Mercedes Benz : 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory in M’sia

Latest entry in the Malaysian superbike market is the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory, priced at RM159,900 excluding road tax, insurance and registration, and includes a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Launched by Malaysian distributor Didi Resources at The Podium, Penchala, the RSV4 1100 Factory is Aprilia’s answer to rivals in terms of horsepower such as the Ducati Panigale V4 R (RM299,000) and the BMW Motorrad HP4 Race (RM521,000).

At the rarified atmosphere these race track weapons live in, power numbers at or below 200hp need not apply, and the RSV4 1100 Factory claims the V-four, 1,078 cc mill produces 217 hp at 13,200 rpm and 122 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. This compares against the 221 hp of the Panigale V4 R (234 hp with optional Akrapovic race exhaust) and 215 hp of the HP4 Race.

Fed by four Marelli 48 mm diameter throttle bodies with two injectors per cylinder and controlled by ride-by-wire, the RSV4 1100 Factory uses dynamic air intakes to optimise intake air volume and velocity for best power. A close ratio six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch with quickshifter gets power to the ground via chain final drive.

There is no standard exhaust for the RSV4 1100 Factory, the only option being a race-ready titanium full system made for Aprilia by Akrapovic. Bodywork is a mix of carbon-fibre and high impact plastic with the addition of winglets on the fairing in carbon-fibre. The first six units for the Malaysian market will receive the carbon-fibre front brake air scoops (normal price RM4,000) free of charge.

Naturally, almost everything on the RSV4 1100 Factory is adjustable, from the Ohlins 43 mm diameter, titanium-nitrided upside-down NIX forks, the TTX monoshock and steering damper. This extends to the frame, where settings for the headstock position and rake angle, as well as engine height and swingarm pivot height, can be changed to suit the rider and track.

A full suite of riding aids such as traction, wheelie and launch control, cruise control and speed limiter is included, all of which can be configured independently or turned off completely as required. Three ride modes – Track, Sport, Race – can be selected by the rider whilst on the move.

Braking is done with Brembo Stylema four-piston monobloc radial callipers and radial master cylinder, clamping double stainless steel 330 mm diameter discs mounted on lightweight steel rotors. Control for braking is managed by Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering function and rear wheel lift control, with three braking levels.

Machined forged aluminium alloy wheels, 17-inches in diameter, is shod with 120/70 ZR 17 rubber in front, while the rear wheel comes standard with a 200/55 ZR 17 tyre and the option of using 190/50 or 190/55 tyre sizes, depending on ride and frame setup. Saddle height on the RSV4 1100 Factory is very race-like 851 mm while fuel is carried in a 18.5-litre tank and Aprilia claims the RSV4 1100 Factory weighs 199 kg, ride-ready.