2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory First Ride Photo Gallery

The Aprilia RSV4 has about the same amount of usable power as the new cross plane crank Yamaha R1 but packed into a far more compact engine, making the RSV4 smaller and more agile.

The power seems to roll on in slow motion, thanks to the RSV4’s linear torque curve and seemingly lazy power delivery.

There’s lots of low-down grunt, a fat midrange and a storming top end, a fantastic mix of big twin and in-line-four.

Pile into a slippery turn, bang down through the gears and the RSV4’s slipper clutch removes most of the engine braking and prevents rear wheel lock-up on all but the most slippery sections.

The chunky top yoke and Ohlins fork tops dominate the rider’s view. A multi-function LCD display shows everything from speed to the engine map you’re using. A big tacho takes centre stage, it doesn’t matter where the needle is, there’s always power on tap.

There’s no doubting the RSV4 is small, but you can still squeeze on even if you’re a six-footer like Neevesy, although if you’re any bigger it might start to get uncomfortable. Pegs are high but the 845mm tall seat position is too. Smaller riders fit, and look, better.

The V4 Aprilia is as friendly and easy to ride in wet conditions as a Suzuki SV650, but with the straight line speed a FireBlade would be proud of.

2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory

Ogling the RSV4 in pitlane I wasn’t sure if I’d wet myself or if the rain had finally soaked through my leathers.

It’s not shiny and blinged out like a Ducati.It’s more subtle, like a factory MotoGP bike.

The styling is gorgeous, especially the Batmobile tail.

2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory

There’s lots of feel transmitted through the chassis. The Ohlins forks and rear shock have a superb range of adjustment and today are softened off to give lots of movement in the rain for feel, and they still give the support needed for relatively hard braking and acceleration.

2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory

2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory