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Aprilia RSV4 RF



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RSV4 RF Model Image
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
Aprilia RSV4 RF review
discontinued
Variant
Standard
City
Show price in my city
₹ 24,94,575
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
Aprilia has discontinued the RSV4 RF and the bike is out of production.

RSV4 RF Key Highlights

Engine Capacity999.6 cc
Mileage - ARAI
12 kmpl
Transmission6 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight180 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity18.5 litres
Seat Height845 mm

Aprilia RSV4 RF Summary

To make it simple, the Aprilia RSV4 RF is a limited edition, more hard-core track version of the RSV4 RR. Yes, the RSV4 RR is already a track ready motorcycle but with the RF, Aprilia takes it one step ahead.

The Aprilia RSV4 RF features the same 999.6cc liquid cooled V4 engine as the RR. However, in the RF is tuned to produce 198.2bhp at 13,000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 10,500rpm. It is mated to a six-speed cassette type gearbox.

Suspension duties are handled by Öhlins fork with TIN surface treatment. It gets Adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping at the front and Öhlins Racing monoshock with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping at the rear.

Braking is taken care off by dual 320mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and Brembo M430 monobloc radial callipers up front, along with a 220mm diameter rear disc with a two piston Brembo calliper.

In terms of technology, it features Aprilia’s latest version of its race-developed APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system. APRC integrates the full ride-by-wire, multi-map, electronic-engine management system, which has three new engine mapping settings: S (Sport), T (Track), and R (Race). The corresponding engine-braking maps are new, as well, with engine-braking lessened at 6,000 rpm and beyond. The system also offers ATC (Aprilia Traction Control), AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), ALC (Aprilia Launch Control), AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift), and Race ABS.

The limited edition Aprilia RSV4 RF is only available in a single colour scheme and locks horns with the Ducati Panigale R in India.

Aprilia RSV4 RF Review

  • Good Things

    • Sports a powerful V4 engine
    • Gets top-spec equipment
    • Known for its handling capabilities
  • Could be Better

    • Has limited service reach
    • Uncomfortable to ride in the city

BikeWale's Take

The RSV4 RF is the top-spec variant so it evidently gets the bell and whistles to match. There is Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes that take it track-bike character a notch higher. It also gets an incredibly powerful V4 engine that is kept on leash with an array of electronic aids. However, the RSV4 can get uncomfortable to ride in the city thanks to an overheating engine and a large turning radius. It could also do better with a wider service network.

Aprilia RSV4 RF Expert Opinion

We ride the hardcore Aprilia RSV4 RF and come away mighty impressed

What is it?

Why would I buy the Aprilia RSV4 RF?

Because it’s the closest one can get to a road-going race motorcycle

Why would I avoid the Aprilia RSV4 RF?

Because it’s made for the track and is too impractical for the road 

I have always loved sportbikes and it’s not without reason. Firstly it’s the looks that get you drooling, the mean stance simply arrest attention like no other. Then there’s the performance. Multiple cylinders and big horsepower available at the slightest twist of the wrist. Finally there’s the mindset. An aggressive, fast motorcycle will beg you to push it hard and there is no other way to enjoy but to ride it like you stole it. Yes it’s extremely demanding and not to mention draining, but the reward of nailing the apex and wheelie-ing out of that exit gives you the kind of satisfaction that is unparalleled. 

And that feeling is amplified when you have something madder than mad and faster than fast between your legs. We’re talking about the Aprilia RSV4 RF.

Now you already have the Aprilia RSV4 RR (which stands for Race Road) which is plenty mental with 200 plus bhp on tap, but for a purer racing experience Aprilia is also offering the RF (Race Factory) which comes with more exotic cycle parts like the lightweight forged aluminium wheels and Ohlin suspension (as compared to Sachs set-up on the RR). 

As for the design, the RSV4 has been a stunner since its inception and Aprilia has made very little changes to the overall design. The RF stands out thanks to a new dedicated ‘superpole’ black-red-silver livery. We loved the way the RSV4 RF looks and no matter what angle you look at it from, it’s a sure shot jaw dropper.

How does it ride?

To put it in simple words…like a bat out of hell! Well why won’t it? After all it puts out a mind numbing 201bhp and 115Nm of torque and weighs well under 200kg. Even without fidgeting with the electronics which in standard mode are the most intrusive, the RSV4 RF goes like a scud missile on steroids. If the throttle inputs aren’t measured, you just might end up in the grass or plastered on the rear bumper of the car ahead. But the more you ride it and figure out the motorcycles reactions, the easier it gets. 

Before you get moving, getting on the saddle requires some work. The saddle height is tall even for my 5 feet 9 inch frame which is not too short. Then there is the seat which is comfortable but wide which meant I could not sit flat footed and had to tip-toe the bike around which can be a chore during parking or at parking speeds. But once on the move it’s quite easy and the bike envelops you well.

Being a racing bike, the footrests are quite rearset and the rider triangle begs a very demanding and aggressive riding posture. If you aren’t the health inspired Instagram poser like my colleague Pratheek, then this bike will make sure you get into shape.    

Trying to tame a 200 plus bhp motorcycle requires the skills of Max Biaggi, but thankfully for amateur riders like me, the RSV4 gets a bucket load of electronics to keep things in check. The bike gets APRC or Aprilia Performance Ride Control in order to meet the specific needs of the rider. So you get Aprilia Traction Control with 8 settings to play with, Wheelie control which helps keep the front wheel down should you have the cojones to max out the throttle, launch control for precision starts on the race track or during drags. The ABS gets three settings as well and along with three different engine maps to choose from, one can choose the best possible combination for track or road.

And all this can be managed with a joystick on the left side of the handlebar. The only thing missing was a ‘Max Biaggi’ button that would up my riding skills to match the bike!

Once you set up the bike according to your skill set, and push the starter, the V4 barks to life and settles into a mechanical whirr. Gas it and the tone starts to turn into a V8 like roar and goes totally ballistic as the rev counter gets into serious numbers on the now slightly dated looking dash. Acceleration is beyond fierce and aided by the Aprilia Quick Shift system which lets you go up and down the 6-speed gearbox without shutting the throttle and using the clutch. 

Hitting corners unravels the other side of this mental machine. The chassis is an absolute gem. It has plenty of feel, which ultimately eggs you into leaning it over further than you would anything else and going hard on the brakes as you approach a corner at ridiculous speeds, all the while laughing in your helmet and thinking, “How the hell am I still on two wheels?” The RSV4 isn't the lightest bike in the litre bike segment, but it still flicks from side to side with relative ease and only feels slightly sluggish in slower corners. The combination of that brilliant chassis, the Ohlin suspension set up and those super sticky Pirelli Rosso Supercorsa’s means the RSV4 pretty much gives you superhuman capabilities.

Anything else I should know

 

Now the RSV4 RF is as hardcore as sportbikes can get so you might imagine that the ride quality would be pretty much brittle, but surprise surprise, its not! The suspension is extremely pliant and unless one is on a badly broken patch of road the suspension soaks in pretty much everything. Considering that the bike is meant to destroy racetracks and hunt down apexes, ride quality is a revelation on this hyper Aprilia.

Also what you see here in the pictures is the 2016 model year bike which is sold alongside the 2017 motorcycle. The 2017 gets a TFT dashboard and a slightly different colour scheme amongst other additions.

Should I buy one?

If you have Rs. 24.88 lakh to spend on a fast motorcycle, there are few that exhilarate as well as the RSV4. But then again this isn’t your everyday motorcycle and if you try to make it one, it’s sure to get on your nerves. It gets hot enough to disrupt your family planning, has a bigger turning radius than a truck and rocks and rumbles at slow speeds. The racetrack is its home environment and once on track, the RSV4 will make you forget all its nagging issues and turn you into a superhuman. So if riding your fast motorcycle on the track is your thing, the Aprilia RSV4 RF is in a league of its own. For the other mortals there is always the cheaper and plenty competent RSV4 RR.

Where does it fit in?

The RSV4 RF goes up against the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R which is priced at Rs. 21.90 lakh, the BMW S1000rr Pro priced at Rs. 19.20 lakh, Yamaha R1 at Rs. 20.73 and the MV Agusta F4 which tops the chart at Rs. 26.12 lakh.

Photography by Kapil Angane

Gear Check

1: Shoei X12: Now replaced by the X14, the X12 was one of the best racing helmets made by Shoei. Fits like a glove and extremely aerodynamic. Price - Rs. 55,000 - X14

2: RS Taichi Mesh Jacket: Very good fit coupled with extremely good airflow, the RS Taichi is the perfect summer jacket. Price – Rs. 11,000

3: Mugen Race Leather Gloves:  These are the Mugen MNR 1579G leather gloves which not only offer a supreme fit but also great ventilation. Need to be worn in well though. Price – Rs. 4,000

4: AGV Sport Willow Leather pants: These AGV pants are made of high quality cowhide leather and are comfortable on the track and on the street. Price – Rs. 14,000

5: TCX R-S2 Boots: The R-S2 have now been replaced by R-S2 Evo. These are top of the line racing boots with brilliant protection and a great fit. Price – Rs. 29,000

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Aprilia RSV4 RF mileage

Aprilia RSV4 RF mileage

The ARAI mileage of Aprilia RSV4 RF is 12 kmpl.

RSV4 RF mileage details

RSV4 RF Specifications & Features

Standard

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          999.6 cc
        • Max Power
          195.5 bhp @ 13000 rpm
        • Max Torque
          115 Nm @ 10500 rpm
        • Mileage - ARAI
          12 kmpl
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          -
        • Riding Range
          222 Km
        • Top Speed
          300 Kmph
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          6 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          -
        • Cylinders
          4
        • Bore
          78 mm
        • Stroke
          52.3 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          4
        • Compression Ratio
          13.6:1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          1 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Liquid Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          18.5 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          4 litres
        • Emission Standard
          BS4
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+21)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          Öhlins fork with TIN surface treatment
        • Rear Suspension
          Ohlins Racing monoshock
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          320 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          220 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Brembo Monobloc Radial Callipers
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          120/70 ZR 17
        • Rear Tyre Size
          200/55 ZR 17
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          180 kg
        • Seat Height
          845 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          130 mm
        • Overall Length
          2040 mm
        • Overall Width
          735 mm
        • Overall Height
          1120 mm
        • Wheelbase
          1420 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Aluminium dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Analogue
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          Maintenance Free
        • Front Storage Box
          No
        • Under Seat Storage
          No
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          No
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          Yes
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          -
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          No
        • USB Charging Port
          No
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          Yes
        • Pillion Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Footrest
          Yes
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

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      Aprilia RSV4 RF User Reviews

      5.0/5

      (8 Ratings) 6 Reviews

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience

      Looks and performance

      4 years ago


      Sujith

      The look and style was very attractive to anyone. But the tale was not satisfied all customers. But the power was not compared with any other 1000cc. The stunning looks and the v4 engine was to attract the customers. And the weight was also very less than other 1000cc bikes. At the same time they produce high brake horse power than other 1000cc bikes. It was my dream bike but the service was not satisfied in india. Try to make better. At least found one service center to one state.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      13 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      After 2500 km need to change the engine oil and using only the fully synthetic oil. If to go long trip and need to change the oil and to check up to top up the oil. One time oil change use one long trip.

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      3


      Never saw a bike like this

      5 years ago


      Deepak

      1.It is pretty cheap compared to others 2. Amazing no other words to describe. 3.Sexy and sleek design performance is extraordinary 4.Service is great and maintenance is easy. This bike is best expensive bike, when compared to its performance it is awesome, stunning looks and its engine starting sound is very attractive, for better performance we have to maintain nitrogen gas to fill in tubeless tyres and servicing charge is reasonable and one more thing is, it has very less servicing centres in India.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      3-6 months

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Was this review helpful?

      1


      8


      Rsv4 rf riders review

      5 years ago


      Sean Sabu

      I have been using this for few months i use this bike only for leisure rides this bike is amazing perfect drag bike this bike is not good for daily use but gives a smile on your face when u ride this awesome beast The bike is loud compared to other 1000cc bikes and gets more options while your ride gets the art of power everyone notices the bike the way it looks and the sound it produce is lovely.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      3-6 months

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      8 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      3


      0

      Hulk flash

      6 years ago


      Ramjee

      This bike is best expensive bike, when compared to its performance it is awesome, stunning looks and its engine starting sound is very attractive, for better performance we have to maintain nitrogen gas to fill in tubeless tyres and servicing charge is reasonable and one more thing is, it has very less servicing centres in India.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      3

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Occasional Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      10 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Engine oil should change depending on the usage of bike.

      Was this review helpful?

      3


      6

      Love for this bike

      6 years ago


      Vaibhav Chalase

      It’s a wonderful bike i loved its model it has a powerful engine,it looks awesome and its usd front suspension , and its features are really amazing hmmm wish i had this bike overall great bike for bike lovers .One more thing to say about this bike is its 999.6cc liquid cooled engine is same hope this notified.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      3

      Maintenance cost


      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Occasional Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      4

      Aprilla is best

      6 years ago


      Bhawen Kumar Mahto

      Look is so fabulous.

      Design is completely dashing.

      Smooth riding.

      Best technology leashed.

      Oh no only one sitter.

      Good service care.

      Sound of engine like giant .

      Awesome features.

      Specially as your choice on of technology like abs system.

      Digital meter display is so good.

      Best price. Best beast bike.

      No competitor.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      5

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      25 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Change oil after 3,000 kms, Use tubeless tyres etc

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      5

      Aprilia RSV4 RF Expert Reviews

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      Aprilia RSV4 RF News

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