When you are at the top of the superbike pile, it can be hard to justify change, and yet Aprilia has been constantly updating the RSV4 ever since it debuted in 2009.
For the 2021 model year, the Aprilia RSV4 and Aprilia RSV4 Factory models get another update, which is again more of an evolution of the existing machine, rather than a totally new design.
That being said, the changes that come to the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 are pretty big this time around, as you can see from the photo above.
Taking a page from the Aprilia RS 660 when it comes to fairing design, the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 drops its exposed winglet design for the double-layered fairing aesthetic that first debuted on the RS 660 concept.
The rest of the bodywork has been revamped as well, and Aprilia says that the new RSV4 benefits from significant increases in high-speed performance and airbox pressurization.
The downforce from the winglets has been moved to the hidden space between the double fairing design, which Aprilia says improves high-speed stability and aids in engine cooling.
Looking past the fairings, the basic V4 engine of the RSV4 remains, but it does receive some upgrades for the 2021 model year. Most notable is a modest displacement increase to 1,099cc (from 1,077cc)
The increase comes surely because of the Euro5 regulations, and the Italians claim that the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory still makes 217hp, though torque has been improved, due in part to the revised exhaust system.
Taming the beast is the latest version of the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics suite, which sees a new Magneti Marelli 11MP ECU being used, as well as a new six-axis IMU and software refinements.
The results is a faster and smarter package for the electronics system, which now includes multi-level engine brake control and six riding modes (three track and three street).
While the chassis remains the same for 2021, we can see that Aprilia has developed a new swingarm for the RSV4.
An underbraced design, the new swingarm is lighter than before and comes directly from Aprilia’s involvement in the MotoGP Championship.
Thanks largely to a new seat and fuel tank design, the ergonomics of the RSV4 have also been changed for 2021. The TFT screen is larger than before, and a three-lamp headlight setup remains, with DRL.
As always, the RSV4 will come in a base model and Factory model. Both use the same chassis, engine, and software, but differ in their go-fast parts.
As such, the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory comes with forged aluminum wheels, semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension pieces, and Brembo Stylema front calipers.
Pricing is set at $18,999 ($20,995 in Canada) for the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 and $25,999 ($27,495 in Canada) for the Aprilia RSV4 Factory.
Both bikes will be available at the end of March in the USA, and the end of April in Canada.
Source: Aprilia
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