Aprilia RSV 1000 (2013-2015): A Track-Bred V4 Masterpiece Tested

Introduction

The Aprilia RSV 1000, particularly the RSV4 lineage from 2013 to 2015, isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of Italian engineering audacity. Born from Aprilia’s World Superbike dominance, this generation refined the RSV4 into a razor-sharp machine that blurred the line between production bike and race prototype. Having thrown a leg over a 2015 RSV4 RR, what strikes first is its compact aggression: the 65° V4 engine growls with the urgency of a caged animal, while the aluminum frame gleams like a machinist’s trophy. This isn’t a bike that asks politely for attention—it demands it.

Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Fury

The RSV4’s design is a masterclass in purposeful minimalism. The triple-LED headlights, a nod to the original RSV Mille, slice through the air alongside wind-tunnel-optimized fairings. At 845 mm (33.2 in), the seat height feels committed—this is no relaxed sport-tourer. Yet, the redesigned fuel tank (18.5L capacity) nestles the rider into a focused, elbows-in stance. The mirrors? Forget practicality; they’re aerodynamic sculptures with integrated turn signals.

Surprisingly, the riding position isn’t medieval. The clip-ons are low but reachable, and the rearsets offer just enough room to shift weight mid-corner. At 182 kg (401 lbs) dry, it feels shockingly light when flicked into a hairpin—a testament to Aprilia’s obsession with mass centralization.

Engine & Performance: The 65° V4 Symphony

The 999cc 65° V4 is the star here, and it’s a diva in the best way. With 201 HP @ 13,000 rpm (RR model) and 117 Nm (86.2 lb-ft) of torque, this engine doesn’t build power—it detonates it. Below 8,000 rpm, it’s civilized, the Ride-by-Wire throttle offering smooth roll-ons. But cross that threshold, and the V4 transforms into a banshee. The intake howl through the variable-length ducts is mechanical opera, pushing to a 13,500 rpm redline that’s addictive.

What’s revelatory isn’t the peak numbers—it’s the delivery. Unlike inline-fours that pile on revs linearly, the V4’s power comes in a tidal wave. Acceleration from 100-200 km/h (62-124 mph) feels teleportive, the cassette gearbox (with Aprilia Quick Shift) slicing ratios without a clutch. The slipper clutch handles aggressive downshifts gracefully, though the real magic is in the engine’s versatility:

• Track Mode: Unlocks the full 201 HP, sharpens throttle response, and minimizes engine braking.
• Sport Mode: Tames power to ~180 HP for street-friendly bursts.
• Road Mode: A 150 HP setting ideal for rain or worn tires.

Electronics & Technology: APRC—The Rider’s Co-Pilot

Aprilia’s aPRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) suite was lightyears ahead in 2013. The 8-level traction control isn’t just intrusive nannying—it’s surgical. On a damp backroad, Level 5 allows playful slides, while Level 2 on track lets you dance on the edge of grip. The Wheelie Control (3 settings) is equally nuanced; Level 1 permits cheeky lofted front wheels without the ECU chopping power abruptly.

The Bosch 9MP ABS (3 modes) deserves praise. Track mode disengages rear ABS for controlled slides, while Sport mode combines anti-lock with rear lift mitigation. It’s not just safety tech—it’s a performance enhancer.

Handling & Dynamics: Chassis Sorcery

The aluminum twin-spar frame isn’t just stiff—it’s telepathic. Mid-corner bumps that would unsettle lesser bikes are absorbed with Öhlins/Sachs suspension poise. The RSV4’s party trick? Adjustability. You can tweak:
- Engine height in the frame
- Swingarm pivot position
- Steering head angle (24.5° stock)
- Rear ride height

On twisty roads, the 120/70-17 front and 200/55-17 rear Pirellis (Diablo Supercorsa SP) offer grip that borders on telekinesis. The Brembo M430 calipers (320mm discs) deliver stoic power, though serious track riders might upgrade pads.

Competition: How the RSV4 Stacks Up

In the 2013-2015 liter-class arena, the RSV4 faced titans:

1. BMW S1000RR (2015):
2. 199 HP inline-four, smoother power delivery.
3. More refined electronics but lacks the RSV4’s raw character.

4. Heavier at 204 kg (450 lbs) wet.

5. Ducati 1199 Panigale:

6. 195 HP V-twin with apocalyptic torque.
7. Monocoque chassis sacrifices adjustability.

8. Overheats in traffic; the RSV4’s liquid cooling manages better.

9. Yamaha YZF-R1 (2015):

10. Crossplane crank inline-four mimics V4 character.
11. Lacks Aprilia’s chassis customization.
12. Electronics package feels less intuitive.

The RSV4’s Edge: That 65° V4—exotic, high-revving, and sonically brutal. Combined with chassis adjustability unseen in rivals, it’s a bike that molds to the rider, not vice versa.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning an RSV4 requires mechanical sympathy. Key points:

1. Valve Adjustments:
2. Intake: 0.10-0.15 mm (0.0039-0.0059 in) cold
3. Exhaust: 0.20-0.25 mm (0.0079-0.0098 in) cold

4. Check every 12,000 km (7,456 miles)—critical for high-RPM engines.

5. Oil & Fluids:

6. Engine Oil: SAE 5W-40 JASO MA, 4.1L with filter.
7. Coolant: 2.7L mixture—bleed carefully to avoid air pockets.

8. Brake Fluid: DOT 4; flush annually for ABS performance.

9. Tire Pressures:

10. Street: 2.3 bar front (33 psi), 2.5 bar rear (36 psi).

11. Track: Drop to 2.1 bar (30 psi) front/rear for heat buildup.

12. Chain & Sprockets:

13. 16/40 gearing stock. Upgrade to 520 pitch kits for weight savings.
14. Lubricate every 500 km (310 miles) with high-pressure grease.

Conclusion: The RSV4’s Lasting Legacy

The 2013-2015 RSV4 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a time capsule of Aprilia’s racing DNA. From the apocalyptic V4 scream to the chassis that forgives amateur errors while rewarding pro skills, it’s a bike that ages like fine Barolo. Sure, the dash feels dated next to modern TFTs, and the mirrors are useless above 160 km/h (100 mph). But these quirks are charms, reminders of an era when electronics enhanced—rather than sanitized—the ride.

For owners, MOTOPARTS.store offers upgrades to keep your RSV4 sharp:
- Lightweight sprocket kits for quicker acceleration
- High-performance brake pads for track days
- Öhlins cartridge kits to elevate Sachs suspension

In a world of homogenized superbikes, the RSV4 remains a rebel—a V4-powered statement that passion still trutes pragmatism.

Specifications sheet