Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory 2019

It was opening Pandora’s box to break certain rules. Orbiting around the 200 horsepower mark, hypersports seemed to have found a kind of balance in madness. Except that Ducati has shaken up the bans with the 1299 Panigale. A missile with more displacement for more power… for the road. While an approved version remained in the nails to meet the laws of competition.
The cover was put back with the 1100 Panigale V4. From then on, with the locks becoming illusions, who would keep from falling into excess? Aprilia, the best Italian enemy, in turn plunges into vertigo by overpowering the RSV4. Watts everywhere and a dynamic bonus.

Let’s not wait and panic the senses. By typing its 4-cylinder V to 1078 cc, the Noale brand offers an impressive 217 horsepower to the 1100 RSV4 Factory. Crazy. A spoonful more than the Panigale V4, 16 more than the 1000, 89 more since the first RSV. It is no longer worth wondering if a limit will exist.
Before trying to resist the formidable power of Aprilia, let’s see what the engine manufacturers are doing. To find volume, simply push the bore from 78 to 81 mm; the stroke remains the same, with 52.3 mm. It is the same recipe used as for the mutation of the Tuono in 2015. Also big winner of the operation, the torque, up 0.7 mkg for a maximum of 12.4 mkg.
We kept the angle of the V4, the compression ratio, its hoarse and dry rumble. Then plunged your hands into the block to improve a lot of components. Let’s quickly list: new pistons, double-jet oil lubrication and increased flow, optimized distribution for the intake valves, more aerodynamic injection throttle support, new mapping, 13,600 rpm breaker, extended fifth and sixth gear , APRC re-calibrated electronics and revised exhaust. The new arrangement of the collector, the eye will pay little attention; but the Akrapovic titanium silencer supplied as standard, it can be seen and heard.
0 – Go. Under the fire of its engine, the RSV4 1100 Factory offers 305 km / h, after a pursuit of 200 km / h reached in 7.5 seconds from the start. That is, approvingly the time it takes to read this sentence, the previous one, and find a watch to verify it. 200.

End of the straight line … already? But wait another second, nab the brakes, take the Gs, turn, weld again. Confidence in the chassis may be total. Since its release, the RSV4 has been a part-cycle goddess. Forged rims, perimeter frame and large swingarm (more rigid here) in aluminum are flawless. Especially since on the Factory (and RF) versions, the position of the engine, the column angle and the pivot point of the swingarm are adjustable. Add hanging elements ÖFully adjustable hlins too and it is touted as one of the best tools in production. On the 1100, the inverted fork gains 5 mm of travel for 125 mm of travel. We find the TTX single shock absorber and a steering damper, both also Swedish. New steering rings and a reduced wheelbase of 4mm bring the rider closer to the front for more load. Aprilia wanted to increase control, stability, without compromising agility.
Jump between turns, transform the power, do not let the stopwatch slip away, look for another tenth …. And m ……. Missed the brake mark. Quick, crush the lever until the Brembo calipers are bruised. Who laugh at exercise. The RSV4 1100 Factory takes advantage of its evolution to swap the already excellent M50s for Stylemas, which are even more efficient. The best is still possible by picking carbon cooling scoops in the options corner. Material found for the front fender, some side panels, and fins.
Yes, fins, or widgets. As in MotoGP and as in the special RF Limited Edition series. Aprilia thus transfers its know-how developed to the RS-GP, with the aim of increasing stability at high speed thanks to the downforce generated. In exchange, the silhouette loses its superb finesse. The dark color seeks to highlight the noble materials of the machine. But what sadness! Especially in the face of racing decorations that the manufacturer usually knows how to concoct for us.
All the changes must affect the weight ….. Yes, but downwards. With its Akra pot and a lithium battery, this RSV4 goes down to 199 kilos. Let’s start being afraid of taking such a missile on the road. Except that….

Except that the electronics keep watch. The APRC assistance pack is in its fourth generation, comprising:
– ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, traction control, adjustable in stroke without releasing the throttle, on 8 levels
– AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, the wheelie control system, adjustable on 3 levels, It can be adjusted while racing without cutting the throttle, like ATC
– ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, the starting assistance system adjustable on 3 levels.
– AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, active upshift and downshift shifter.
– APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter, the speed limiter in the pits.
– ACC: Cruise control..
Now, the box also contains ABS cornering (active in bends) and RLM, an anti-lift of the rear wheel when braking.
There are also three driving modes, Sport – Track – Race, all delivering the same power but not in the same way.
All the settings and information pass through the TFT screen, which is brighter on the 1100. A new little trip to the accessory department allows us to nab the MIA multimedia platform. This allows you to connect a Smartphone via Bluetooth and then define the machine settings turn by turn; worthy of competition at high level. There is also infotainment, plus the ability to handle calls or other trinkets.

The race for power is on again. This time without bothering with the regulatory limitations of displacement. Kawasaki plays personally, with a compressor. Italy is charting a new path, very tempting to find watts. This Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory gains engine as well as improvements on many points. The competition is excluded, while the ways of the surge on roads and circuits are widened.

M.B – Photos constructor