2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100/Factory

Riders have a tough decision before them as both the RSV4 1100 and up-spec RSV4 1100 Factory offer an impressive list of updates. Deciding which model to buy basically comes down to finances and intended use.

With a history in competition, the Aprilia RSV4 has been tuned and developed to be a production superbike dripping with technology and performance from its electronics suite to its V-4 engine. And now it’s significantly updated for 2021 in terms of design, aerodynamics, ergonomics, chassis, engine, and standard equipment with a goal of improving trackday performance.

The outgoing 1,077cc engine is replaced by a larger 1,099cc V-4 which belts out its tune through a new exhaust. Electronic updates include a new Marelli ECU, improved Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronic rider aid package, and larger 5-inch TFT display. Design and bodywork changes result in what Aprilia claims to be 11-percent increase in airflow protection to the rider, 7-percent increase to airflow to the airbox, and winglets built into the fairing. The swingarm is now lighter and inspired by the RS-GP MotoGP bike. A new seat and fuel tank also change the RSV4′s ergonomics to be more natural and relaxed, Aprilia claims.

There are two variations of the RSV4, the base and Factory models. The base RSV4 has an MSRP of $18,999 with Sachs suspension, nonadjustable steering damper, cast alloy wheels, and one color scheme whereas the Factory adds semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, Öhlins electronic adjustable steering damper, a pair of aluminum forged wheels, and Factory-specific paint schemes. It is priced at $25,999.

The Aprilia RSV4 is now powered by the 1,099cc V-4 engine that is now Euro 5 compliant and is claimed to produce 217 hp. When Don Canet rode the RSV4 and its Factory sibling at Laguna Seca Raceway, he was amazed at the gut-wrenching acceleration, even when the tamest ride mode (of the six available) was engaged for his opening lap.

In his write-up, Canet applauds the RSV4 Factory’s chassis: “Chassis response is superb, with light effort corner entry and innate finesse through side-to-side transitions. The downhill run out of the famous Laguna Seca Corkscrew provided the track’s best test of agility, as the RSV4 effortlessly flicked from full tilt right to left entering Rainey Curve.”

Canet was also impressed by the base mode’s fully adjustable, track-configured suspension because he was able to match his fastest lap times of the day and noted a slight increase in chassis stability compared to the Factory.

Both the base and Factory share the same braking components. This means Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 330mm discs up front and a Brembo unit with 220mm disc out back. A Bosch 9.1 MP ABS setup has cornering function as well.

Fuel economy and real-world mpg are currently not available.

Canet wrote that the revised riding position puts the rider “slightly lower in the bike along with a flatter/slimmer tank allowing a tighter tuck out of the wind.”

The APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system is updated for 2021, this includes the new AEB (Aprilia Engine Brake) which allows for adjustable engine-brake control that is now independent from the selected engine map. Other components to the APRC include: traction control, wheelie control, three engine maps, launch control, quickshift, pit limiter, and cruise control. The RSV4 features six ride modes (Street, Sport, User, Race, Track 1, and Track 2), ABS with cornering function, larger TFT dash, and cornering lights.

Aprilia offers a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty on its models.

Bursting with a claimed 217 hp, the updated V-4-powered weapon brings impressive performance, high tech, and excellent chassis response.