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
P110 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY 1100 RSV4, but the Piaggio marketing department was somewhat lax on the massive bragging rights avail- able from the revolutionary system. KTM was the first to run a full six-axis IMU in 2014 on their 1190 Adventure, but Yamaha was the first to have the full six-axis IMU fitted to a sport- bike with the 2015 YZF-R1. Ducati followed suit that same year with the 1299 Panigale. Much of this technology has come from Aprilia's experience in WorldSBK and MotoGP, even though MotoGP stopped using GPS for traction-control intervention in 2016 with the advent of the control ECU. Dorna had actually banned the use of GPS units supplied by external companies at the end of 2010, with the MotoGP commercial rights holders imple- menting a controlled GPS unit for the next five seasons. But we're not racing MotoGP here, and the GPS system is a serious boon for riders trying to extract maximum track performance, though it may be more complex than casual users will fully exploit (or are prepared to exploit). Suspension duties are handled by the semi-active Ӧhlins system, which is about as close to an elec - tronic magic carpet ride as you can get these days. This system was first seen with Honda and Ducati on their superbikes and is so good now, I'd have zero issues going racing with it. The Ӧhlins system adapts in real time to changing conditions, maintaining composure under hard braking, acceleration and rapid changes in direction. While that part is not ground - breaking—we've had electronic suspension for ages—it is amaz- ing how efficient the system now is. Get your preloads set and leave the system in Track mode, and you'll have to be going very, very fast indeed for any real need to change to the manual setting. The suspension provides such a planted, confidence-inspiring feel at the handlebars that it's almost impossible to fault. The RSV4 runs lightweight forged aluminum wheels, so it's easier for you to get the bike from bolt upright to into the corner (Top) Aprilia's new aero isn't a full revolution from the 2024 model but looks more cohesive while adding more front downforce. (Bottom) New stegosaurus- style seat fins add a touch of high-speed rear downforce and help you cut through the air.