Bike Porn: Aprilia RSV4 R line drawings
Sportsbikes are typically a non-event in terms of design. An engineering team working working independently combines whichever mechanical components are currently in vogue, then passes the rolling chassis off to the styling department to have some plastic slapped on it. Even though the Aprilia RSV4 R still had to develop in much the same way, Miguel Galuzzi's design stands out with radical new proportions.
Starting with the drastically small top fairing, function dictates the look with ram air intakes positioned for maximum air pressure, creating two separate hemispheres drawn together by the central headlight. Moving on to the minimal side fairings, they barely conceal the engine and completely expose the frame, emphasizing its already massive proportions and centering the entire visual weight of the bike just below the tank. The tail section then draws things to a close with a dramatic sweep into a tiny, tiny point. Looking at it as a whole, the front gives the impression of purpose, the center says "strength" and the tail makes the whole thing looks like its going 200mph thanks to the tail. All of that is doubly effective in person, the RSV4 R is tiny and feels even smaller than the Yamaha R6 when you're onboard.
Aprilia
Wes Siler. November 24, 2009 — Permalink
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I really agree on some points, and disagree on others. The only feature about this bike that is uniquely appealing is its smallness relative to its power.
Almost every gay ass sportbike to come out in the past 10 years has those cat-eye headlights. It was cool on the original R1, but everybike thereafter is a wanna-be in my opinion.
CBR 600 front end styling, with some R6 touches here and there. Awesome bike, but they should have taken more styling chances on this bike.
Not to split hairs, but I don't think any of the R1s had the "cat's-eye" style of headlights. When I hear that term, I think of the YZF-750s from the mid-90s.
The RSV4 is certainly a cool bike, but I don't think it's anything exceptional as far as aesthetics go. (However, my opinion may change should I see it in person - 2D often leads much to be desired.)
I love these kinds of drawings. You have any more!? I'd like to make a blue print themed wallaper with them.