- tail fairing bag
- carbon exhaust system protection
- carbon fairing pullers.
Then there is a series of options - many of
which designed and manufactured specifically for racetrack
use. Complementing these options are a
dedicated suit and
helmet.
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APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY: Technical
Specifications
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Engine type
|
Aprilialongitudinal 65° V-4
cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double
overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per
cylinder
|
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Fuel
|
Unleaded gasoline
|
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Bore and stroke
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78 x 52.3 mm
|
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Total engine
capacity
|
999.6 cc
|
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Compression
ratio
|
13:1
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Maximum power at
crankshaft
|
180 CV (132.4 kW) at 12,500 rpm
|
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Maximum torque at
crankshaft
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115 Nm at 10,000 rpm
|
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Induction and fuel
system
|
Airbox with front dynamic air intakes.
Variable length intake ducts controlled via ECU.
4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies
with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire
engine management.
Choice of three different engine maps
selectable by the rider with bike in motion
Track
Sport
Road
|
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Ignition
|
Magneti Marelli digital electronic
ignition system integrated in engine control system, with
one spark plug per cylinder and
“stick-coil”-type coils
|
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Starter
|
Electric
|
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Exhaust system
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4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen
sensor, lateral single silencer with engine control
unit-controlled butterfly valve and integrated trivalent
catalytic converter (Euro 3)
|
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Alternator
|
Flywheel mounted 420W alternator with
rare earth magnets
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Lubrication
|
Wet sump lubrication system with oil
radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and
cooling)
|
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Gearbox
|
6-speed cassette type gearbox
1st: 39/15 (2.6)
2nd: 33/16 (2,063)
3rd: 34/20 (1.7)
4th: 32/22 (1,455)
5th: 34/26 (1,308)
6th: 33/27 (1,222)
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Clutch
|
Multi-disc oil-bath, with mechanical
slipper system
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Primary drive
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Straight cut gears and integrated
flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)
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Secondary drive
|
Chain: Drive ratio: 40/16 (2,5)
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Chassis
|
Twin-spar adjustable aluminium frame,
with castings and pressings.
Envisaged
adjustments:
·
headstock position and rake
·
engine height
·
swingarm pin height
Öhlins adjustable steering
dumper
|
|
Front
suspension
|
Öhlins Racing upside-down fork,
43-mm stanchions (with Tin surface treatment). Low
profile forged aluminium radial caliper mountings.
Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic
compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm
|
|
Rear suspension
|
Twin sided aluminium swingarm; mixed
low thickness and sheet casting technology.
Öhlins Racing monoshock with
piggyback with completely adjustable: spring preload,
wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping.
APS progressive linkages. Wheel travel: 130 mm
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Brakes
|
Front: Dual 320-mm diameter floating
stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel
rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo monobloc
radial callipers with 4 34-mm opposite. Sintered pads.
Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
|
|
Rear: 220-mm diameter disc; Brembo
floating caliper with two 32-mm isolated pistons.
Sintered pads. Pump with integrated
tank and metal braided hose
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Rims
|
Aprilia forged aluminium alloy rims,
completely machined, 5 split spokes.
Front:3.5”X17”
Rear: 6”X17”
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Tyres
|
Radial tubeless.
Front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear: 190/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50
ZR 17)
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Dimensions
(default settings)
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Max. length: 2040 mm
Max. width: 735 mm (at the
handlebar)
Max. height: 1120 mm
Min. height from the ground: 130
mm
Saddle height: 845 mm
Centre to centre distance: 1420
mm
Trail: 105 mm
Steering angle: 24.5°
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Kerb weight
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179 kg *
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Tank
|
17 litres (4-litre reserve
included)
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