APRILIA RSV4 (2010 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£250
Power:	180 bhp
Seat height:	Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight:	Medium (448 lbs / 203 kg)

Prices

New £14,132

Used £7,000 - £11,500

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Aprilia’s RSV4R is a more affordable version of the all-singing, all-dancing RSV4 Factory. The engine is basically the same, without some of the Factory’s advanced electronics, but the chassis parts are slightly lower-spec. Despite this it’s still a beautifully-balanced technology-packed Italian missile. It’s monstrously fast, gives you loads of confidence in the corners, has superb ride quality, looks great (especially the new white livery), sounds even better and is massive fun. It’s a five star bike but problems with faulty con rods at the launch mean we’ve given it four stars.

This bike is so good, in fact, that it made it into our expert guide to used bargain superbikes.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Where the Factory model runs Ohlins, the RSV4 R has fully adjustable Showa forks, and a Sachs rear shock and steering damper. It also has heavier cast instead of forged ali wheels, all of which has pushed the all-up weight 4kg more than the Factory. Despite the extra weight and lower-spec suspension, the RSV4 R is still an incredibly-balanced, fine-handling machine and can be set-up to suit all tyres of riding conditions. With super-strong Brembo monobloc brakes and a slipper clutch smoothing out corner entries, the Aprilia is a devastating track tool.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The RSV4 R’s liquid-cooled 999.6cc, 16v, 65° V4 motor is the same as the one found in the Factory model. It produces a claimed 180bhp and 85ftlb of torque. The engine itself is actually smaller than the old RSV twin cylinder lump. It has six-speed cassette gearbox and a slipper clutch as standard as well as a ride-by-wire throttle system and a choice of three engine maps. It does without the electronically-controlled variable inlet stacks of the Factory model.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Aprilia’s are usually superbly built and have bulletproof reliability, but launch bikes suffered a problem with conrods breaking. These were the first 30 pre-production machines to be built and the problem was traced to a faulty batch of conrods. Aprilia say this problem has been rectified and production bikes will be as reliable as the RSV4 Factory models already built.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The RSV4R is £2500 cheaper than the RSV4 Factory and £500 cheaper than the base model Ducati 1198. It’s still an exotic superbike, so it’s never going to be in the same price bracket as a Japanese 1000, but for a devilishly fast, superb handling Italian superbike we think it’s worth every penny. Find an Aprilia RSV4 for sale.

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The RSV4R still has a high level of equipment. You get sticky Metzeler Interact K3 rubber as standard, together with a beautifully made aluminium frame and swingarm, fully adjustable suspension and steering damper, Brembo brakes and a three-way power map. The whole package is exquisitely built. Compare and buy parts for the Aprilia RSV4 in the MCN Shop.

Specs
Engine size	998cc
Engine type	16-valve, V4
Frame type	Aluminium beam
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Seat height	810mm
Bike weight	203kg
Front suspension	Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension	Fully-adjustable
Front brake	2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 17 in
Rear tyre size	190/55 17 in

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	32 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£250
New price	£14,132
Used price	£7,000 - £11,500
Insurance group	17 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	180 bhp
Max torque	85 ft-lb
Top speed	180 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	144 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2009 – Model introduced

Other versions

Aprilia RSV4 Factory

Owners' reviews for the APRILIA RSV4 (2010 - on)

6 owners have reviewed their APRILIA RSV4 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your APRILIA RSV4 (2010 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£250

5 out of 5 Thunderous V4 rush

03 October 2022 by Apetastic

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £200

Looks awesome (in my humble opinion). Unreal engine power, endless torque and speed. V4 engine sounds immense - Akrapovic pipe and no baffle - so it's a bit 'look at me I'm mint' but that's why I bought it, to show off! After an hour or so bum and wrists ache because of hard seat and heavy clutch but you know you've been out for a blast and it's a sportsbike...makes me feel alive...what a rush!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Best when pushing on...keeps weight off wrists above 50mph. Decent wind protection. So much fun to rideout - could pretty much leave it in 3rd all day...unreal engine!!!

Engine 5 out of 5

It's all about the engine...had about 20 different bikes and this engine is the best of all!!! Nothing to dislike TORQUEMONSTER!!!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Keep up to date on servicing and it will be fine. Bought a minter with a 12 month warranty from a local dealer for peace of mind👍

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

£25 for a tank of good quality fuel now 😳 and getting about 100 miles before light comes on...hmmm it's going to be quite pricey to run! 🤣

Equipment 5 out of 5

Engine, looks and sounds amazing. Feels special to ride...every time I set off I love it!! Came on Pirelli Diablo IIIs - not getting much feedback from the front...but not had it long yet and need to set up suspension properly.

Buying experience: Teasdale Motorcycles in Thirsk - part ex. Great to deal with and easy buying process. Going to go there again for servicing 👍

5 out of 5 An Allround Great SuperBike

17 August 2021 by Brijender Rathore

Version: RSV4 RF 1000

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £300

Best Feature - Great looking with the superpole colour scheme. Great power and handling. Simply exoticWorst Feature - Does not have a fuel gauge. So once it goes to reserve you should simply head to a petrol pump in the next 20 miles or so.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Its a great all round bike on Road and Track. However it is not built to carry a pillion. it can go about 100 miles and then you would need a break to stretch your legs

Engine 5 out of 5

beautiful power delivery

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I have it now for 2 years and it has never let me down.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Apart from servicing no more costs

Equipment 5 out of 5

Favourite feature is ability to adjust ATC and change from Sport to Track to Race on the move. I have replaced the original screen with a taller Zero Gravity screen as im 6'1 feet tall.

5 out of 5 Best bike out there

03 February 2014 by alexrigby

I have owned alot of recent litre bikes and all i can say about the rsv4 is that is by far the best. May not have the highest figures.. but as a devestatingly fast road and track tool it stands head and shoulders above the rest. I wont bore you with an essay. Just take one for a test ride. Amazing. Had mine 3 years and she hasnt missed a beat or given me any issues. Quality is top drawer. Power delivery is amazing. The soundtrack to die for. Brakes susspension etc work perfectly i unison to deliver the feeling of a small light bike with disproportionate power output. I love it! And you will too!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 Best bike out there

03 February 2014 by alexrigby

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 rsv4

25 June 2010 by dahley

nice when it goes

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Value vs rivals 2 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

4 out of 5 Love It

28 March 2010 by twobike

I have now covered almost 1200miles in just over 3 weeks on my White RSV4R, (includes one track day)and I love it. I just want to ride it all the time. It's not as user friendly as the BMW S1000RR, had a test ride on one to compare. The Aprilia is a hard ride on the road, better now I have lowered tyre pressures to 32.5 PSI. It's a track focused bike that needs to be respected and learnt how to ride. At the local bike meet it always draws the attention and looks great with a GP Can and Tail Tidy, plus SS Rad and Oil cooler covers. If you want great looks and fantastic sound from a bike that will put a huge smile on your face then buy one. If you want great MPG and Touring ability then don't. What you see is what you get, Brilliant !!!. They remain exclusive I have yet to see another on the road in my area.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

Aprilia RSV4R

APRILIA RSV4 (2010 - on) Review

At a glance

Prices

Overall rating

Ride quality & brakes

Engine

Reliability & build quality

Value vs rivals

Equipment

Specs

Mpg, costs & insurance

Top speed & performance

Model history & versions

Model history

Other versions

Owners' reviews for the APRILIA RSV4 (2010 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews