The Aprilia RSV4 is a superbike from Aprilia. It was launched in 2009 and is still on sale. Superbikes are the fastest, most powerful road-going sports bikes. With a 1,099 cc engine it sits in the big-bike, 800 cc-plus class.
Power comes from a 1,099 cc 4-cylinder liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine that makes 219.98 PS at 13,000 rpm and 127 Nm of torque at 10,800 rpm. Peak torque comes high up, at 10,800 rpm, so it rewards revving. Its bore is wider than its stroke (81 mm x 53.32 mm), a short-stroke layout that generally favours higher revs. Divide power by kerb weight and it has about 1078 PS per tonne; by that measure, its performance is at superbike level and rewards an experienced rider. The claimed top speed is 305 km/h. It has electric start.
It has a 6-speed manual gearbox with a 1-down, 5-up shift pattern, and a chain carries drive to the rear wheel. Its slipper clutch lightens the lever and stops the rear wheel hopping when you downshift hard.
It is built around a twin spar aluminum frame. At the front, the suspension is Öhlins Ø 43 mm electronically controlled USD fork, fully adjustable, travel - 125 mm. At the rear, it is Öhlins electronically controlled monoshock, fully adjustable, travel - 115 mm. Braking is by a 330 mm disc at the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS. ABS on both wheels keeps either tyre from locking under hard braking.
The seat is 840 mm off the ground, which is on the tall side, so shorter riders may want to try it first. It weighs 204 kg ready to ride, which is on the heavy side, so moving it by hand takes some effort. Ground clearance is 130 mm — low, so take speed breakers and steep ramps slowly. It is 2,055 mm long, with 1,435.8 mm between the axles. Its 18 L fuel tank and claimed mileage of 15.4 kmpl work out to roughly 277 km per tankful on paper; real-world range is usually lower.
Equipment includes a digital instrument console, an LED headlamp, turn-by-turn navigation, USB charging port, call and SMS alerts, distance-to-empty readout, gear position indicator, cruise control, quickshifter and daytime running lamps, among others. Safety equipment includes engine kill switch, hazard light switch, traction control, low fuel indicator and malfunction indicator.
The manufacturer's warranty is 2 years. For the Aprilia RSV4, Mechiee offers a fixed ₹4,499 doorstep service.
It is best suited to riders who want performance and sharp handling. With this much performance, it is better as a step-up bike than a first bike.
Its chain drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and slack adjustment.
