2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Superbike Smackdown Track Photo Gallery

The RSV4 Factory APRC blew us away by how nimble it is.

Aprilia’s swinging for the fences in this year’s Superbike Shootout with its up-spec RSV4. Read the review in the 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Track Comparison.

The Aprilia blew us away with how easy it steered into corners.

The RSV4 is the most compact-feeling bike in this test truly offering 600 Supersport-like proportions.

That latest iteration of the Aprilia RSV4 sportbike offers excellent handling through all points of a turn.

The cockpit of the RSV4 definitely favors riders of average or below height.

The RSV4 APRC awaits a fresh set of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa racing tires.

The RSV4 recorded high acceleration numbers out of turns.

The Aprilia’s Brembo brakes proved to be very effective in terms of braking force even though they didn’t offer the highest lever feel.

Superbike Smackdown IX Torque Comparison Chart

Superbike Smackdown IX Horsepower Comparison Chart

The $2699.95 Akrapovic EVO2 Full Carbon Racing Exhaust Kit removed five pounds off the RSV4 but didn’t boost the powerband.

The RSV4 Factory APRC comes equipped with an electronic quickshifter off the showroom floor but it wasn’t quite as fast shifting as the aftermarket Bazzaz or Dynojet set-ups.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC with kit Akrapovic racing exhaust available as an Aprilia accessory.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC instruments.

The Aprilia surprised us by how hard it drives off corners.

Editor Frankie Garcia would chose the Aprilia as his racebike because of the way it fits him.