The Aprilia RSV4 is a super bike manufactured by Aprilia. The RSV4 is Aprilia's flagship model. Aprilia offers two models of the bike: the RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R limited edition (only 350).[4] For 2016 it is offered in two models the RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF. The 2016 updated bike was made to take advantage of and comply with that year's Superbike rules which allow fewer modifications for production bikes. It has more power, is lighter, and has improved handling and electronics.[3] Since 2021 the bike is offered in two models, too: RSV4 1100 and RSV4 1100 Factory. Now it offers APRC system (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) that includes engine maps (AEM), engine brake control (AEB), traction control (ATC), wheelie control (AWC), launch control (ALC), cruise control (ACC), speed limiter (APT). 6 riding modes (3 Road, 3 Track) and is Euro 5 compliant.
The RSV4 1100 Factory is differentiated by Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins NIX front fork, Öhlins TTX monoshock with Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed piggy-back rear shock and aluminum alloy forged, completely machined, 5-spoke wheels.
Production of the motorcycle began in 2008.[5] The motorcycle was unveiled on 22 February 2008, at the International Piaggio Group Convention in Milan, Italy. It is powered by a 65-degree 999.6 cc (61 cu in) V-4 engine, the company's first production four-cylinder engine.[6] Aprilia claims that the new engine was designed specifically for superbike racing and that the engine will produce over 200 horsepower (150 kW) in race configuration.
Since 2021 the engine's displacement has been increased to 1,077 cc, maximum power increased to 217 horsepower (162 kW) at 13,200 rpm and maximum torque to 92.19 ft-lbs (125 Nm) at 10,500 rpm.
Aprilia launched the bike to race in the 2009 Superbike World Championship season.[5]
In 2009, its first full season of World Superbike racing, Max Biaggi aboard the RSV4 reached the podium nine times, and won one race at the Brno Circuit.[7] Aprilia factory teammate Shinya Nakano ended the season in 14th place.[8]
Biaggi won the championship in 2010, and was contracted to race the bike for another two seasons, citing his positive experience with the team and development of the bike into a successful racer and, despite his age, wanting to continue with the momentum they had built up. Max Biaggi ended his career winning the 2012 title with the RSV4.
The Aprilia RSV4 is available as a customer-specified race bike from the factory as a Max Biaggi replica.
Sylvain Guintoli won the 2014 Superbike World Championship season riding an RSV4 for the factory Aprilia racing team.[9] Lorenzo Savadori won the 2015 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup season.
A bike based on the RSV4 was used by Aspar Team and Paul Bird Motorsports, coming 4th in both the 2012 and 2013 Grand Prix motorcycle racing seasons.
Media related to Aprilia RSV4 at Wikimedia Commons- RSV4 website
- Aprilia RSV at the Open Directory Project
