World Exclusive: First ride of the RSV4 on the road

Updated: 19 November 2014

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MCN’s world first road ride on Aprilia‘s new RSV4 has proved what an exceptional bike it is. But it has also highlighted problems that did not show up on the racetrack launch.

New V4 Aprilia ridden on road for first time
415 miles of motorway, A-roads and cities
It’s brilliant, but flawed

The surprises came to light after MCN picked up one of the first machines off the production line from the Aprilia factory in Italy and rode 415 miles to Monaco.

The route included hundreds of miles of motorway, congested cities and 112 miles of the gloriously twisty Autostrda dei Fiori.

The first half of the journey was wet and revealed the RSV4 had problems at low revs. When the roads dried, the RSV4’s race bike heritage came to the fore – it was both awe-inspiring, and frustrating. “It’s a race bike with lights that makes Japanese sportsbikes seem like tourers,” said MCN’s Senior Road Tester, Michael Neeves.

Read Neevesy’s full four-page report in next week’s MCN (out May 6).

Visit the RSV4 launch centre for more information on the RSV4

RSV4 road trip by numbers
101 miles until reserve light on motorway
130 miles before first leg dangle to relieve sore knees
415 miles in a day.
10 hours in the saddle
10,000 rpm is when the RSV4 goes beserk

THE FACTS
APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY £14,999
(cheaper RSV-R available in September)
Power (claimed) 180bhp @ 12,500rpm
Torque (claimed) 85ftlb @ 10,000rpm
Weight (claimed, dry) 179kg
New for 2009: New model
Colours: Black/red
Info: uk.aprilia.com

TECHNICAL SPEC
Fuel capacity: 17-litres
Seat height: 845mm
Wheelbase: 1424mm
Rake/trail: 24.5, 105mm
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 998.9cc (78 x 52.3mm), 16v, four-stroke, 65 V-four. Electronic fuel injection. Six gears. Chain final drive.
Chassis: Twin spar aluminium frame with adjustable headstock position and angle and adjustable engine and swingarm pivot height. Ohlins 43mm upside down forks, fully adjustable. Ohlins single rear shock fully adjustable including ride-height.
Brakes: 2 x 320mm front discs with Brembo four-piston calipers. 220mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper.
Tyres: Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa 120/70 x 17 front, 190/55 x 17 rear.

Further reading:
Aprilia | RSV4

By Michael Neeves

MCN Chief Road Tester - Neevesy’s been an MCN Road Tester since 2002. He’s reviewed everything from mopeds to Rossi’s Yamaha M1, and plenty in between He covers tens of thousands of miles a year on the world’s roads and racetracks in his role with MCN, and when he’s not working he’s still on two wheels, racing both modern and classic superbikes for a variety of teams. To cement his position as one of the most influential motorcycling journalists on the planet, Neevesy spent many years as an Elite Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School, based at the famous Donington Park race circuit. He regularly presents videos on riding tips and road safety, working alongside the likes of Highways England to deliver a strong and consistent message.