TRAVERSE Issue 27 - December 2021 | страница 120

TRAVERSE 120
and features a twilight sensor that adjusts brightness based on the ambient lighting conditions . The list of accessories includes Aprilia MIA , the Aprilia multimedia platform that lets you connect your smartphone to the bike , further extending instrument cluster functions . The Aprilia MIA system provides a connection protocol that reduces smartphone battery consumption to a minimum and includes both the infotainment system to manage the voice assistant , telephone calls , and music using the handlebar controls , and the satnav feature , with the option of viewing the directions directly on the instrument panel . The Aprilia MIA app also allows the rider to save completed trips and analyse the data acquired directly in the app using the geo-referenced telemetry function .
The ultra modern 660 twin-cylinder , the base of the new Aprilia family , was designed to equip a range of bikes intended for various uses : versatility was one of the design goals , along with performance and reduced weight . This was one of the reasons for the decision to create a forward facing twin-cylinder , a latest generation , extremely compact unit derived from the front bank of the 1100 cc V4 , from which it draws concepts and measurements , and Euro 5 approved . This configuration stands out for its compact dimensions and light weight ; an engine with reduced horizontal and lateral bulk allows for great design freedom , both in terms of arranging the fundamental organs such as intake and exhaust , and for the chassis architecture , since it fits well in different types of structures .
The forward facing configuration provides comfort for the rider thanks to the better heat dissipation and it leaves the designer freedom in exploiting the spaces . Furthermore , this architecture lends itself well to cooling , thanks in part to the fairing ' s ingenious doublewall system , featured on all the Aprilia 660 models , which aims to accelerate the air that flows through it . The long exhaust manifolds were designed with the same goal in mind , terminating in a lateral position – an ideal layout for quick maintenance .
The new Aprilia twin cylinder is the result of experience gained from the ultra powerful engine that equips the RSV4 ; it therefore benefits from an extremely high performing and tried and tested foundation : the head , combustion chamber , ducts , cylinders and pistons derive from the V4 . The bore is also 81 mm , like in the 1099 cc V4 , whereas the stroke is 63.9 mm . The decision to use the V4 technology guarantees outstanding performance , especially when the high stroke speed of the piston relative to the actual displacement is considered . Naturally , all of the engine components , including the casts and moulds , were designed and developed specifically for the 660 units .
The engine crankcase is divided horizontally into two pieces with the cylinders built into the upper semicrankcase to reduce bulk and make the structure more robust . The cylinders are offset with respect to the crankshaft in order to minimise internal friction during piston thrust .
In addition to performance and light weight , another design goal was to obtain the character and aggressiveness from the engine typical of V-twins . In order to achieve this , timing with crankpins arranged at 270 ° was chosen . This means that combustion is asymmetrical and offset 270 ° to obtain irregular combustion which translates into performance and sound similar to a V-twin . Furthermore , this type of configuration allows easy balancing of the alternating first and second level forces , using a single countershaft .
The specific operations dedicated to Tuareg involved both the upper and lower parts of the engine with the respective goals of increasing torque at low rpm and guaranteeing correct lubrication in off-road use conditions . The dual overhead camshafts , with 4 valves per cylinder , driven by a lateral chain , have optimised lifting to increase maximum torque at lower rpm . This was also the purpose for the new design of the intake system with longer ducts and a new filter casing , positioned between the headstock and the fuel tank , which facilitates removal of the air filter . Last , but not least , the layout of the new exhaust system optimises engine performance at low and medium rpm . An ignition advance management algorithm was developed on the Tuareg 660 that perfects combustion in any engine heating conditions , optimising powertrain performance and consumption . Compared to its street bike siblings , the first gear ratio is also different ( shorter ), as is the final drive , with two fewer sprockets on the pinion ( 15 , compared with the 17 on RS 660 and Tuono 660 ), to maximise throttle response time . As for the wet sump lubrication , a new oil sump has been introduced with the same capacity , but higher , in order to increase the height off the ground to an outstanding 240 mm . The oil sump has new walls which mean that the correct quantity of lubricant can be present under any conditions ; there is also a new rose pipe with a different intake mouth . The oil circuit has a new channel in the semi-crankcase that takes the lubricant to the sump , preventing stagnation in the gearbox .
Like on the RS 660 and Tuono 660 , the multi plate wet clutch with anti-juddering has a mechanically assisted system that results in a handlebar control that is extremely soft to operate , without penalising performance .
The performance achieved in this way is actually
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