Aprilia technology!

Why is Aprilia MotoGP bike known as the cube? In Colin Edwards interview on
www.amasuperbike.com it is mentioned that Aprilias' cube might be the most
technically advanced bike in the field. What are some of the high tech
pieces, technology rumored to be used on the Aprilia! Colin mentioned the
bike wanted to "loop out" is that the same as wheelie?
Thanks,

Dennis

 

1. Pneumatic valve return - the Cube has no conventional metal valve springs.
Much higher revs are possible than with conventional valve springs because
conventional valve springs can't close the valve effectively beyond a
a certain rpm.
2. Ride-by-wire - there is no physical connection between the throttle grip
and the actual throttle plate. The "connection" is electronic and very
adjustable.
3. I think it's called the "Cube" because it has three cylinders. Nothing
more than a clever name. RS3 leads to RS^3 leads to RS Cube...

I'm sure there are more major differences, but I don't know what they are.

-Dirt-