Motorcycle specifications ApriliaRSV4 1100 2022 And the checkerboard falls on the RSV4

let 's face it, Aprilia has done it, and done it big with the 2021 model of its RSV4. The Italian firm's superbike manages to make everyone agree, from the road biker to the seasoned circuit rider, including pro Kawa and other Japanese...

the little racer's engine has been boosted from 201 to 217 hp, and from 999.6 to 1099 cc. The RSV4 2021 is no longer homologated for competition.

this year, everything has been redesigned with MotoGP in mind, with sharp lines, a doped engine and some of the best electronics on the market.

Speaking of MotoGP, the RSV4 is almost as well-equipped as its racing siblings. The engineers have thought of the track racers with winglets; you know those little fins on either side of Espargaro's and Vinales' bikes? Well, this year they're for you, incorporated directly into the fairings. Apart from making you feel like a world-famous rider, they bring serious benefits such as reduced wheeling out of corners, machine stability at high speeds and help cool that monstrous engine.

from a mechanical point of view, the RSV4 gets a new bore, up from 52mm to 53.3mm, so the monster doesn't suffer from its Euro5 transition. The exhaust system has also been upgraded for the standard, but comes out lighter. This allows the V4's purr to express itself.

as for braking, Aprilia has once again placed its trust in the renowned Brembo, equipping the bike with Stylema calipers at the front, biting large 330 mm discs; and at the rear, a caliper of the same origin, with 2 pistons and a 220 mm disc. All with avia hoses.

Axel Alves on the attack

chassis-wise , the aluminum frame remains unchanged, but the double-reinforced inverted aluminum swingarm is a big change. Previously made up of seven welded elements, it has been reduced to three - shedding 600 grams. Not bad, eh? Also, the wheel axle adjustment is particularly wide, for a greater range of rear wheel positioning, accompanied by an adjustable Sachs monoshock. At the front, we find a Sachs fork Ø 43 mm, also fully adjustable.

the tank has also been refined. It makes the bike more comfortable, with less tension on the arms (especially for shorter riders), and gives a more natural, relaxed riding position, which is pleasant under heavy braking. The new design also makes it easier for riders to wear out their sliders when cornering. The only drawback is the saddle's hardness, but we're quick to forgive it. Ideal on the track, this attacking posture is still hard on the road.

it 's also worth noting that Aprilia has made the transition from road to track more fluid, by making it easier to remove unnecessary parts to put your knee, elbow... or helmet in the gravel trap. Removing the plate holder, mirrors and optics is quick and easy.

visually, the design is innovative and compact. The sides have been shortened, leaving the front wheel exposed, making this Superbike easier to handle and more stable when changing direction.

the lighting is well thought-out. Turn signals are integrated into the headlamp unit, and it features automatic headlight activation, essential for rider safety on the road. The big new feature is the "Bending Light" technology, which allows the light to be diverted to the right place when cornering, in short, to see better and be seen better.

let's move on to the electronics, the strong point of this new bike. The first thing we see is a larger color TFT screen, with redesigned graphics. The new APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) uses a six-axis inertial platform with high computing capacity to keep the beast under control. It is now integrated with the Ride By Wire, saving a considerable 590 grams in weight. It now add AEB (Aprilia Engine Brake), an adjustable engine brake control independent of the map selected.

on this model, the APRC includes :

- ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on 8 levels, on-the-fly

- AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, adjustable on 5 levels, on the fly.

- AEM: Aprilia Engine Map: 3 different maps to change the way the machine delivers power.

- AEB: Aprilia Engine Brake, engine braking control adjustable on 3 levels, with a precise algorithm that takes into account the angle of the bike.

- ALC: Aprilia Lauch Control, for track use only, adjustable on 3 levels to help with standing starts.

- AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, an improved electronic gearbox that allows faster gear changes without cutting the throttle with Up and Down.

- APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter, to adjust speed in the pitlane (and thus avoid having to redo the deco for a friend coming out of the box)

- ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control, the little cruise control that goes with it.

aPRC offers 6 riding modes (twice as many as before): 3 roads: Sport, Street and User and 3 track modes: Race, Track 1 and Track 2 (note that User, Track 1 and 2 modes are fully customizable), no less.

the RSV4 is also equipped with front and rear ABS, as well as Cornering ABS, which can also be adjusted, although for the more hardy or the "it was better before without electronics" type of rider, it is possible to deactivate all these features.

aprilia has thought of you, development and tuning addicts: the machine is adjustable from the fully adjustable chassis, to the position of the engine in the frame, to the caster angle and swingarm. The only drawback to this extreme customization is that it's hard to find the right setting for even the rear suspension, but it's the perfect bike for the hardened tracker.

for entertainment on the road, the MIA on-board system hosts a multimedia platform where you can connect your smartphone, which will switch to energy-saving mode. This includes a voice assistant, a call function and music, all accessible from the handlebars - there's no stopping progress!

the RSV4 Euro5 is available in a single "Dark Losail" color, and that's a shame. After all, Lava Red is a real looker!

to sum up, even after upgrading to Euro 5, the RSV4 remains a high-performance, fluid, light and enjoyable machine. It seduces with its torque, adaptability and state-of-the-art electronics.

You can buy this little gem for 18,499 euros, so Aprilia has made a performance Superbike available to motorcyclists for an (almost) reasonable sum.

by Sophia H - Manufacturer's photos / Emmanuel TSENG KING