Aprilia was first to launch its new metal ahead of the EICMA show in Milan next week, with the Noale factory unveiling the 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory. Murmurings of an 1100 have been bubbling away for the while now, and many site this as a middle finger salute to their buddies in Bologna.
Needless to say, the big news is that cubic hike to 1078cc thanks to new 81mm pistons and a bigger bore (up from 78mm), while the stroke remains at 52.3mm – a solution pinched from the Tuono. There’s a new oil pump, taller 5th and 6th gears, and the Marelli 7SM ECU features a new map and a reduced 13,600rpm redline. And that’s about the summary of the engine updates, save for that sexual road-legal Akrapovic exhaust.
The RSV4 has always been known for its sexy handling and we doubt a few extra ponies will upset its cornering prowess. Aprilia has decreased the offset by 2mm and the wheelbase has been reduced by 4mm, which brings the front-end closer to the pilot and more weight on the nose. Now it’s going to be even sharper and more agile, and weighs just 199kg (kerb).
There’s also an additional 5mm of fork travel (125mm in all) which is exactly what the bike needed to bring more feel to that innately stiff chassis, while the swingarm has been stiffened for precision. Brembo Stylema calipers – previously only reserved for the Panigale V4 – now adorn the 1100 Factory, along with factory-looking carbon ducts that feed air into the braking system. Brilliant for the morning commute on the M25.
And talking of carbon, the fairings and those winglets are all carbon. It’s a bit of a shame there’s no change to those now archaic aesthetics (well over 10 years old now) although the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory does look mighty fine in these pics from Imola. And the price? Not confirmed yet, but we’ve been told it’s far less than you think it should be.
Racers and purist lovers of 1000cc superbikes will be pleased to learn that Aprilia is still offering a 201bhp RR version, although it won’t feature any of the 1100’s Gucci upgrades. Only new paint and optional ‘track kit.’
We’ll be live from EICMA in Milan next week, so brace yourselves for an onslaught of 2019’s finest…
6 responses
…at least they should have done something with the headlights by now…
I think the headlights look great. I think it’s still the best looking litre bike. I have a 2015 R1 because I like the crossplane motor. I’m not a big fan of that Yamaha’s headlights. And my previous bike’s headlights ( 2009 R1) were pretty hideous ( kind of bug eyed). The s1000RR wasn’t pretty (although it’s new symmetric lights are looking pretty good). I think the Aprilia looks better than the ZX10R, the GSXR1000, the Fireblade,the R1 and the BMW. The Panigale has its rear too high in the air. Which headlights do you think look better than the Aprilia’s Dan?
Thanks for the entertaining website 44 Teeth!
We each have our own perspectives on this of course. I own a 2017 Tuono and think it is beautiful. It doesn’t bother me that the lights have not changed in design for some time, because for me the design works. I personally like this style, others may not. I certainly prefer the look to the transformer/insectoid look found on some other bikes or the bug-eyed look favoured by Triumph. To each his or her own
Thanks for the great early news Al. The photos look awesome, although IMO like many bikes, this one is going to need a tail tidy. I love my 2017 Tuono 1100RR, it being a better motorcycle than I am a rider, and would enjoy trying out the new RSV4 should the opportunity arise. I am nowhere near your riding skill level, but I still think it would be a blast. The only downside is that many insurance companies here in Canada have blacklisted the RSV4. Last fall, when I bought the Tuono, the brokers specifically told me when I was getting quotes before buying that the RSV4 was on a list and those few companies that would insure one were charging over double, nearly triple what I pay for my Tuono, and that was after a three bike discount. Not sure if you folks in the UK face the same kind of insurance nonsense.
Max Biaggi 84 years old…???
He was born in 1971..
Just incredible – it just gets better!