New cheaper Aprilia RSV4-R is £2500 less than Factory version

Aprilia has revealed a new, cheaper version of the stunning RSV4 superbike. The RSV4-R keeps the 180bhp V4 motor and high tech fly-by-wire systems of the RSV4 Factory, but has lower specification suspension and a £2550 lower price.

• Read the Aprilia RSV4 Factory review

The basic structure of the bike remains the same – the 999cc engine, frame, brakes and swingarm are identical to the £15,299 Factory. That means 180bhp, twin injectors on every cylinder, three engine management settings for track, sport and road and identical looks.  

• Video: Aprilia RSV4 ridden on the road

The new version dumps the expensive racing-specification Ohlins suspension at front and rear, instead using 43mm Showa forks and a Sachs rear shock.

Suspension remains adjustable for preload, compression and rebound.

Smaller changes keep the price down too – carbon fibre trim is replaced with plastic, forged magnesium wheels are replaced with aluminium ones, magnesium engine cases are now aluminium and the ultra-trick adjustable engine position mount of the Factory version is gone – you’ll have to manage without moving the engine about.

Predictably, the R is slightly heavier than the Factory – Aprilia claim a weight of 184kg, which is 5kg more than the higher spec machine.

According to factory insiders a lot of work has been done on the throttle response of the RSV4-R to improve it from the slightly fluffy and inconsistent one of early versions of the Factory.

Only two colours are available – white and black.