At INTERMOT Cologne, Aprilia released some information about their 2019 models like the Tuono V4 and also the base version RSV4 RR. But nothing indicated that the Noale factory was ready to release another superbike “monster” on the road (or track for that matter!), and we only had a couple of rumours to go by.
Well, just a few days ahead of EICMA Milan motorcycle show opening its doors, unveiling to the public all the new models for 2019 that we haven’t yet seen in Cologne, Aprilia decided to surprise us all and show the brand-new RSV4 1100 Factory!
Yes, that’s right, we didn’t make a mistake. The new track and rod weapon from Aprilia is now 1100 cc. Actually, it’s not a true 1100 cc, because the new 81 mm bore pistons (the stroke remains unchanged from previous) will give the fantastic V4 engine displacement of 1078 cc. This change brings the power of the new RSV4 1100 Factory to the top of its class, and at 217 hp and 122 Nm, the Italian superbike is ready to face all its rivals looking from above.
For instance, and to understand what Aprilia has done, the powerful Ducati Panigale V4 is rated at 214 hp and 124 Nm.
Aprilia also states that the increase in power meant that the RSV4 engine receives a numerous update. New oil pump now gives oil to twin-injectors under the pistons, the intake valve lift has been increased, while the transmission, in order to let the rider explore that 217 hp, features longer 5th and 6th ratios. A homologated Akrapovic titanium exhaust helps the engine breathe better and make that V4 sound amazing.
But Aprilia didn’t stop there!
The RSV4 1100 Factory not only get more power and torque, but It also loses weight. Carbon fibre components – like the MotoGP inspired winglets – and a new smaller and lighter lithium battery helped Aprilia reduce the wet weight to just 199 kg.
And, to maximize the lower weight, this superbike now gets improved suspensions from Öhlins, the NiX30 fork with a little more wheel travel, a shorter wheelbase (-4 mm) and cooling ducts to help the new Brembo Stylema (previously exclusive to the Panigale V4) callipers to maintain their performance on track no matter how hard your ride.
The fourth generation aPRC electronics system won’t change with the arrival of the RSV4 1100 Factory, but the TFT dashboard will get a slight increase in brightness.
There’s no word yet on price, but given the overall updates that Aprilia did to the RSV4 1100 Factory, we expect the price to be higher than the previous top of the range RSV4 RF.
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