APRILIA RSV4 RR (2018 - on) Review
At a glance
| Power: | 198 bhp |
|---|---|
| Seat height: | Tall (33.3 in / 845 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (450 lbs / 204 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesWhen it comes to noticeably upgrading a bike’s performance, the expensive parts are the motor, electronics and chassis. And on this score the RR is right up there with the very best sportsbikes money can buy as the APRC is staggering, that V4 beautiful and the chassis is WSB-tested and developed. The compromises Aprilia have made to keep the RR’s cost down are simple, and cheap fixes few riders will ever feel the need to alter. This bike, at this price, deserves to sell. And sell as well as any rivals, possibly even better, as it is tremendous value for money. Although like all Aprilia models, selecting neutral is still a lottery!
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineSo impressive is the RR’s chassis you don’t miss lightweight wheels and getting the Sachs suspension set up by a professional would make it perform as good as Öhlins units for 90% of riders. The RR still handles fantastically and drops into bends with minimal effort while that V4 is fantastic and sounds glorious. But taller riders will find it cramped.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityAprilia’s V4 is simply staggering, producing a claimed 198bhp with 84.9ftlb of torque to drive that rear tyre into the tarmac. It may be a few years old now, but that hasn’t taken any of the edge off its performance and it is still right up there in terms of speed, power and throttle response. And it is all connected to Aprilia’s excellent APRC electronics package to allow all levels of rider from trackday novice to GP star to make the most of it.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe early RSV4 models did suffer a few cam chain tensioner gremlins as well as various teething issues, but these are generally well sorted now and reliability shouldn’t be an issue. The finish is pleasingly good but Aprilia’s UK dealer network remains a bit limited.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe RR’s price tag places it a few hundred quid cheaper than the non-semi-active suspension Japanese inline fours (ZX-10RR, GSX-R1000R, YZF-R1, Fireblade) and a massive £3651 less than the base model Panigale V4. The BMW S1000RR Sport is £400 cheaper and comes with semi-active suspension, but you need the £600 Performance Package to match the RR’s electronics. So yes, the Aprilia is extremely good value when you consider it has a cutting-edge electronics package, amazing V4 motor and a chassis that has won three WSB titles.
Equipment
You get Sachs on the RR instead of the RSV4 RF’s Öhlins suspension and the Sachs steering damper isn’t adjustable and the wheels are cast instead of forged, but the rest of the bike is identical to the RF. You get the same V4, the same chassis, the same electronics package that boasts traction control, launch control, cruise control, ABS, power modes and even (for £250 more) the Aprilia V4-MP multimedia platform with the ability to set the bike’s electronics up corner-by-corner via a smartphone. Wow!
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 999cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 16v, DOHC, V4 |
| Frame type | Aluminium beam |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 litres |
| Seat height | 845mm |
| Bike weight | 204kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm, Sachs forks fully-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Single Sachs rear shock, fully adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 330mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial monoblock calipers |
| Rear brake | 220mm single disc with two-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 200/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | £15,599 |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 198 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 84.9 ft-lb |
| Top speed | - |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
2009: Aprilia launch the RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R.
2011: The Factory Special Edition introduces the APRC electronics package
2012: The RSV4 Factory gains APRC
2013: Both models gain a larger 18.5-litre fuel tank, ABS and a new exhaust with slight engine upgrades. APRC is added to the base model.
2015: The RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R are both heavily updated and become the RF and RR.
2017: Both the RSV4 RF and RSV4 RR are made Euro4-compliant with slight updates
Other versions
Owners' reviews for the APRILIA RSV4 RR (2018 - on)
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