Aprilia has revealed preliminary specifications for its updated RSV4 sportsbike, which is set to arrive in Australia mid-year alongside its Tuono naked bike sibling.
As the RSV4 moves over to Euro5 standards, Aprilia engineers have increased the bike’s displacement to 1099cc (up 22cc), which the company says has resulted in a boost to torque, while retaining its 160kW (217hp) output.
Aprilia has yet to confirm just how much more torque the new engine will make, although it will need to generate more than 122Nm to meet its claim.
Interestingly, the Aprilia RSV4 now more closely rivals Ducati’s supersports flagship, the Panigale V4, which uses a 1103cc V4 motor delivering 157.5kW and 124Nm.
Like the Panigale V4, the Aprilia RSV4 features motorsports-derived aerodynamic winglets, which have been optimised for 2021 to increase stability and improve cooling.
The RSV4 takes on the brand’s latest design language that was previewed by the smaller RS 660 middleweight sportsbike, with a sharper front-end that houses triple LED headlights and DRLs (daytime running lights).
A new fuel tank and seat is said to provide a more relaxed riding position, while new controls are said to be more functional and intuitive.
The 2021 Aprilia RSV4, as well as the Tuono V4 naked bike, also gain a larger TFT instrument cluster and a smarter electronics suite.
Specifically, the RSV4 introduces multi-level engine brake control, which can be tailored via the bike’s six rider modes.
Rounding up the performance enhancements for 2021 is a new lightweight swingarm and reinforced lower brace, implemented to enhance acceleration stability.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, however, Aprilia’s local arm will offer the bike in both standard RSV4 trim and the higher-spec RSV4 Factory grade that adds forged wheels, Ohlins semi-active suspension and Brembo Stylema brake callipers.
The base Aprilia RSV4 will be offered in Dark Losail, while the RSV4 Factory can be optioned in either Aprilia Black or Lava Red.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
