This Italian bike is a close relation to the race-oriented RSV4, albeit carrying a touch more weight and a more relaxed riding position than the flagship sportsbike. Power is down too but don't let that fool you; this machine produces 175hp and 121Nm from its 1077cc V4 engine. With a kerb weight of 209kg that's still a power-to-weight ratio in excess of a Bugatti Chiron.
High foot pegs aside, the more elevated bars immediately present a bike which ought to be a lot more comfortable over extended periods than an out-and-out sports bike, not that you'd ever be under the mistaken idea that it's a tourer! This is a bike designed to provide the thrills and excitement of a sports bike, while being a little less intimidating, more accessible and having greater usability on the road.
The engine is a peach. The distinctive V4 growl is addictive; not a million miles away from that of a twin, but without any of the associated lumpiness at low revs. When coupled with an Akrapovich can, as this was, the resultant noise is one I doubt I'd ever tire of. (Your neighbours might disagree, however, if you're in the habit of early starts in the morning.) Power delivery is linear and unrelenting, with the bike's quick-shifter allowing you to click through the gears effortlessly.
The bike's handling is composed, although a short road test is not the best test of its abilities. The Factory model is equipped with Ohlins semi-active suspension, which make up a good chunk of difference in price between this and the RR model. The latter is shod with fully adjustable Sachs front and rear suspension. The RR also has a Sachs steering damper whereas the Factory receives an Ohlins one. That difference in price is not insignificant; £13,999 for the RR and £17,199 for the Factory.
Helping to keep the bike the correct way up are a slew of electronic aids, including traction control, wheelie control and launch control. Arguably the most impressive element, on a short ride, were the front brakes, which are nothing less than superb. There are huge amounts of stopping power in the Brembos, impressive in their feel as well as their outright ability.
Looking for a sportier bike to potentially replace my Ducati Multistrada, this machine ticks many boxes for me (especially with Aprilia offering some attractive finance rates at the moment). In the short term, I have to let my head and head argue with one another but I could do a hell of a lot worse than ending up with one of these in my garage.
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