2025 Aprilia RSV4 and RSV4 Factory – First Look

There’s a new RSV4 and RSV4 Factory from Aprilia for 2025, though you wouldn’t know it by the looks of it. In fact, we came close to brushing off the RSV4 when we first got these images since, yet again, the bike basically looks the same as it always has for nearly two decades. However, as we read through the press materials, an important number came up: 220. That’s how much (crankshaft) horsepower Aprilia claims the new Euro5+ compliant RSV4 engine makes which, according to Aprilia, would make the RSV4 the world’s most powerful homologated production superbike. Numbers and claims like that deserve some attention on the pages of Motorcycle.com, so we’re going to give it some.

First things first. We’re big fans of Aprilia’s V4 engine. Since its inception, we’ve loved the sound it makes across the board. The very first iterations of the engine were a bit underpowered, but as the years went on and displacements got bigger, the lack of power went out the window. In this latest guise, the 1100cc (1099cc, to be exact) 65º V4 meets Euro5+ standards, and in so doing, is also said to make 220 horsepower at 13,100 rpm and 92.2 lb-ft of torque at 10,800 rpm. Aprilia’s coy on details about how it achieved such numbers other than to say the engine now has bigger throttle bodies measuring 52mm (up from 48mm) and a new exhaust system. The catalytic converter has also been moved to reduce the amount of heat getting to the rider.

Taming all that power is the same basic chassis the RSV4 was born with, and as much as it gets criticism for hardly changing, the truth of the matter is that it works just as well now as it did then. Surrounding the frame is a new set of bodywork which looks largely the same as before except for one key feature: the huge wing underneath the triple LED headlight.

Born from MotoGP, the new bodywork has two main goals: to better protect the rider and to reduce drag (which, one could argue, Aprilia could have done by negating the wings altogether, right?). Nonetheless, Aprilia didn’t give specific downforce numbers, but does go on to mention the new bodywork reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient by 6% and the tendency to wheelie by 8% compared to last year’s model. They also help to reduce the heat directed towards the rider, a job also made possible by the new, more powerful radiator fans.

Not surprisingly, the RSV4 comes with a litter of electronics. Now, however, the information comes to the rider via a 5-inch TFT dash with new graphics, a fuel level indicator, and backlit switches on the handlebar. While we’re up here, the rider will find a new, lighter triple clamp, and down below, Brembo’s Hypure calipers replace the Stylema units and are lighter and more efficient.

As for the electronics suite itself, both models come equipped as standard with a six-axis inertial platform, a Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle, and three riding modes that manage the three levels of Cornering ABS and the controls in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes:

• ATC: Aprilia Traction Control: adjustable on the fly without closing the throttle, with eight levels. It offers more effective intervention logic and now works in synergy with the new ASC (Aprilia Slide Control), which is adjustable to three independent levels.
• (New) AWC, Aprilia Wheelie Control: the new wheelie control system, adjustable to three levels, features predictive strategies. The system doesn't intervene abruptly to mitigate a wheelie in progress but acts smoothly before the event occurs, enhancing performance.
• AEM, Aprilia Engine Map: three different mappings available to modify the engine’s character and power delivery.
• AEB, Aprilia Engine Brake: the three-level adjustable engine brake control system with a specific algorithm that optimizes operation by considering the lean angle.
• AQS, Aprilia Quick Shift: the electronic gearbox for lightning-fast gear changes without closing the throttle or using the clutch. It comes with a downshift function, enabling downshifting without engaging the clutch. It also allows downshifting with an open throttle.

Standard equipment on the RSV4 Factory, includes:

• Race Dashboard: the track-focused instrument cluster configuration.
• ALC, Aprilia Launch Control: the track-only starting assist system, adjustable to three levels for track-only use, featuring highly effective operating strategies.
• APL, Aprilia Pit Limiter: the system that allows the rider to select and limit maximum speed in the pit lane or easily comply with road speed limits.
• (New) ASC, Aprilia Slide Control: the new three-level adjustable function to prevent and limit rear wheel side slip. Like the new AWC, ASC also features predictive functionality.
• Bending lights: a pair of auxiliary headlights within the headlight housings illuminate the inside of corners, improving visibility whilst leaning.
• ACC, Aprilia Cruise Control: convenient during longer journeys, allowing the rider to maintain a set speed without using the throttle.
• GPS Module with Corner-by-corner electronics functionality. As with the most advanced race bikes, this system automatically adjusts ATC and AWC electronic settings according to the preferences set by the rider before going out on track. This is the latest evolution of the corner-by-corner management system, which Aprilia first introduced in 2015.
• Corner-by-corner suspension functionality. This system automatically adjusts the electronic settings of the semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension according to the preferences set by the rider before going out on track.
• Fourth-generation Aprilia MIA multimedia platform. This allows riders to connect their smartphones to the bike, extending the instrument cluster functions and enabling data download for analysis.

Before you get too excited, Aprilia’s materials state that some of the “control systems” will be available as in-app purchases, enabling riders to optimize electronic settings according to their riding style and requirements without needing to visit a dealer. Yes this is controversial, but on the surface anyway, it sounds like a better option than visiting your dealer to unlock a feature, and it’s much better than having to subscribe to a feature. Exact details on what this means, and what control systems are affected, are unclear as of press time.

Aprilia has designed and developed a comprehensive range of accessories for customizing the RSV4 and RSV4 Factory. These items include various carbon-fiber components, tire pressure sensors, many CNC-machined aluminum parts, and SC Project’s homologated slip-on exhaust.

Following tradition, the Aprilia RSV4 Factory features premium equipment, including forged aluminum wheels and the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system, replacing the RSV4's fully adjustable Sachs mechanical suspension. All electronic packages come as standard, including the new Slide Control function, the corner-by-corner suspension and engine power delivery calibration. It is available in a single color scheme - Dark Kraken - making the Factory instantly recognizable, also thanks to its combination with the two-tone seat.

Pricing for the standard RSV4 is $19,099, while the RSV4 Factory is set at $26,099.