2021 Aprilia RSV4 MC Commute Review

Aprilia raised eyebrows in the superbike segment more than a decade ago with its all-new RSV4 (introduced for the 2010 model year). Designed for competition, the RSV4 harnessed a high-revving 60-degree V-4 engine engineered for the best of both sportbike worlds: immediate corner exiting grunt of a V-twin, with the hard-hitting top-end power of a four-cylinder. Assembled in a tidy package, with a rowdy exhaust note and usefully demonic character, it was an instant hit. Not to rest on its laurels, the Italian brand has thoughtfully leveraged its racing pedigree (the brand has netted 294 Grand Prix roadracing race wins) evolving this platform into one of the most capable modern superbikes. And it gets even better for 2021.

Editor’s note: We reported on the RSV4′s technical improvements in the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 First Look Preview article. This article speaks on what it’s like to ride during a couple of track sessions at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

With its tight cockpit accommodations, the RSV4 has historically favored smaller riders. However, the ’21 machine offers added room inside the cockpit. Specifically, the 4.7-gallon fuel tank sports a slimmer shape and the front fairing is more broad. Both the rider seat and foot controls are lower, yet cornering ground clearance increases, says Aprilia. The changes are a huge improvement for taller-than-average pilots and make it in line with the latest and greatest competition from the East (Honda’s CBR1000RR-R) and in Europe (Ducati’s Panigale V4).

Just when you thought “they can’t make ‘em any faster,” yank back on the twistgrip and it’s astounding how much acceleration force this rowdy-sounding V-4 delivers. We never remember last year’s RSV being weak, but the longer-stroke version pumps out six-cylinder-motorcycle-like torque that lets it leap off turns.

Run it a gear high, or a gear low, and the RSV4 accelerates like few production vehicles made today—especially at racing circuits like Laguna Seca. An electronic quickshifter makes it easy to run up and down through the six-speed gearbox, without using the clutch. We also love the sound emitted during a quick succession of downshifts. Aprilia says the engine’s good for 92 pound-feet torque with a whopping 190 hp at the working end of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V3 rubber.

These days, there are a couple of liter-and-above-sized superbikes capable of this type of engine power, but none deliver it as smoothly, nor with as pleasing of an engine roar. Even more impressive is how effective the engine puts power to pavement with the redesigned swingarm offering incredible grip off turns. Nice job, Aprilia.

An early leader in electronic countermeasures (the RSV4 offered the most advanced and useful electronics packages in the segment for 2012), it wears a much improved 5-inch color TFT dash display. The screen is easier to read, and benefits from more logical menu navigation. It also continues to offer easy-to-use push-button wheelspin control that can be adjusted on the fly. There’s also cruise control.

In spite of its 445-pound fully fueled curb weight, the RSV4 offers quick steering response and fantastic agility, especially during quick side-by-side transitions. Suspension action is poised and makes for a relatively easy-to-ride superbike. The up-spec Factory version ($6,000 upcharge) adds semi-active suspension from Öhlins (and forged alloy wheels), however the suspenders didn’t feel as planted as the Tuning Fork brand’s current setup.

The braking components do a marvelous job of shedding speed, and the cornering ABS programming performs at an advanced level that will be appreciated by high-level riders and racers. Adjustable electronic engine-brake control is also a nice touch and lets the rider tailor the way the motorcycle decelerates into corners.

The phrases “great value” and “Italian superbike” don’t mix. But we’d be lying if we weren’t impressed with the base model’s value proposition. For 19 grand you get an attractive 190 hp superbike with a functional electronics package that makes it easier to ride in virtually any rider’s hands. Factor in its unmistakable sound and engine character and this overhauled RSV4 is easily one of the best bikes we’ve ridden in 2021.

Helmet: Shoei X-Fourteen

Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs

Suit: Alpinestars Race Replica V3 with Tech-Air Race Vest

Glove: Alpinestars GP Plus R V2

Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R