Hey, say want you want about me, but I said earlier I would give you my further thoughts on the Aprilia RSV4 R once I’d spent more quality time on the device and dammit, I’m a creature devoted to supporting my utterances. Anyway, as the insanely strong V-Four has now left my custody there is much to say (which will be dealt with in detail in all of the usual publications-consult your House Elf, or do some searches, to discover where they are). I will, however, share with you the following:
First, this bike is just another Aprilia. By saying that I wish to pass on a great compliment, as I’ve yet to ride one of these polished Italian machines and not find the build quality excellent. But solid construction is one thing; Aprilias take it a step further and really flaunt the fact that functional engineering can be beautiful. Artistic, even. The hellbeast that is the RSV is absolutely no exception in this regard, for while it is a performance masterpiece it still has that special attention to detail that makes this brand so desirable. The welds on the al-yoo-minium frame are so lovely they make people like me who have in fact welded at some point in our lives weep in appreciation. Hey, I don’t know whether it’s done by an artisan in Italy or an artisan in Italy that happens to be a robot from Japan, but it is a beautiful thing.
Performance: the Vee Fower is a serious rush. Unique power delivery in terms of feel, and it builds like a locomotive. Here’s techno-porn in the form of adjustable engine mapping, for you can select R for road (where horsepower is limited to 140) or S for Sport (where RPMs are limited slightly in lower gears a bit) or T for Track (which unleashes the entire herd of 180 horsepower to create mayhem and, basically, show you how good the chassis, suspension and brakes are). A long wheelbase for what is after all a race bike lends high-speed stability, but the bike still steers reasonably quickly if you give it some effort.
The bike went back to Aprilia in one piece, and I returned to my duties in similar shape. This is a really fine superbike, and very unique in personality. I shall watch its racing career with great interest.