Aprilia continues to tease us with the 2021 RSV4. First came the initial release back in January, which contained a single left side profile photo and some technical specs. Hardly enough meat to feed the pride.
In the second instalment, Aprilia revealed the colour schemes of both versions of the RSV4, the Factory and base (no longer called the RR). We are still waiting for complete technical specifications, but we have enough to keep us interested.
You can get the boring specs anywhere, so let’s check out 14 things you may not have noticed in the SpeedeeJ way.
1. COLOUR SCHEMING
Let’s start with the colours. The Factory comes in two colours; Aprilia Black or Lava Red.
The Lava Red version is very similar to the launch colour scheme of the RS 660, with the purple, red and black paint and red seat reminiscent of the ’90s RS250. Interestingly, this dominant purple scheme has never been used on an RSV before.
The Lava Red (my fave) ignites memories of the original 2009 RSV4 (pics below). It’s understated and classy and provides a yin to the tri-colour yang.
The base model will be available in only one colour; Dark Losail, a predominantly matte silver scheme that has adorned base models of recent years.
2. ARRGH
The base model is no longer referred to as the RR. It’s just the RSV4 now.
3. WINGED AVENGER
Those sneaky Italians! It was not so obvious from their original side-only profile image release that the RSV4 is equipped with a substantial set of wings. In fact, the front fairing set is dominated by the aero package, which somewhat resembles the setup on the Honda Fireblade, on steroids.
Broad flat wings at the leading edge blend into strakes in a multi-piece fully integrated design (no longer bolt-on). The wings dominate the front of the bike in a similar way to the RS-GP bike’s aerofoil with its broad flat easy table look.
4. USB, WHERE FOR ART THOU?
When it comes to creature comforts, cruise control has been retained, but the same doesn’t seem to be the case for the USB connecter. Once tucked in the front fairing next to the main instrument display, it is missing in the new model. Perhaps Aprilia has relocated it or will offer it as an accessory.
5. CARBON COPY
Gone is the carbon. Traditionally, the Factory version sported carbon panels. The 2020 model included numerous carbon body parts, such as the front mudguard and the wings themselves. Back to plastic now, I’m afraid.
6. SHOCK TACTICS
The eagle-eyed may have noticed the Ohlins rear shock on the Factory model now has a hydraulic preload adjuster. No more torn knuckles and bad language when setting sag.
7. UNDERSLUNG NO MORE
While the shock is now easier to adjust, the same ethos does not apply to the rear brake calliper. It now sits above the swingarm (overslung), where previously it lived under the swingarm. For anyone familiar with changing their own wheels, they will know an overslung calliper makes changing the wheel a bit easier.
The new swingarm design provides less space for the calliper to fit underneath it, undoubtedly a compromise inherent in its new shape.
8. SPEAKING OF THE SWINGARM
The primary chassis tweak comes in the form of the new swingarm with a reinforced lower brace claimed to be lighter and offer increase stability. It’s inspired by the Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP racer and is reminiscent of racing versions seen on RSV4’s over the years.
Could the new swingarm be a response to criticisms of the RSV4’s corner exit traction? It will be interesting to see what effect the new swingarm has on overall handling balance.
9. BENDY LED LIGHTS
The RSV4 finally gets a full suite of LED lights with perimeter DRL’s. Included is a ‘bendy feature’, which activates a pair of supplementary lights that illuminate the inside of the turn according to lean angle.
10. GROWING PAINS
I remember feeling a bit naked when the original RSV4 was launched in 2009. It introduced minimalist styling with a main fairing that barely covered the engine and a tail worthy of a supermodel.
After being fed a diet of all-enveloping fairings throughout the ‘90s and ‘2000s, the RSV4 looked anorexic. We now live In the day and age of aerodynamic downforce; it appears big fairings are the norm.
The 2021 Aprilia RSV4 faring covers far more acreage, the under-seat plastics have expanded, its butt is more prominent, and the tail strakes have lengthened. Incorporating elaborate wing systems sees function taking precedence over style.
Is it an improvement on the beautiful 2009 original? I don’t think so. This new version looks disjointed in places and less cohesive overall.
Would it stop me from buying one? Hell no. But it can no longer be mentioned in the same sentence as the Panigale or F3 when it comes to beauty. I could look at the original RSV4 all day long. This one, not so much. Just my opinion.
11. SMALL TOLERANCES
Just look at the gap between the exhaust catalytic converter and the swingarm on the bike’s right side. That‘s what you call tight tolerances!
This does prompt us to think of the challenges designers face when building such compact machines. I do hope Aprilia’s construction tolerances are just as tight.
12. KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
The 2021 Aprilia RSV4 is an evolution of the original 2009 RSV4. While there have been numerous updates carried out over time, the bike’s DNA can still be traced back to 2009.
The twin-spar aluminium main frame and 60 degree V4 engine architecture trace back to the original, as does the general packaging and ergonomics. But, it would be fair to say that this 2021 revision is the largest departure styling wise thus far, so there’s that.
Like a fine wine, the RSV4 keeps getting better. But when will Aprilia conduct a ‘clean sheet’ redesign? Will they ever? Is 1100cc the limit for expansion for this engine? So many questions, so few answers.
13. TOGETHER AGAIN
For the first time since 2018, both the base and Factory versions of the RSV4 share the same drivetrain, aerodynamics and brakes.
Since 2019 the Factory version has used a 1077cc engine, aero wings and Brembo Stylema brake calipers, while the base RR model made do with the 998cc engine, Brembo M50 calipers and a fairing sans wings.
Giving the RR version the one-litre engine was a strategic decision to homologate the RSV4 to go racing. Meanwhile, the Factory catered to the premium sportbike buyer market (and allowed Aprilia to compete with its main rival, the 1103cc Panigale V4).
With the 2021 model, both versions now receive the new Euro 5 1099cc V4 engine, Stylema callipers and winged fairing. By the way, claimed power is now 217 HP at 13,000 rpm (previously 217 HP at 13,200 rpm) and 125 Nm of torque at 10,500 rpm (formerly 122 Nm at 11,000 rpm).
14. CAN IT STILL GO RACING?
Ahh, but what about racing? I hear you ask. Without a one-litre RSV4, Aprilia no longer has a bike that is homologated for racing. Certainly, it won’t be on any World Superbike or national Superbike grids this year and is not eligible for most Superstock rules.
Regarding Superstock racing, Aprilia teams could still race the superseded RR, much like Kawasaki uses its 600cc ZX-6R even though the road version is 636cc.
As for Superbike, fundamentally, Aprilia is saying that they are not interested in Superbike racing, at least for now. Or are they? Could there be a special homologation one-litre version waiting in the wings just like Ducati Panigale R?
I highly doubt it, for this generation of RSV at any rate. Don’t forget they are ploughing millions into their MotoGP project. Anything is possible, but I think Aprilia have put all of their eggs in the MotoGP basket.
So there we have it. 14 things you may not know about the new 2021 Aprilia RSV4. What are your thoughts? I invite you to comment below.
Thanks for reading!
Point #15 – the sexiest sounding engine shoved into a motorcycle. Aprilia I’d love one thanks!
Definitely agree with that Paul. Wouldn’t mind one myself!