2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Review | Motorcyclist
- 6 months ago
Aprilia asserts dominance in the liter-and-above-sized superbike segment with its updated 2021 RSV4 ($18,999) and RSV4 Factory ($25,999). The RSV gets fresh body panels, ergonomic improvements, and a larger, more powerful 65-degree V-4 engine. The changes are made not only to better align with its growing sportbike family (learn more in the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 First Ride Review and 2021 Aprilia RS 660 MC Commute Review), but to deliver a faster and more capable superbike experience.
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In lieu of radical platform updates, engineers prefer to hone the RSV4 the old-fashioned way. Methodical improvements and careful evolutionary changes, born from its racing effort, are the name of the game. In looking at today’s RSV, its signature silhouette and engine character remain, however there are some subtle differences.
A broader front fairing punches a larger hole in the air. Along with the reshaped 4.7-gallon fuel tank, that makes for a comfortable tucked position. The ram-air intakes have increased air pressure at speed, and street riders will appreciate that the RSV finally gains LED lighting. The taillight has an emergency feature that flashes rapidly when the vehicle is decelerating quickly. This helps alert drivers behind you.
Historically, the RSV4 has always been oriented toward shorter riders. But the cockpit has been opened with a lower seat and foot controls. This makes for a more comfortable workspace, especially for taller folks.
Last year’s RSV4 certainly wasn’t lacking in terms of engine acceleration. However, this longer-stroke 1,099cc V-4 delivers the torque of a six-cylinder motorcycle—allowing it to pull off medium-speed corners with a level of voracity we’ve never felt on a sportbike. A lighter, yet more rigid swingarm does an incredible job of putting power to the pavement facilitating excellent drive grip off turns with the OE-fitted Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V3 rubber.
Short-shift into a higher gear or rev it out in a lower cog, and the RSV4 responds with a vicious but surprisingly usable spread of power to the tune of 190 hp at the back tire. The sound and overall engine character are equally as tantalizing. The RSV’s powertrain could be the total package in today’s superbike segment...
Find out more: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2021-aprilia-rsv4-factory-review/
Photography: Larry Chen Photo
Video/edit: Larry Chen and Bert Beltran
Motorcycle Riding Gear
Helmet: Shoei X-Fourteen
Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs
Suit: Alpinestars Race Replica V3 with Tech-Air Race Vest
Glove: Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R
Motorcyclist Shirts: https://teespring.com/stores/motorcyclist
Shop Products We Use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/motorcyclistmagazine
See more from us: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/
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In lieu of radical platform updates, engineers prefer to hone the RSV4 the old-fashioned way. Methodical improvements and careful evolutionary changes, born from its racing effort, are the name of the game. In looking at today’s RSV, its signature silhouette and engine character remain, however there are some subtle differences.
A broader front fairing punches a larger hole in the air. Along with the reshaped 4.7-gallon fuel tank, that makes for a comfortable tucked position. The ram-air intakes have increased air pressure at speed, and street riders will appreciate that the RSV finally gains LED lighting. The taillight has an emergency feature that flashes rapidly when the vehicle is decelerating quickly. This helps alert drivers behind you.
Historically, the RSV4 has always been oriented toward shorter riders. But the cockpit has been opened with a lower seat and foot controls. This makes for a more comfortable workspace, especially for taller folks.
Last year’s RSV4 certainly wasn’t lacking in terms of engine acceleration. However, this longer-stroke 1,099cc V-4 delivers the torque of a six-cylinder motorcycle—allowing it to pull off medium-speed corners with a level of voracity we’ve never felt on a sportbike. A lighter, yet more rigid swingarm does an incredible job of putting power to the pavement facilitating excellent drive grip off turns with the OE-fitted Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V3 rubber.
Short-shift into a higher gear or rev it out in a lower cog, and the RSV4 responds with a vicious but surprisingly usable spread of power to the tune of 190 hp at the back tire. The sound and overall engine character are equally as tantalizing. The RSV’s powertrain could be the total package in today’s superbike segment...
Find out more: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2021-aprilia-rsv4-factory-review/
Photography: Larry Chen Photo
Video/edit: Larry Chen and Bert Beltran
Motorcycle Riding Gear
Helmet: Shoei X-Fourteen
Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs
Suit: Alpinestars Race Replica V3 with Tech-Air Race Vest
Glove: Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R
Motorcyclist Shirts: https://teespring.com/stores/motorcyclist
Shop Products We Use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/motorcyclistmagazine
See more from us: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/