2025 Aprilia RSV4 and RSV4 Factory First Look

For fans of MotoGP, it should come as no surprise that some of the most significant technical developments in production sportbikes over the last few years have come in the areas of aerodynamics and electronics. The link between the premier class of motorcycle racing and production motorcycle development—a relationship that directly feeds into the homologation requirements of superbike racing—is made ever clearer by Aprilia: Take a look at the 2025 RSV4 and RSV4 Factory superbikes, which sport MotoGP-derived aerodynamics and so-called predictive rider aids.

Aprilia’s main objectives in redesigning the RSV4′s bodywork were to reduce drag and increase rider protection. According to the Noale factory, the new aerodynamic strategy, highlighted by winglets protruding beneath the headlights, nets an 8 percent improvement in wheelie reduction. Simultaneously, despite the improved downforce, Aprilia was able to reduce the drag coefficient by 6 percent compared to the 2024 model.

Aprilia’s aero development in MotoGP has been highly successful—unsurprising, considering Romano Albesiano’s background in aerodynamics. Incidentally, Albesiano, Aprilia Racing’s current technical director (he’ll serve in the same capacity at HRC starting next season), was part of the development team of the original RSV4, along with Claudio Lombardi (previously with Ferrari and later associated with the infamous 990cc three-cylinder “Cube” MotoGP project), Luigi Dall’Igna (current Ducati Corse general manager), as well as legendary designer Miguel Galluzzi (father of the Ducati M900 Monster). For consumers, it’s great to see the fruits of Aprilia Racing’s labors on the track and on the showroom floor.

On the electronics side, the headliner is Aprilia’s new predictive electronic control strategy—which sounds similar, at least in theory if not in practice, to Ducati Vehicle Observer, the system’s rival from Borgo Panigale introduced on the 2025 Panigale V4 and Multistrada V4. According to Aprilia’s press release, the system processes real-time data (speed, lean angle, gear position, throttle position, etc.) and uses algorithms to “anticipate” what will happen next—or at least to determine the optimal electronic intervention of its associated functions: wheelie control, traction control, and yaw control (i.e., rear wheel slide). The press release adds that the wheelie control function is “designed for track sessions [and] learns the rider’s characteristics and adjusts the intervention level to ensure optimal performance.” Yes, you read that right: It “learns the rider’s characteristics.”

Aprilia also says it is introducing in-app purchases that allow riders to “optimize electronic settings according to their riding style and requirements without needing to visit a dealer.”

Both the base model and RSV4 Factory use a six-axis IMU that manages three levels of ABS and the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) suite, featuring: eight-level traction control that works in conjunction with predictive slide control, which itself can be independently set at three levels; three-level predictive wheelie control; three-level engine-brake control; and engine maps (three options). A bidirectional quickshifter and three preset ride modes are baked in.

The 5-inch TFT display features new graphics and a fuel-level indicator. Backlit controls on the switch cubes add some GT-esque usability for road riders. Track riders—those who can really take advantage of all the improvements—will be happy to hear that preparing the bike for track duty is easier than ever. Turn-signal indicators that double as the taillight (similar to what we’ve seen on late-model BMWs) are attached to the number plate for easy unbolting.

Aprilia also revised the RSV4’s beloved 65-degree V-4 engine to comply with Euro 5+ standards, taking the opportunity to boost performance in the process. Aprilia claims the 1,099cc engine now produces 220 hp at 13,100 rpm (up from 217 hp) and 92 lb.-ft. of torque at 13,100 rpm, making the RSV4—in Aprilia’s words—”the world’s most powerful homologated production superbike.” The improvements come from new 52mm throttle bodies, replacing the outgoing model’s 48mm units, and a new exhaust system. With all that power comes lots of heat. To improve thermal comfort, Aprilia repositioned the catalytic converter—presumably to the inside of the muffler, since the press release indicates it also simplifies fitting an aftermarket slip-on exhaust. More powerful radiator fans and the updated aero further help shed heat away from the rider.

While the chassis is largely unchanged, there is a new, lighter top triple clamp. On the braking front, Aprilia opted for the latest all-singing Brembo Hypure calipers. Because Stylemas are soooo 2024.

The RSV4 is available in two color options: Poison Yellow and Stingray Blue. The RSV4 Factory, available in Dark Kraken, gets a bevy of upgrades over the base model, including forged aluminum wheels and Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, which replace the Sachs units of the base model. In conjunction with the included GPS module, the suspension, wheelie control, and traction control can be set to adjust on a corner-by-corner basis. Full factory stuff here. The Factory version also includes track-focused features like a pit lane limiter, launch control, multimedia connectivity, and race dashboard. Additional road-going amenities include cruise control and cornering lights.

There’s no word yet on pricing or availability.