Aprilia RSV4 RF review, test ride

Words struggle to describe just how far the Aprilia’s advanced electronics helped a track novice like me on this ride. The package includes launch assist, traction control and wheely control. That’s apart from the engine map management and advanced ‘race ABS’ brakes with rear wheel lift protection. Much of the electronics can be tailored corner-to-corner, around the basic settings manually locked in.

Wheely control at 3 and traction at 5 was where the electronics lifted far more effort off my mind. The RSV4 RF also has a quick-shifter, promoting perfect, lightning quick up-shifts through the six-speed transmission, without any throttle closure or clutch. A slipper clutch allowed us stress free hard braking.

The RSV4 RF is born with solid lineage, so Aprilia’s only made minor revisions to optimize their proven chassis, built around a twin spar, adjustable frame and beefy looking, double braced alluminium swingarm. Center of gravity is lower, the swingarm longer and trail reduced. There’s adjustable top-of-the-line Ohlins USD front forks, the steering braced by an adjustable Ohlins damper and an Ohlins racing monoshock below.

The brutal stopping power generated by the RSV4 RF’s powerful brakes had my wrists aching from all the hard braking at the track, with sustained braking into corners from 200kph plus. I can’t remember really using the rear brake even once, such was the confidence inspired by the front. The RSV4 RF comes together as a great handling package, everything working flawlessly, strongly supported by the electronics. The RSV4 RF has excellent stability at high speeds, steers into corners fast or slow with a stable, yet sharp and accurate enough feel.

You can book a 2015 RSV4 for Rs 19.04 to 20.77 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), taking home this fast Italian motorcycle, with impeccable race-bred handling and truly state-of-the-art-electronics. Full story with all the details from our track day at Misano in the upcoming June 2015 Autocar India magazine.