Aprilia has updated its flagship suspersport offering, the RSV4 and the RSV4 Factory for 2021.
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The engine size has increased to 1099cc
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Aprilia has updated the electronics and instrumentation
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Design inspired by the RS 660
Spy shots from November 2020 gave away quite a bit about the design of the 2021 RSV4. The company has revealed the 2021 RSV4 and RSV4 Factory and there’s a lot more than just a styling update.
2021 Aprilia RSV4 design
Usually, it’s the lower capacity models that borrow styling elements from the flagship models, but in this case the RSV4 takes inspiration from the middleweight RS 660. Aprilia says that this design has an “extremely low aerodynamic resistance coefficient” and increases the air pressure in the airbox. For 2021, the winglets have also been integrated into the fairings. The bike also sports the LED headlights, which feature additional cornering lights. Additionally, it features revised ergonomics, owing to the new fuel tank and seat, and Aprilia say it's more “natural and relaxed”.
2021 Aprilia RSV4 electronics
For 2021, the RSV4 also gets a big update to its electronics. It uses a new TFT display that is larger and features controls that are more “functional and intuitive”. Aprilia has also used a new ECU and six-axis IMU platform that is said to improve performance. The company has also improved the control of the ride-by-wire throttle and the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system. The bike also features multi-level engine brake control, six riding modes, three for the track (including two customisable) and three for the road (including one customisable).
2021 Aprilia RSV4 mechanicals
The Italian superbike also gets a new swingarm that’s lighter. It's Inspired by the one on the Aprilia RS-GP used in MotoGP, designed to lower masses and increase the stability of the rear end in acceleration.
Aprilia hasn’t revealed complete details of the reworked V4 engine, but has said that it meets Euro 5 emissions while making more power and torque. The engine is now slightly larger than before at 1099cc as compared to 1077cc, and it now puts out 217hp.
2021 Aprilia RSV4, RSV4 Factory details
It’s available in two versions - RSV4 (only in the Dark Losail colour scheme) and RSV4 Factory (in the two Aprilia Black and Lava Red colour schemes). Both versions are powered by the same engine, but can be distinguished by the standard equipment which, for the Factory, includes forged aluminium wheel rims, the semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension system and the Brembo Stylema brake callipers.
Azaman Chothia
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