It’s a good time to work for Aprilia – they’ve recently released the RS600 and the Tuono 660, and they’re about to release updated versions of the RSV4 and the Tuono V4. It’s also a good time to be me – Aprilia has asked me to test the new RSV4 for a day at Laguna Seca next Wednesday. Will I be able to approach the limits of the new bike? Absolutely not. Will I have an amazing time? Absolutely yes. I’ll try my best to review this bike that I’m not able to tame, but you know the drill by now – before I test something, I want to know if you have any questions. Let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them in the review!
The new RSV4 will set you back $18,999, while the Factory will cost $25,999 ($500 more than last year’s model). The one thing you need to know? The RSV4 gets a new 1,099cc (up from 1,077cc) Euro5 engine that makes 217 horsepower. Other modifications include an upgraded electronics package (it gets the smarter Marelli ECU from the RS 660/Tuono 660 with a six-axis IMU), larger TFT dash, cornering lights, and a lighter swingarm. In case you missed it from two sentences ago, it has a motor that makes 217 horsepower. Yes, I’m repeating myself, but I can’t help it – when it comes to to literbikes, I’ve historically found that Honda, Yamaha, and Aprilia have made the easiest motors to live with as of late. Here’s hoping that Aprilia has kept that characteristic with the prodigious power number.
I’ll let Aprilia sum up both bikes for now, and then I’ll mercilessly mock anything that’s inaccurate once I get a chance to ride them for my review:
The base model: “The RSV4 is not merely a motorcycle. It is the embodiment of simply incredible design in a sector brimming with extraordinary technology and exemplifies what can be achieved through the experience and know-how of a racing department with a long history of creating winning vehicles.” It’s available in one color, “Dark Losail.”
Photo from Aprilia.
The Factory: “The RSV4 Factory has the V4 1099cc engine, sports standard elements such as forged aluminum wheel rims, an Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system and Brembo Stylema brake calipers. The new design comes courtesy of intensive research into the bike’s aerodynamics.” It’s available in Apex Black and Lava Red.
Photo from Aprilia.
Head on over to Aprilia’s website to learn what the Italians have to say about their newest sportbike, then let me know your questions/thoughts in the comments!