2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Hot Lap At Thunderhill Raceway Park

Modern-day superbikes are about exploiting outright performance in search of the perfect lap, and no comparison test of said motorcycles would be fair without giving each contestant its chance. As part of the 2019 Cycle World Shootout, we brought to the fight the 2019 Ducati V4 S and 2020 BMW S 1000 RR, along with the big-bore 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory.

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Our testing grounds? Thunderhill Raceway Park’s 15-turn, 3-mile east course known for its mix of sweeping corners, dramatic elevation changes, long straightaways, and strenuous braking zones. A regimented testing schedule and fresh Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC race rubber meant each motorcycle would have equal opportunity to set a hot lap with road test editor and full-time MotoAmerica racer Michael Gilbert as pilot.

The updated and bored-out for 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory was the last in the batting order.

Applying strong brake pressure at the end of Thunderhill’s fifth-gear straightaway uncovers the Aprilia’s untouchable front-end feel and performance, not to mention sheer speed through turns 1, 2, and 3. Sure, it’s the heaviest of the bunch and requires the most upper-body strength to maneuver through the track’s side-to-side transitions, but the big-bore booms onto the exit of turn 6.

The second half of Thunderhill begins with a series of consecutive left-handers that demand tractable power and chassis stability. Thankfully for the Aprilia, it’s got it. A direct throttle connection and refined electronics package allow for controllable wheelspin and strong corner-exit performance, then unleashing all of its 190 ponies.

At the checkered flag, the Aprilia clocked 1:53.91—the fastest of this year's Cycle World Superbike Shootout.

Top Speed: 161.33 mphFastest Lap: 1:53.91

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