2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE

The brakes are the well-known Brembo monoblock radial type which stops the 395-lb (claimed dry-weight) with great authority. The only way to improve these items further is to fork out around 15,000 Euro or so for the items Max Biaggi uses on his superbike. The chassis is fully adjustable as you’d expect and nimble as a 250GP racer.

The 999.6cc V-4 engine feature state of the art technology such as independently controlled throttle bodies. Max power is still 180 horsepower at 12,250rpm and 115Nm at 10,000rpm but with improved torque delivery and acceleration in the three lower gears. The new exhaust also helps to improve power delivery.


These changes shoot the RSV4 Factory like a missile out of corners. Only the Ducati 1198 can rival in the corner exit war. The engine feels and sounds great, and for such a powerhouse there’s hardly any vibration. The mechanical slipper clutch helps stopping the bike quickly, and only on two occasions during my day in the saddle could I feel any chatter while hard on the brakes.

The RSV4 Factory APRC SE can be visually distinguished by its special decals and the tricolore on the lower fairing. Those in the know will notice the new exhaust and that fat 200mm rear tire, too.

If the APRC Special Edition (only 350 to be manufactured) turns out a success (inevitable!) the technology will be fed down to both the RSV4 R and the next RSV4 Factory. Also expect an APRC system drip down to other Aprilia road products where the Dorsoduro 1200 was the first one out.