Aprilia has thoroughly overhauled the RSV4 and RSV4 Factory for the 2025 model year. In addition to new aerodynamic winglets, Aprilia’s flagship has even more extensive electronics and a top power of 220 hp, making it the world’s strongest homologated production Superbike, according to Aprilia.
The story of the Aprilia RSV4 is a lot more successful than that of the BMW S 1000 RR. Both models were launched simultaneously, as a homologation model for the WorldSBK. With 47 world titles in road racing Grand Prix, Aprilia had achieved enormous success in its short history and had also already raced in WorldSBK with the RSV Mille, where it had already been more than half a century for BMW.
And it showed. While the world title in the prestigious WorldSBK – the world championship for production motorcycles – remained out of reach for BMW, the world championship was dominated by the Aprilia RSV4 for years. In total, Aprilia won no fewer than 7 world titles, until the emphasis shifted to MotoGP and the factory withdrew from WorldSBK.
That did not stop Aprilia from continuing to invest in the RSV4 and RSV4 Factory. In 2019, the engine capacity was increased from 999.6cc to 1,078cc by increasing the bore by 3mm to 81mm – indeed, the standard size of the MotoGP racer, but with a longer stroke. The top power increased to 217 hp at 13,200 rpm, an unprecedented value for that time.
The RSV4 1100 Factory was raced alongside the one-litre RSV4RR until homologation in the Italian Superbike Championship was opened to four-cylinders up to 1,100cc and the RSV4 1100 Factory could therefore be raced. That made the extra designation 1100 unnecessary and so Aprilia’s big Superbike is now called RSV4 and RSV4 Factory again.
According to the Italians, the 2025 RSV4 is the result of extensive work in the field of applied aerodynamics. The design of the new RSV4 has been completely redesigned with two main goals: better protecting the rider and reducing air resistance. Two stacked winglets have been added to the front of the engine. This new configuration, derived from Aprilia’s MotoGP experience and refined in the wind tunnel, increases downforce, improving cornering precision and high-speed stability.
The new aerodynamics also help reduce heat directed at the rider, according to Aprilia, complemented by the introduction of new, more powerful radiator fans. Overall, the new fairing reduces the drag coefficient (CX) by 6% and wheelie tendency by 8% compared to the previous version of the RSV4, delivering better acceleration with less physical effort.
The new RSV4 features a 5” color TFT screen with custom graphics, a fuel level indicator and new illuminated steering wheel controls. The upper triple clamp is also new and made from lighter aluminium, while the top-end Brembo braking system has been further improved with new Hypure calipers (front), which are lighter and more efficient than the previous Stylema calipers.
The beating heart of the RSV4 is the 65° V4, which has been taken to a higher level. It is the world’s first mass-produced high-performance V4 and the most revolutionary and powerful engine Aprilia has ever built. Despite meeting Euro 5+ regulations, it delivers higher torque and power: 220 PS at 13,100 rpm and 125 Nm at 10,800 rpm, making the RSV4 the world’s most powerful homologated production superbike.
These class-leading figures are the result of refinement work on Noale’s exceptional V4 engine, which now features a set of 52mm throttle bodies and a new exhaust system. The catalytic converter has been relocated to limit heat output to the rider and simplify the installation of the homologated slip-on exhaust from Aprilia’s extensive range of accessories.
A new chapter has been opened for the electronics on board all new Aprilia V4 models that control the active driver assistance systems. Aprilia has introduced a new generation of control systems, available as in-app purchases, allowing riders to optimize electronic settings based on their riding style and needs, without having to visit a dealer.
Aprilia’s new electronics packages strike a good balance between performance and safety, adding new features and adjustments to the RSV4’s already extensive set-up. The system helps riders to safely explore their limits while ensuring gradual improvement. This improvement is provided by new adaptive and predictive components for the wheely, traction and slide control.
The predictive component of the algorithm processes vehicle parameters in real time to anticipate interventions, ensuring smooth and precise operation. In addition, the advanced software continuously analyzes the motorcycle’s dynamic responses and the rider’s riding style, for more refined and precise control.
Both models are equipped as standard with the well-known 6-axis IMU, Ride-by-Wire and three riding modes that control the three levels of cornering ABS and the controls in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which has been significantly improved and expanded for 2025 . The ATC Aprilia Traction Control now works in synergy with the new ASC Aprilia Slide Control and can be adjusted in 3 positions.
Aprilia has also provided a new AWC Aprilia Wheelie Control, which is adjustable in 3 positions and now has a predictive strategy. Instead of abruptly aborting a wheelie, the system intervenes before the front wheel takes to the airspace. According to Aprilia, this adaptive function has been developed specifically for the circuit. In addition, the APRC also includes AEM Aprilia Engine Map (3 mappings), AEB Aprilia Engine Brake (3 positions) and AQS Aprilia Quick Shift – of course up and down.
For those who don’t go far enough, there is the RSV4 Factory, which is equipped with three additional packages: Track Pack, Comfort Pack and Race Pack. The former includes a racing display, ALC Aprilia Launch Control, APL Aprilia Pit Limiter and the new ASC Aprilia Slide Control. The second includes cornering lights and ACC Aprilia Cruise Control and the third includes a GPS module with an evolved version of the Corner-by-Corner functionality, which allows the electronics to be adjusted on a circuit-by-corner basis.
The Corner-by-Corner functionality is not only available for the traction, wheelie and slide control, but also for the semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, which is standard on the RSV4 Factory. This means that you can also adjust the suspension per bend. You can download that data to your smartphone via the fourth generation of the Aprilia MIA multimedia platform (also standard on the Factory).
Aprilia has designed and developed an extensive range of accessories for the RSV4 and RSV4 Factory. These premium items include various carbon parts, TPMS tire pressure sensors, many CNC-machined aluminum parts and a homologated slip-on exhaust from SC Project.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.