2011 Aprilia RSV4 Review

The 2011 Aprilia RSV4 APRC is probably the most technologically advanced production sports bike ever with the introduction of the Aprilia Ride Control System (APRC). This is the most high-tech traction control system ever seen on a production bike, using an inertial sensor platform with two gyro meters and two accelerometers to detect any changes in the dynamic conditions of the bike, like wheelie or slid. The information is used by the ECU to control the engine’s performance accordingly by varying certain electronically controlled throttle bodies and the ignition curve. Moreover, the bike’s APRC system is actually able to learn to use different sized tires fitted by calculating their final gear ratio and radius.

In simple words, the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 APRC offers a huge amount of fine-tuning from the handlebars. The system also includes wheelie and launch control systems with adjustments, and three engine power modes too. In fact, the options can be overwhelming at first. Despite the impressiveness of the bike’s technology, there are some flaws that impact the performance of the electronics. One of them is the fly-by-wire throttle system. It lacks the feedback present when using a conventional throttle and it can be a little too sensitive. Even the smallest wrist movements have a big impact on the power delivery, which makes smooth performance difficult to achieve while driving around the city. It also makes slow cornering around turns and tight bends difficult because the bike delivers power abruptly and quickly.

Another problem with the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 APRC is the clutch-less shift system. If the revs are high and the throttle is fully twisted back, the system works really well. However, it tends to be a problem in every other situation. There is a cut in power that goes unnoticed at higher revs but tends to be too long and too big to go smoothly in lower revs. It also tends to upset the chassis balance, which becomes a problem when cornering and deciding to switch to another gear. Nevertheless, the system is not as bad as that in the Ducati 1198 but not as good as the BMW S1000RRR. Apart from the APRC system, the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 offers quite a bit of power from its V-Twin four-cylinder engine. Power delivery from the compact engine feels great and almost exotic. It lacks the acceleration of the inline four-cylinder engines used in Japanese bikes, but it does have lots of midrange torque that makes it easier to pull through a tight bend harder. The exhaust note in particular is amazing, and the suspension system dampens most road imperfections but stiffens the ride when it moves through the stroke. The bike shines more with the traction control and suspension when exiting corners.