THE new Aprilia new RSV4 RF LE is basically the same as the current RSV4 RF aside from one styling change that we’re sure other manufacturers will be copying in the near future – MotoGP-style wings on its fairing.
Sure, Kawasaki has already been there with its H2, but the RSV4 RF LE’s bolt-on wings are more in keeping with those used on the latest MotoGP machines.
In addition to the wings, the LE also features a special paint scheme that harks back to the firm’s 1980s 250cc GP bikes, marking 30 years since Loris Reggiani took Aprilia’s first win in the 250cc class. But the wings – which are removable, just as on the latest GP bikes – are the real talking point.
The sad new for Aussie fans is that Aprilia will only make 100 units of the RSV4 RF LE for the USA market and 25 for Canada. The low volume also means the winged fairing can’t be used in WorldSBK.
However, it has been close to a decade since the RSV4 was launched as a 2009 model and changes since then have been few and far between.
With Ducati now joining the V4 party with its Panigale V4, and ever stronger competition from its Japanese rivals, Aprilia must surely have a big rework of the RSV planned for the near future.
Will the next-generation RSV4, due for launch later this year as a 2019 machine, also have wings fitted?
By Ben Purvis
