13th March 2018

The Aprilia RSV4 is one of the best superbikes in the world; it has taken the Work Superbike titles three times and numerous comparison tests.

The Italian manufacturers are back in the spotlight again by releasing the Aprilia RSV4 RF, a superbike with more power and technology, and less weight. Will
the new superbike be better than its predecessor? Let’s find out!

Specification

When you first set your eyes on the Aprilia RSV4 RF, you know that you have got a phenomenal racebike in your hands. Aprilia only gives the tag RF to motorbikes that are the best on the track. The Aprilia RSV4 RF comes with an aluminium chassis which focuses on keeping the motorbike stable due to the increase in engine power. To get better agility on the motorbike, the Italian manufacturers changed the centre of gravity and made it lower than usual.

The swing arm is 4mm longer than the one on the previous model so that you get better stability and grip on the track.
As the superbike has a dry weight of 190 kg, you won’t have any problems in taking the Aprilia RSV4 RF through the corners. Even though the Italian manufacturers built the bike for the track, you won’t have any handling problems when you take it on the road. The superbike has fully adjustable USD Ohlins forks for the front suspension and a single Ohlins shock in the rear. On the track, the suspension is spot on as the ride is perfect. To give the superbike adequate stopping power, you get four-piston, disc, Brembo callipers brakes in the front and twin-piston, single disc, brakes in the rear. Combined with Race ABS, anti-wheelie and traction control, you won’t mind going as fast as possible because of the control they provide on the track.
You can fine-tune the anti-wheelie and traction control, thanks to Aprilia’s V4-M. It is a telemetry system with GPS that allows you to connect your smartphone to the superbike. As a result of this, you can change the settings according to the type of corners on the racetrack.

Performance

Even though the superbike has a 999 cc V4 engine, it can produce 201 hp of power at 13,000 rpm and torque of 85 lb-ft at 10,500 rpm. For better performance, there is a brand new air-box, lighter camshafts, bigger inlet valves and small crank pins. The crankcases have been redesigned to decrease oil friction significantly. The Aprilia RSV4 RF shows its true racing pedigree as you can take the superbike to 13,500 rpm.

Verdict

Overall, the Aprilia RSV4 RF is a great superbike that will make you feel like a professional racer on the track. The performance of the superbike is phenomenal, despite being only having a 999 cc V4 engine. The Italian manufacturers got everything right with their new superbike. While the superbike comes with an expensive price tag of £18,135, you won’t find a motorbike that has this level of refinement, pace, class and quality.