2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory/RR

Aprilia and Ducati have long battled for superbike supremacy, the two Italian motorcycle makers butting fairings on both street and track. Most recently, when Ducati introduced the Panigale V4, Aprilia countered with the RSV4 1100 Factory. Engine displacement increased from a World Superbike-legal 999cc to 1,078cc by bumping cylinder bore to 81mm—the maximum allowed, incidentally, per MotoGP regulations. That change, combined with larger valves, hotter camshaft profiles, a 13.6:1 compression ratio, and breathing through four 48mm throttle bodies featuring two injectors each, has resulted in a claimed 217 hp.

The Factory is visually exceptional too. Winglets developed for the RS-GP prototype are said to increase stability during hard braking and at high speeds, reducing the tendency to wheelie under acceleration. Like the front fender and muffler guard, the winglets are carbon fiber for light weight and high strength. A titanium Akrapovič muffler matches the finish given the forged aluminum wheels. If you can’t manage the premium price of the Factory, you might want to look at the RSV4 RR—a little less powerful, slightly heavier, and not as trick (no winglets), but every bit as fun to ride.

Likes: Outstanding engine character and performance; a winner even sitting on its sidestand

Dislikes: You want 215-plus hp? Pony up. When did wheelies become a bad thing?

Verdict: A winged superbike that truly flies on both street and racetrack

“Initial throttle response is impressive,” Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert wrote after riding the Aprilia at the Mugello circuit in Italy, “with a seamless transition between off and on throttle that doesn’t punish aggressive inputs. Revs climb quickly, yet in an extremely linear manner, making the 1100 Factory a deceptively fast motorcycle.”

2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory First Ride Review

The Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Boasts 217 HP And Wings

2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory And RSV4 RR First Look

Times have changed, and Europe is flexing its superbike muscle. The Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory, BMW S1000RR, and Ducati V4 R produce a claimed 217 hp at 13,200 rpm, 205 hp at 13,000 rpm, and 221 hp at 15,250 rpm, respectively, in street-legal production spec.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R Riding Impression

2019 BMW S1000RR

Best Superbike—2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S

Best Standard Bike—2018 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR

The Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory has three engine maps—Track, Sport, or Race—all of which can be selected by the rider while the bike is in motion. Color? Atomico 6, and the top triple clamp is laser-etched with “1100 Factory.” The RSVR RR comes in Rivazza Grey or Arrabbiata Black.