Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1544888
P112 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY 1100 porates additional stegosaurus-style fins, as on Bez's RS-GP MotoGP machine. These changes are aimed at reducing drag and improving airflow efficiency, with claimed reductions in both straight-line resistance and lateral aerodynamic load. Updated bodywork sharpens the bike's look and improves aero efficiency. The redesigned tail integrates all rear lighting into a single unit that's easy to remove for track use. While it's difficult to isolate the exact contribution these aero upgrades have made, the overall package contributes to an extremely stable and planted motorcycle across the many high-speed sections to ride at Circuit of The Americas. One interesting thing to note is that the RSV4 doesn't get anywhere near as hot as it once did. Heat transfer from the engine has been improved with better airflow, new cool - ing fans, and revisions to the exhaust and catalytic converter. All this reduces the heat that eventually reaches the rider, which is a welcome revision on the racetrack. The RSV4 Factory 1100 comes with cruise control and a pit-lane speed limiter, and there are minor cockpit updates to the display graphics, backlit controls, a lighter top triple clamp, and a lithium-ion battery. It has always been a connoisseur's sportsbike, and the 2026 version is even more so. It's incredibly difficult to fault in a surface-level test such as this; perhaps some of its shortcomings would be more apparent on a month-long road test, but that's for another time. Given the fact this bike is far cheaper than its Italian rival in the Panigale V4 S, and cheaper as well than the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR from BMW, it's a wonder I don't see more of these bikes on the street. It is an incredible machine, one I can't even begin to scratch the surface of, and the level of tech at your fingertips is now real high-end, superbike-team stuff. Plus, it's Italian, with a 217 hp Italian V4. Bow down to Aprilia's superbike royalty. CN 2026 APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY 1100 ($26,499) Engine 65° longitudinal V-4, 4-stroke Valvetrain 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC Displacement 1099cc Bore x stroke 81.0mm x 53.3mm Compression ratio 13.6:1 Cooling System Liquid Max Power (claimed) 217 hp @ 13,100 rpm Max Torque (claimed) 92.2 lb-ft @ 10,800 rpm Fuel System Electronic fuel injection system, 53mm throttle bodies Exhaust 3-2-1 Transmission 6-speed, slipper clutch, quickshifter Electronics TFT dashboard w/ Race mode Backlit switch cubes; Aprilia MIA app; GPS and Lap Trigger; APRC system w/ 6-axis inertial platform; Engine Maps (AEM); Engine Brake (AEB); Cornering ABS (3 maps and Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation); Traction Control (ATC); Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC – adaptive and predictive); 6 Rid- ing Modes; Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS); Cornering lights; Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC); Aprilia Launch Control (ALC); Aprilia Pit Limiter (APL); Aprilia Slide Control (ASC); Öhlins electronically controlled steering damper; Corner By Corner Engine + Suspension Chassis Adjustable twin spar aluminum frame w/ pressed and cast sheet elements Front Suspension Öhlins 43mm electronically controlled fork, fully adjustable Rear Suspension Öhlins electronically controlled monoshock, fully adjustable Front-Wheel Travel 4.9 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 4.5 in. Front Brake Dual 330mm floating discs, Brembo Hypure radial-mount monoblock calipers, cornering ABS Rear Brake Single 220mm disc; Brembo caliper w/ two 32mm separate pistons, cornering ABS Front Tire 120/70 ZR17 in. Rear Tire 200/55 ZR17 in. Rake / Trail 26.5° / 4.1 in. Wheelbase 56.5 in Seat Height 31.3 in. Fuel Capacity 4.76 gal Weight (curb, claimed) 449 lbs.