If, like Ricky Bobby, you “wanna go fast,” we’ve got just the bikes for you. Aprilia and Yamaha have just dropped two drool-worthy track-ready machines, while Ducati has partnered with Lamborghini to release a luscious limited-edition Streetfighter V4. Which one would you pick?
Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta
Superbikes are like pub lunches—they’re always better with wings. And the Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta, built to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Aprilia’s first world title, has wings aplenty.
They’re not just for show either. The track-only XTrenta borrows much of its tech from Aprilia’s MotoGP programme, which means those wings form part of a bonafide aero package. The setup even includes a pair of tail fins and a ‘spoon’ by the swingarm; these are common in MotoGP, but they’ve never featured on a production motorcycle.
That’s not all that the XTrenta borrows from the RS-GP. It’s wrapped in a carbon fibre fairing, courtesy of PAN Compositi, and is tuned using a number of race-derived components.
You get Andreani-equipped Öhlins suspension, top-shelf Brembo brakes and forged Marchesini wheels. SC-Project were responsible for the exhaust system, while Sprint Filter supplied an air filter made with race-spec materials. The radiators come from Taleo Tecnoracing, the custom-tuned ECU is from Magneti Marelli and the XTrenta’s electronics package is controlled via a JetPrime racing panel.
All this adds up to a race-ready machine that pumps out 230 hp—but weighs just 166 kilos. It looks fast too, wrapped in a similar livery to the one that Aprilia GP test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, was riding with at this year’s Austrian GP. And if you’re a true racing nut, you’d know that that paint job was inspired by the one that the Noale factory won their first title with, in the 125 cc class in 1992.
Aprilia are only building 100 units of the RSV4 XTrenta, at the not-so-modest price of €50,000 each (excluding VAT). You can book yours online at factoryworks.aprilia.com, and even have the option of picking it up from Aprilia Racing’s HQ, with a complimentary tour of the facilities.
Yamaha R1 GYTR
The Yamaha R1 GYTR’s DNA is baked into its name; GYTR stands for “Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing.” GYTR is Big Blue’s special racing parts division—which makes the R1 GYTR their version of a race-spec track bike.
As its primer white fairing implies, Yamaha pitch the R1 GYTR as a blank canvas for enthusiasts and semi-pro racers to create their perfect track weapon. Not only does it come with a race-specific windscreen and seat, but it also features a number of GYTR parts that make it faster and more agile than a stock R1.
You get swish parts like racing clip-ons, and an Akrapovič muffler and link pipe. Most of the electronics, including the ECU and wiring harness, are upgraded parts, as are the spark plugs, engine covers, ABS controller, and even the chain and sprockets. The brakes feature GYTR piston upgrade kits for the callipers, Brembo pads, and braided stainless steel hoses.
Smaller details include a GYTR filler cap and GYTR rear sets that can be configured for reverse shifting. Some protective parts round out the package, along with race stand hooks and a Yamaha racing stand.
The parts spec is all in line with FIM Stock 1000 regulations, making the R1 GYTR ready to race in a number of race series. And if you want to get it closer to a WSBK-spec Yamaha, there are an additional 400 GYTR parts that you can bolt on. The list is impressive, with everything from an upgraded swingarm to a carbon fibre subframe on offer.
Yamaha haven’t announced pricing for the R1 GYTR yet, but they have said that it, and the additional parts, will only be available from official GYTR PRO shops…of which there are none in South Africa. Boo!
Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Edition
Ducati and Lamborghini go together like Marmite and cheese. After all, both are Italian performance brands—and, if you didn’t know, Ducati is owned by Lamborghini (which is owned by Audi, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group).
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini edition celebrates that association. Limited to 693 units, it takes the Streetfighter V4 and doses it with Lamborghini Huracán STO style.
The changes go beyond just the retina-searing paint job though. This Streetfighter features its own forged wheels, mimicking the hoops on the Huracán STO. Parts like the front mudguard, tank cover, belly pan and tail section have all been trimmed with grills, vents and intakes that recall the Huracán’s aesthetic.
All the carbon trim on the Streetfighter shows the same weave that you’ll find on Lamborghini’s cars, and even the seat’s been upholstered to match the Huracán’s interior.
On top of the Streetfighter’s punchy 1,103 cc mill and Öhlins suspension, you also get adjustable footpegs, billet aluminium levers, and upgraded heel guards, dash and ignition trim, and sprocket protection. A titanium and carbon Akrapovič can round out the list.
Ducati are making 630 numbered units of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini edition for public consumption, and an additional 63 exclusively for Lamborghini owners. The first set will all wear the Verde Citrea/Arancio Dac colour scheme shown here, ripped straight from the Huracán STO. But the others, dubbed the ‘Speciale Clienti’ series, will be painted to order.
If you’d like your own Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini edition, you’re out of luck. All 693 bikes were spoken for within mere hours of pre-orders opening.
