The new superbikes from Honda and Suzuki have been grabbing the headlines recently, but its the updated Aprilia RSV4 RR and Aprilia RSV4 RF superbikes that we are most excited to see for 2017.
The factory in Noale, Italy has been smart about consistently updating the RSV4, keeping its stout superbike package constantly relevant – the 2017 model year machines are no different.
New for this year is improved suspension, brakes, and electronics (now with cornering ABS), along with Euro4 homologation, which comes without a power decrease, thanks to an extra 300 rpm from the lighter engine components.
The 2017 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory get similar upgrades, and help to round out Aprilia’s sport bike lineup.
Of course, with those improvements comes an added cost, and the RSV4 and Tuono models will be a little pricier at the dealership for 2017.
2017 Aprilia RSV4 & Tuono pricing is as follows:
- 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR – $16,999 (+$500)
- 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RF – $22,999 (+$2,000)
- 2017 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR – $14,999 (+$200)
- 2017 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory – $17,499 (+$500)
The pricing increase is a little surprising, considering that the currency market between the United States and European Union has been roughly stable – if anything, we have seen the US dollar get stronger against the euro.
As such, we imagine the price bump is due primarily to the added cost of Aprilia sourcing higher spec components for the RSV4 and Tuono.
The downside of course is that the added premium for the models detracts from Aprilia’s aggressive pricing structure, which made for a lurid option to the similarly priced Japanese models. Now priced closer to its European counterparts, Aprilia will lose a little of its “bang for buck” appeal with riders.
Again, we imagine this comes down to who was actually buying their superbike and streetfighter models, which in the United States means well-heeled motorcyclists who aren’t afraid of the stigma that still comes with Aprilia’s motorcycles (weak dealer network, reliability concerns, and trouble getting replacement parts).
With a group of buyers that are less price-sensitive, the powers that be at Piaggio must think that a higher price tag won’t affect unit volumes in the United States, while netting a higher return.
We can’t fault that logic, though it will be interesting to see how long Aprilia dealers stick to MSRP pricing, as we have seen some very aggressive sticker prices from the Italian brand, once the riding season is further along.
Source: Aprilia USA
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