2017 Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono V4 1100 First Look Review

Just when we thought the Tuono V4 1100 and RSV4 superbikes couldn't possible get any better, Aprilia went and updated them with some exciting new features.

Both the naked bikes (RR and Factory) and the RSV4s (R, RR, RF, and RF LE) get revamped APRC electronics with "fine-tuned logic" for systems like traction control, wheelie control, and launch control. The big news however is an updated quickshifter that now includes an auto-down function, allowing clutchless downshifts without even closing the throttle. As if shifting the big V-4 wasn't already a thrill! This is serious WSBK racebike stuff for the street, people.

Cruise control is also a new feature for 2017. It's of questionable value on the escaped-from-the-racetrack RSV4, but should prove quite useful on the Tuono 1100, a bike Senior Road Test Editor Ari Henning says is quite a capable sport tourer.

The Tuonos now carry the Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers and radial master cylinder from the RSV4s, and both families of bike get larger 330mm front brake discs (up from 320mm) and a cornering ABS feature that takes into account lean angle to ensure maximum performance and safety while trail braking.

Full-color thin-transistor-film (TFT) dashes are becoming the norm on high-end machines, and for 2017 all Tuonos and RSV4s have the fancy new display. (So does Honda's 2017 CBR1000RR SP.) Traction control and wheelie control are now adjustable on the fly, without closing the throttle.

In the engine department, all of Aprilia’s V-4s are now Euro-4 compliant and have new ECUs and exhaust systems. Thankfully, the bikes’ roar is supposed to be retained and power—a claimed 201 horsepower for the RSV4 and 175 hp for the Tuono—is unaffected. Both bikes get elevated redlines, with the RSV4’s rising 300 rpm and the Tuono’s jumping up 500 rpm. The RSV4 gets lighter pistons, different valve springs, and revised cam timing. Aprilia doesn’t specify if the timing change is performance oriented, so it’s possible the change was needed to meet Euro-4 standards. Simplified throttle bodies (Aprilia did away with the variable-length intake trumpets) are over a pound (20 ounces) lighter.

The Tuono Factory gets the latest Öhlins NIX fork that’s said to be a bit lighter, while the rear shock linkage on the RSV4s has revised leverage ratios.

All bikes will have new graphics for 2017. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but unless it’s jumped up significantly, the V-4s (and the Tuono 1100 in particular) are still likely to be a pretty good value. Motorcycling doesn’t get much more visceral than an Aprilia V-4.