In the past 6 months, we have been spoilt rotten by Aprilia. Firstly we get the brand new RS660, which bodes a great new spec and price for a middleweight sportbike, proving that smaller cc sports bikes are not dead. By all accounts, sales of the new RS660 have been sublime with orders flooding in. Last week we got news of a new 660 Tuono, sharing the same engine as the RS660, but with a modified chassis, shorter gearing and the more upright Tuono riding position. We also got news of a Tuono X model limited to 25 units but possibly the ultimate Tuono ever made. Not content with this Aprilia has also announced revised RSV4 and Tuono models for 2021.
The new RSV4 and Tuono V4 have had a styling update to look like their 660 counterparts. The styling updates include Aprilia’s double skin fairings which house the wings, new chassis updates and an evolved electronics package. Both models have also benefitted from the Aprilia superbike program making the bike a better fit for the rider with a new shape to the tail fairings and fuel tank.
The Tuono continues with the 175hp V4 motor and is available in two versions, the standard V4 and the V4 Factory. The engine now meets Euro 5 emission standards with a new exhaust system.
The standard V4 features the Tarmac Grey and Glacier White colour schemes, increases in comfort level, with raised handlebars and a more protective forward fairing. The pillion benefits from lower footpegs ensuring passengers are comfortable too. Aprilia has also offered dedicated asymmetrical panniers for the V4 Tuono for the first time with the standard model.
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The Tuono V4 factory has an increased spec complete with Ohlins 2.0 semi-active suspension. Both Tuono models gain the triple LED lighting shown on the 660 models, complete with Daytime running lights. Other electrical improvements include a new TFT colour dash, larger in size and giving more data, improved ride by wire throttle control and a new Marelli ECU which benefits all the IMU and electronic management settings. Added to this over last years model is adjustable engine braking control, and now six-rider modes, with three in total being customisable. The V4 Tuono chassis gets a revised swingarm, with feedback from the WSBK and Moto GP teams, it has been braced and strengthened whilst being made lighter with revised geometry from racing.
2021 Aprilia RSV4
Keeping with the Tuono V4, RS660, and Tuono 660, the 2021 RSV4 keeps the double skin wings, Aprilia says they have done extensive modelling and wind tunnel analysis and this shape gives a very low coefficient of drag but conversely gives increased downforce. Aprilia are also using the air manipulated by the wings to cool the engine and flow hot air away from the rider. As with the 2021 Tuono, the RSV4 gains from the WSBK and Moto GP project in terms of bike fit. Revised fuel tank and seat, allow the rider to fit with the fairings better and assume a more natural riding position.
The RSV4 benefits from the electronics package upgrade same as the Tuono V4, with the same Marelli 11MP ECU, new TFT instruments, 6 rider modes and adjustable engine braking features. Also gains from the full LED lighting package on the previous models. Two models an RSV4 and RSV4 Factory are coming with the factory gaining forged aluminium wheels, and the same semi-active Ohlins on the new Tuono and Brembo’s Stylema brake calipers.
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Also, the RXV4 gets a revised swingarm like the Tuono, gaining additional bracing and geometry changes while reducing the overall weight. The engine has also been revised to meet Euro5 standards, the capacity has been increased to 1099cc, giving 217hp and more torque compared to the outgoing Euro4 model.
Colour schemes have also had a tweek with the RSV4 being available in only the Dark Losail colours, whereas the RSV4 Factory will be available in Aprilia black and lava red schemes.
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