Video: Aprilia RSV4 RF

Published: 12 May 2015

The RSV4 was always one of the best road going superbikes because it had really nice handling, it was very agile and had some of the best electronics on any superbike. What it lacked before was outright engine power, which this new one seems to have.

It’s deceptively fast – it doesn’t scream like an inline four and it doesn’t feel as fast as, say, the BMW S1000RR but when you take these bikes to the track you realise that they’re all very close. With the class of the 1000s this year at the moment, I think that the current winner is the R1, followed by the Ducati and the BMW. But this Aprilia has got every chance of making a good challenge, maybe even being the best.

It sounds great, it’s fast and the handling is incredible. We we’re riding this bike on Pirelli Supercorsa SC2 tyres so we had loads of grip and it’s very easy to ride fast – the electronics really help, it’s got lots of mechanical grip and it’s just an enjoyable bike to ride.

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.