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.

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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...

Find out more: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2021-aprilia-rsv4-mc-commute-review

Photography: Larry Chen Photo

Video/edit: @AdamWaheed

Motorcycle Riding Gear

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

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