Aprilia RSV4 road test preview

MCN finally gets to test the new Aprilia RSV4 next week at its world launch.

The 999c V4 superbike is one of the most eagerly awaited machines in years, and we’ll be riding it on Thursday 2 April at Misano in Italy.

• Video: Aprilia RSV4 road bike

We’ll bring our first impressions of the RSV4 straight to you on www.motorcyclenews.com on the day, as well as a full round-up of whether the gorgeous Aprilia goes as well as it looks in MCN on Wednesday 8 April.

Aprilia tend to get it spectacularly right on their first attempt, whether it’s the iconic V-twin RSV1000R, Tuono, RS125 or two-stroke Grand Prix bikes (we’ll forget about their MotoGP ‘Cube’ attempt!), so it’s looking good for the RSV4.

They’ve already scored two podiums at World Superbike with Max Biaggi last time out at Qatar.

We simply cannot wait to ride it, but in the meantime, he’s a run down on what the RSV4 is all about…

Overview
Built to win the World Superbike Championship and knock out its Japanese and Italian rivals on the road, the Aprilia RSV4 has a new engine, chassis and styling.

Aprilia claim an all-up weight of 190kg and 180bhp from the 999cc V4 motor. Like the V-twin RSV it replaces, the RSV4 will come in standard form and a Factory version, which will have uprated Ohlins suspension, forged aluminium wheels and carbon fibre body panels.

Engine
It’s a widely held belief that a compact, powerful V4 is the best configuration engine for racing, and that’s what Aprilia have used to power the RSV4.

It features a 180° crank, a ride-by-wire throttle system, a cable operated (slipper) clutch, variable length inlet trumpets and a powerful ECU, which has the capability of traction control.

Chassis
The aluminium frame and swingarm are a work of art, as we’ve come to expect from Aprilia, but for the first time, the engine has adjustable engine mounts (10mm up and down) to change the centre of gravity for racing.

The beautiful bodywork is designed by Miguel Galluzzi.