2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS SBK SE Onboard Video Review
Observations from the saddle
Here’s something a bit new for us at Motorcycle.com: a video review of a motorcycle while it’s being ridden.
After shooting our recent Exotic Superbike Shootout, we had way more onboard commentary than we could fit into our Street-based video about BMW’s stunning HP4, Ducati’s raucous Panigale R and Aprilia’s flavorful RSV4 Factory.
Also see the racetrack portion of our Exotic Superbike Shootout
We began with our Chief Editor Kevin Duke’s take on the R version of Ducati’s sexy Panigale and followed it up with Troy Siahaan’s review from the seat of the BMW HP4. In this episode you’ll see my commentary while aboard Aprilia’s inspiring superbike flagship, the RSV4 Factory APRC in North American-only SBK SE guise that celebrates Max Biaggi’s World Superbike championship in 2012.
The base Aprilia RSV4 R APRC won runner-up in the Best Value category of our Best Motorcycles Of 2013 awards due to its relatively paltry $13,999 MSRP. The high-test Factory model in this review shares basically the same chassis, engine and electronics package but adds several premium components (forged wheels, Ohlins suspension) to make it even better. And with a retail price of $20K, it’s the least expensive bike in our Exotics shootout.
The RSV4 is one of the sweetest handling exotic Italian superbikes available today, and when it comes to exotic superbike value, it’s tough to beat the Aprilia RSV4 and its rush of linear power with a melodious V-4 soundtrack. If visions of grandeur permeate your brain while riding your local trackday event, the Aprilia RSV4 will elevate your dreams to World Superbike domination.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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