Aprilia’s lethal track weapon, the RSV4, gets a displacement bump, power boost, and a full suit of carbon fibre for 2019.
It’s that time of the year again, when manufacturers around the world update their motorcycles for the forthcoming model year, and launch some new ones as well. And it looks like Aprilia took personal offence to the launch of the mind-boggling Panigale V4. For 2019, the brand is ready with an answer of its own in the form of the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory.
So what’s special about the new track bike? For starters, the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory is cloaked from head to toe in carbon fibre. The entire bodywork is constructed of the magic material, right down to the fenders. The winglets are also carbon fibre. At its heart is no longer the potent litre-class V4, with Aprilia plonking the Tuon’s engine into the RSV4. The result is an increase in displacement to 1078cc and an equally impressive power output. How does 217hp at the crank sound?
To make sure you don’t lose life or limb trying to tame that massive amount of power, more even than the Panigale V4, Aprilia has bestowed the RSV4 Factory with its full suite of electronic rider aids. Wheelie, launch, traction control- it’s just the beginning of an impressive list of tech on offer, accessed via the new colour TFT screen aboard the bike.
To complement the insanely powerful motor and the equally impressive electronics, top-shelf components have been installed on the RSV4 Factory. Brembo Stylema calipers hitherto only present on the Panigale V4, top-spec Öhlins monoshock, forks, and steering damper- it’s all good.
What’s interesting is that the 1100 is not replacing the litre-class race rocket. Aprilia will keep producing the 999cc RSV4 to keep its place in WSBK and BSB events. We are eagerly awaiting the time these world events start allowing bigger machines like the RSV4 1100 and Panigale V4 into the races. Now those battles will be fun to witness!
