Aprilia Rsv4
The Aprilia Rsv4 has a top speed of 299 km/h, produces 217 hp and weighs 202 kg. Motoryk rates it 9/10.
The Aprilia RSV4 was introduced in 2009 as a purpose-built superbike developed directly from Aprilia's World Superbike Championship program, featuring a unique 65-degree V4 engine. It quickly established itself as a benchmark in the superbike class, winning multiple WSBK titles with riders like Max Biaggi and Sylvain Guintoli. Over successive generations including the Factory, RR, RF, and the 2021 RSV4 1100 Factory, it has continuously evolved with electronics, aerodynamics, and power upgrades, cementing its reputation as one of the finest track-focused production motorcycles ever made.
217 hp
Power
125 Nm
Torque
202 kg
Weight
299 km/h
Top Speed
7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L — estimated real-world average, varies significantly with riding style)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Unique V4 Engine
The RSV4 uses a narrow 65° V4 engine — a layout borrowed from Aprilia's MotoGP program. This gives it exceptional power density and a distinctive exhaust note unmatched by inline-4 competitors.
Watch the Valve Intervals
Valve clearance checks are required every 15,000 km and can be costly due to the engine's complexity. Always verify service history before buying, as skipped maintenance is a common issue on used examples.
Strong Resale Value
The RSV4 holds its value better than most superbikes, particularly Factory and RF editions. Well-maintained examples with full service history command a premium and sell quickly on the used market.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced 999cc 65-degree V4 engine, trellis frame, Aprilia Traction Control, Factory variant with Öhlins suspension.
Bored to 1000cc, revised airbox and exhaust, updated electronics package, restyled bodywork and new swingarm.
New 1077cc engine option (RR/RF), revised chassis geometry, fully updated APRC electronics suite, cornering ABS added.
Euro 5 compliance, 1099cc engine, 217hp, new aluminum frame, revised aerodynamics, winglets, updated six-axis IMU electronics.
Used Buyer Review
"The best used sportsbike money can buy, if you're careful."
$8,000-$16,000 usedThe RSV4 is genuinely one of the best sportsbikes ever made, but buying one used demands homework. That V4 engine is a mechanical masterpiece — urgent, musical, utterly addictive — and the chassis will embarrass bikes costing twice as much on a twisty road. Pre-2015 bikes are getting long in the tooth now, so target the 2015-onwards RF or RR variants if your budget stretches. Service history is non-negotiable here. Valve clearances need checking every 15,000km and the bill isn't pretty if ignored. Electronics packages on later bikes are genuinely brilliant rather than gimmicky. Watch for crash damage religiously — these get track-dayed hard by owners who thought they were Biaggi. Check the frame sliders, inspect the subframe welds, and get the steering head bearings checked because neglect shows up there fast. Fuel pump issues plagued earlier models too. Budget an extra $800-1,200 for a proper setup service after purchase. Do all that and you'll own something truly special for supercar money.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Aprilia Rsv4 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hesitation, uneven throttle response at low RPM
Rattling on cold start, especially high-mileage engines
Dashboard errors, sensor faults, check ABS and traction control
Noise at idle in neutral, aggressive riding history
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid but high-maintenance Italian superbike
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Aprilia Rsv4
Yamaha Yzf-r1
Bmw S 1000 Rr
Kawasaki Ninja Zx-10r
Aprilia Rsv4 Factory
Aprilia Rsv4 Rr
Compare Aprilia Rsv4 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Aprilia Rsv4 vs Yamaha Yzf-r1
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Aprilia Rsv4 vs Bmw S 1000 Rr
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Aprilia Rsv4 vs Kawasaki Ninja Zx-10r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Aprilia Rsv4 vs Aprilia Rsv4 Factory
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Aprilia Rsv4 vs Aprilia Rsv4 Rr
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Aprilia Rsv4 Guides
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Discussion
Aprilia Rsv4 Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Aprilia Rsv4? +
Throttle bodies need frequent syncing: Rough idle, hesitation, uneven throttle response at low RPM (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear and noise: Rattling on cold start, especially high-mileage engines (serious) | Electrical gremlins, connectors corrode: Dashboard errors, sensor faults, check ABS and traction control (moderate)
Is the Aprilia Rsv4 a good motorcycle? +
The best used sportsbike money can buy, if you're careful. Rating: 9.0/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting serious performance under budget. Avoid if: You skip services or lack mechanical sympathy.
What is the horsepower of the Aprilia Rsv4? +
The Aprilia Rsv4 produces 217 hp @ 13,000 rpm (2021+ RSV4 1100 Factory; base RSV4 approx. 201 hp), with 125 Nm @ 10,500 rpm (2021+ RSV4 1100 Factory) of torque. Top speed: 299 km/h.
Is the Aprilia Rsv4 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Aprilia Rsv4 is better for experienced riders (217 hp can be intimidating). Experienced riders wanting serious performance under budget Avoid if: You skip services or lack mechanical sympathy
Is the Aprilia Rsv4 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Aprilia Rsv4, notably: Cam chain tensioner wear and noise (Rattling on cold start, especially high-mileage engines). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Aprilia Rsv4 good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting serious performance under budget Fuel: 7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L — estimated real-world average, varies significantly with riding style).
How fast is the Aprilia Rsv4? +
The Aprilia Rsv4 reaches a top speed of 299 km/h, producing 217 hp at 202 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Aprilia Rsv4? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Aprilia Rsv4, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/aprilia/rsv4/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
