Aprilia Updates RSV4, Tuono V4 1100, And Shiver 900

Aprilia has further refined its top model, the RSV4, to respond to the massive assault brought by the powerful Ducati Panigale V4. Aprilia renews the RSV4's graphics for the sharpest RSV4 thus far. The RSV4 comes in either matte black or matte gray—both very tough. As usual, the Aprilia superbike comes in RR and RF versions.

The RF is the top model, featuring Öhlins suspension units all around: NIX 43mm fork and TTX rear shock absorber. Both units are fully adjustable. The steering damper is also by Öhlins. The RR version is equipped with fork and shock units by Sachs, which could be argued as the second best choice available today, worldwide. The RF also uses forged aluminum wheels, shod with the latest Pirelli Diablo Rosso III in 120/70-17 and 200/55-17 sizes, front and rear.

The celebrated 65-degree V-4 remains rated at 201 hp at 13,000 rpm with 85 pound-feet of peak torque at 10,500 rpm. The fully integrated APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system offers all the riding and safety assistance functions that were originally developed for the racing bike: Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Launch Control, Quick Shift, Cruise Control, and Cornering ABS. The ride-by-wire system offers three rider-selectable settings. In addition to the refinement of its powerful electronics suite, the engine has been upgraded through the adoption of an even more efficient exhaust system and new ultra-tensile steel valve springs that ensure higher consistency on the long term, even with the latest extreme-lift polidyne cam grindings

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 shares the same technological approach of the RSV4 and related evolutionary policy. Again, peak power remains unchanged at 175 hp at 11,000 rpm with 89 pound-feet torque peaking at 9,000 rpm. The main improvements come in terms of higher efficiency to generate smoother throttle response at any rpm. The Tuono V4 1100 comes in RR and Factory editions.

The RR is equipped with Sachs suspension units, the Factory features the latest Öhlins electronically adjustable active suspension: NIX fork and TTX gas-charged shock absorber, both digitally managed by Aprilia’s SmartEC 2.0 software. The adoption of these units grants an increase of wheel travel from 117mm to 125 and 130mm, front and rear respectively.

The Tuono V4 1100 shares the same electronic suite and functions of the RSV4 superbike. Equally, the wheels, tires, and brakes units are the same as the RSV4.

Aprilia Shiver 900 is a roadster powered by the Aprilia 90-degree V-twin that evolved in 2018 from the original 750cc displacement to a larger displacement by mating the 750cc bore, 92mm, to the excellent (but unfortunately phased-out) 1,200cc stroke, 67.4mm. The unit generates a claimed 95 hp peak power at 8,750 rpm and 66 pound-feet of peak torque at 6,500 rpm.

This is nothing new; the Aprilia Shiver 900 was tested by Cycle World earlier this year, but the engine now features the latest-generation Marelli 7SM integrated ECU for improved efficiency and smoothness. In addition, the engine now features low-friction pistons, a semi-dry sump lubrication system that eliminates losses caused by oil splashing. To make cold starts easier even under the most hostile weather conditions, the engine is provided an automatic decompression system.

Shiver 900 is equipped with a powerful electronic suite, like all the Aprilia models, featuring all the most advanced riding and safety assistance apps. The Traction System is now associated with the Continental two-channel ABS system which controls the Brembo braking system sporting twin 320mm front rotors mated to four-piston radial calipers. The chassis is based on a steel-tube trellis frame and features a Kayaba 41mm inverted fork and Sachs shock absorber, cantilevered on the right side of the rear swingarm.