Aprilia RSV 4 - First Look

V-Four victory?

On February 22, Aprilia unveiled its new RSV 4 “Race Machine” at the Piaggio Group Covention in Milan. The new bike will be raced in World Superbike in 2009.

The machine's 65-degree V-Four powerplant, which was seen at the 2006 Milan Show, displaces 1000cc and should be good for around 200 hp, making it theoretically competitive in World Superbike racing. A road-going version may be introduced before the end of the year, and Aprilia expects it to be sold in the USA as a 2009 model, with plans to race it in the AMA Superbike series. No pricing or availability information was given.

This bike could finally give Aprilia the racing credibility it's been seeking. Although Aprilia has taken numerous titles in smaller-displacement racing classes, dominating 250cc and 125cc racing in 2006 and 2007, it has struggled in MotoGP and World Superbike.

The motor, which uses ride-by-wire technology and a unique 65-degree cylinder angle, is all-new but the chassis seems pretty standard. It uses a twin-spar frame, a large conventional swingarm and inverted forks with radial-mount Brembo calipers.

We'll be sure to keep you informed when we get more information about the upcoming street version.