Reviews

Gone Riding: Aprilia RSV4

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When it comes to superbikes, the Aprilia RSV4 rises to the top, which is why the Italian brand has been slow to change its winning formula.

Now 12 years in the making, we see the Aprilia RSV4 getting another large update, this time with a robust visual makeover, as well as some strategic technical changes.

The headline news is the revamped bodywork, which is cloned from the Aprilia RS 660 twin-cylinder sport bike. This means an aerodynamic dual-layer fairing that hides the bike’s winglet design.

There is a new Magneti Marelli 11MP ECU along with a new six-axis IMU, which means a faster and smarter package for the electronics system, with multi-level engine brake control and six riding modes (three track and three street) added to the mix.

There is also a new aluminum swingarm on the superbike, which is an underbraced design and lighter than before.

And lastly, the motor gets an increase from 1,077cc to 1,099cc to help maintain the performance figures lost from the move to Euro5 homologation.

This keeps peak horsepower the same (214hp), but sees peak torque increased by 2 lbs•ft. A modest weight increase of 6 lbs has occurred as well.

To find out if all of these changes mean an even better superbike than its predecessor (a tough target to beat), we will be spinning laps on the Aprilia RSV4 at the famous Laguna Seca Raceway.

Per our new review format, I will be giving you a live assessment of the Aprilia RSV4 right here in this article (down in the comments section), and I will try to answer any questions you might have about this exciting motorcycle.

So, here is your chance to learn what it’s like to ride the Aprilia RSV4, before even our own proper review is posted. As always, if I don’t know an answer, I will try to get a response from the Aprilia personnel. So, pepper away.

You can follow our thoughts on the bike live via FacebookTwitter, and Instagram, and you can see what our colleagues are posting on social media by looking for the hashtags #bearacer & #rsv4.

Spec-Sheet Comparison of Relevant Models to the 2021 Aprilia RSV4:

  Aprilia RSV4 Ducati Panigale V4 BMW S1000RR
Horsepower 214 hp 211 hp 202 hp
Torque 92 lbs•ft 92 lbs•ft 83 lbs•ft
Weight 445 lbs (wet) 436 lbs (wet) 434 lbs (wet)
Engine 1,099cc / 65° V4 1,103cc / 90° V4 999cc / Inline-Four
Price $18,999 $22,295 $19,340

Photos: Aprilia

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