New Looks And A Larger Motor For The 2021 Aprilia RSV4

Considered to be one of the finest litre-class sportbikes, the Aprilia RSV4 has undergone a major overhaul for 2021. Noale’s finest now shares its looks with the mid-displacement RS660 and borrows more tech from its MotoGP racer: the RS-GP. We are expecting the updated RSV4, as well as the 2021 Tuono V4 that was unveiled alongside, to arrive on our shores by the end of the year.

You can clearly see Aprilia going for a more seamless family look with its RS series of sport machines. The new design language that debuted on the RS 660, has undergone major wind-tunnel testing to extract the maximum aero efficiency. Hence, you do not see the winglets jutting outwards on the bike but rather integrated into the panels. Not only does it claim to improve high-speed stability, but it also helps the engine remain cooler and divert hot air away from the rider.

Another key aspect of the new design is the triple LED headlight setup. Equipped with perimeter LED DRLs, these headlights also have cornering lights meant to increase visibility towards the inside of the bend.

Revisions to the subframe have resulted in more saddle space for the rider. Having ridden the previous generation of the bike, we had no complaints with regards to space. But hey, the more the merrier, right? Plus, the new shape of the tank allows the rider to straddle the bike more naturally.

Aprilia has increased the displacement of its V4 engine, from 1,077cc to 1,099cc. The engine now meets EU5 norms while producing the same 217PS peak power. Torque is said to have gone up but Aprilia has not shared the figure as yet.

The RSV4 had a wide gamut of electronic aids at its disposal, which have now been calibrated better, thanks to a new six-axis IMU and an 11MP Marelli ECU. It gets six rider modes in all, three for the track (two of which are fully customisable) and three for the road (one customisable).

No significant changes have been made to the chassis or the suspension hardware on the standard RSV4, except for the new swingarm. Aprilia has built a new one that is lighter with a reinforced lower brace, just like its MotoGP bike. The aim is to improve rear-end stability while accelerating and lower the weight of the bike (official figure yet to be revealed).

Aprilia will also be selling a more advanced trim of the RSV4 called the RSV4 Factory. With the Factory suffix, you get lighter forged aluminium wheels, semi-electronic suspension from Ohlins, and Brembo Stylema calipers. The benefits of opting for this trim will become evident at the race track where the lighter wheels make directional changes telepathic and intuitive and the braking hardware helps you brake as late as possible.

We are guessing the 2021 RSV4 would arrive at around Rs 25 lakh with the Factory Edition garnering a premium of roughly Rs 2-3 lakh over the standard bike. With the Ducati Panigale V4 also arriving shortly, which one of these Italian bikes would you like to have in your garage? Let us know in the comments.