Performance kings
TESTED Ultimate superbikes face-off
Aprilia’s RSV4 Factory and the Ducati Panigale V4 S might both have lights and mirrors, but they’re not really road bikes anymore. Built for the circuit, they’re rapid beyond belief and they’ve evolved with such monumental speed, grip and braking that ordinary folks like us never get close to their limits. There’s little to separate them on a stopwatch and on paper they’re remarkably similar, too. Both have semi-active Öhlins, lightweight wheels, Brembo Stylemas, a festival of electronics and 1100cc V4s making over 210bhp, but the way they go about their business
‘The Ducati’s peak power comes in 500rpm lower’
couldn’t be more different.
The Aprilia has always been the smoother, more accessible one and instantly faster in the hands of most riders, but if you’re a factory MotoGP star who rides a Panigale V4 S when you’re not working and can get the best out of a stiff chassis and hard-revving engine, it’s ripyour-face-off-quick, too.
Back in the everyday, as a machine to own and cherish the Ducati has always been the more desirable with its more modern look, Bimota-esque billet jewellery and all-out sense of specialness. It’s also the roomier one for nonjockey-sized riders, with splayedout clip-ons and acres of legroom. The Aprilia was always more cramped, like a supersport 400 racer, and despite being blessed with a tuned Tuono 1100 motor a couple of years ago, it’s changed very little since we first rode it at its sopping wet Misano launch in 2009.
Bologna business as usual…
For 2021 things have changed with upgrades all round. Last year the Panigale V4 S got wings, tweaked electronics, revised suspension settings and the flexier frame (and sharper bodywork) from the V4 R, in a bid to make it slightly less angry at the limit. Now it gets a further buff to get it through Euro5.
It still makes a claimed 211bhp despite having a cleaner exhaust and its new rear manifold with longer, narrower pipes boosts midrange, as if it needed it. Peak torque remains (91.5lb.ft) but is made 500rpm lower in the revs. It also has new mapping, tweaked rider aids and an extra Race riding mode (so now there are two), but here on the road today we’re using Street and Sport to tame the beast and soften-off its electronic suspension for a nice, plush ride.
…but all change at Noale
Last year the Aprilia was fitted with semi-active Öhlins for the first time, but for 2021 it gets a new look and ‘1100’ dropped from its name. Now its aerodynamic strakes and huge wing, which make it look like it’s swallowed a giant frisbee, are integral pieces of the bodywork. As before they only work at track speeds and are merely decoration for the road.
Its nose and LED headlights are new and the figure-hugging fairing lowers are cut back to expose the front wheel, like a MotoGP bike’s, for extra high speed. The tank is reshaped for support under hard braking and to help you get your elbows closer together in a race tuck. Aprilia have even slimmed down the tail unit, complete with a pizza slice-sized pillion seat… good luck getting on the back of that. Its new look is a step in right direction, but the bike still looks like it has one foot in the noughties.
Taller riders will appreciate the new riding position, which places you more inside the bike and not as perched over top. The seat is 9mm lower and the pegs are dropped by 10mm (but ground clearance still