Overview
Performance and Engine
The RS V4 uses a 65-degree V4 engine with 1,099cc capacity, producing 217 horsepower and 125 Newton-meters of torque. This power delivers rapid acceleration and top-level superbike performance. It features ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, wheelie control, and customisable ride modes to boost both performance and safety. The race-tuned frame and suspension provide excellent handling, even at high speeds.
The bike has a 6-speed manual transmission (allowing the rider to select gears) and a slipper clutch (which prevents the rear wheel from locking during aggressive downshifting). This setup ensures smooth gear shifts and better control, ideal for both fast track riding and precise street use. The gear shifting follows the traditional pattern for superbikes: first gear down, the other five gears up.
The Aprilia RS V4 can reach a top speed of 305 kilometres per hour, putting it among the fastest superbikes in India. Its aerodynamic design, with special winglets and a modern chassis, helps keep the bike stable and easy to control, even at very high speeds.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Aprilia RS V4 has a government-certified fuel efficiency figure (from ARAI, India’s automotive research authority) of 15.4 kilometres per litre. This figure is notable for a high-performance 1,099cc superbike. However, this number is measured in ideal lab conditions, so actual road mileage may differ.
In real-world conditions, user mileage for the RS V4 in India typically ranges from 14 to 15 kmpl, depending on riding style. Aggressive or track riding can lower efficiency, but Indian riders find the RS V4 balances spirited riding with reasonable fuel economy for its class.
Features and Technology
- Advanced Electronics – a-PRC System: The Aprilia RS V4 includes the a-PRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system, an advanced set of electronic aids derived from Aprilia Racing. This suite provides traction control (help with preventing wheel spin), wheelie control (prevents the front wheel from lifting), launch control (helps with fast, stable starts), engine map selection (choosing how the engine delivers power), engine brake control (manages engine deceleration), and cornering ABS (anti-lock braking system to prevent wheel lockup while turning) with three adjustable levels. These technologies use sensors to monitor the bike’s movement and adjust systems in real-time, giving riders better control and safety suited to the conditions.
- Riding Modes and Customisation: The RS V4 offers six riding modes, with three for the road and three for the track. Riders can adjust electronic aids and engine settings, and further fine-tune them using the Aprilia MIA app, which allows wireless updates and easy configuration without visiting a dealership.
- High-Resolution TFT Instrument Cluster: The bike comes with a 5-inch full-colour TFT display. This digital screen displays key information such as speed, rpm, gear position, riding mode, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, so riders have everything they need at a glance.
- Engine and Transmission Features: The motorcycle uses a 1,099cc, 65-degree V4 liquid-cooled engine with ride-by-wire throttle (electronic throttle control) connected to a 6-speed manual transmission (manual gear shifting) and a slipper and assist clutch (for smoother, more effortless shifting). The standard quick-shifter (Aprilia Quick Shift) lets riders change gears without using the clutch lever, enabling faster, smoother acceleration and deceleration.
- Braking System with Brembo Components: Stopping power comes from 330mm dual discs (large front brakes), each gripped by Brembo four-piston callipers (high-performance braking units), and a 220mm rear disc with two-piston Brembo callipers. Cornering ABS (anti-lock braking system) offers several selectable braking modes, giving maximum safety and stopping power at any speed, even during turns.
- Chassis and Suspension: The motorcycle uses a dual-beam aluminium frame (a strong, lightweight support structure). For the 2025 model, it offers fully adjustable electronic Öhlins suspension: a NIX upside-down fork at the front (front suspension with electronic adjustment, mounted with a larger tube at the top), and a TTX monoshock at the rear (a single rear shock absorber with electronic controls). These features let the rider fine-tune damping (rate of movement) and preload (spring tension) for better ride comfort and handling.
- Aerodynamics with Winglets: The motorcycle features aerodynamic winglets, small fins beneath the LED headlight. These winglets add downward force at high speeds, helping the bike stay stable and maintain grip during fast riding and cornering.
- Comfort and Convenience Features: The RS V4 also offers cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, automatic headlight-on, distance-to-empty and service indicators, low-fuel and low-battery warnings, and a USB charging port. These features bring together performance and rider comfort.
- Wheels and Tyres: The RS V4 uses 17-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels (lightweight, strong) with tubeless radial tyres (modern, puncture-resistant, with layers for better traction). The tyres are sized 120/70 at the front and 200/55 at the rear for improved grip and handling during sporty riding.
- Weight and Ergonomics: The bike has a kerb weight of approximately 202 kg and a seat height of around 845 mm, offering a balanced posture for aggressive riding yet manageable ergonomics for Indian riders.
Build Quality
The RS V4 uses a strong yet lightweight aluminium frame that delivers excellent strength and stability. Premium parts like the fully adjustable Öhlins electronic suspension and Brembo brakes show the bike is built with care and made to last.
The bike’s fairings are well-made and fit together neatly, with aerodynamic winglets that help with stability. This quality means the RS V4 can handle tough riding, Indian roads, and high speeds.
Handling
The RS V4 is known for its excellent handling. Its race-inspired chassis and advanced Öhlins suspension adjust to different road surfaces, making it easy to ride on all kinds of Indian roads.
The lightweight forged aluminium wheels, paired with high-grip Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres, enhance road holding and cornering confidence. The electronics suite, including adaptive traction control and wheelie control, helps riders maintain maximum grip and stability, making the bike agile in city riding yet composed on highways and tracks.
Comfort
While the RS V4 is performance-centric, Aprilia has worked on rider ergonomics suited to Indian riders. The adjustable seat height and repositioned handlebars provide a more natural and less aggressive riding posture without compromising control.
The fuel tank is slim, making it easier to grip with your legs and move around. Features like cruise control and a clear TFT display make long rides more comfortable. The suspension is sporty but still smooths out bumps on Indian roads for a balanced ride.
Styling
The Aprilia RS V4 features an aggressive and aerodynamic design that highlights its racing pedigree. Its sharp fairings and compact tail section are inspired by MotoGP machines, creating a sleek, purposeful look.
The winglets under the LED headlight add downforce and give the bike a distinct style. The strong-looking tank and shaped panels show its focus on performance and help with stability and control.
Colour Options and Variants
In India, the Aprilia RS V4 is currently available in a distinctive and striking colour:
- Ultra Gold
The Ultra Gold colour makes the RS V4 look even more premium and helps it stand out among superbikes. This bold shade matches the bike’s sharp style and high-quality build.
In India, the Aprilia RS V4 is offered in a single variant: the RSV4 Factory 1100, featuring all advanced technology, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and the complete APRC electronics suite. This exclusive variant simplifies the choice for premium superbike buyers.
Value for Money and Pricing
The Aprilia RS V4 is priced at ₹ 33,40,763 onwards (ex-showroom) in India for the single RSV4 Factory 1100 variant. This premium pricing positions the RS V4 as one of the high-end superbikes in India, reflecting its advanced technology, build, and performance pedigree.
The RS V4 justifies its high price with real racing technology, strong performance, and a unique feel. Its advanced electronics, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and MotoGP-inspired engineering offer great value for serious superbike fans.
Compared to other superbikes in this segment, Indian riders gain not just a machine but an immersive riding experience, unmatched handling, and world-class performance supported by comprehensive rider aids. While the price is premium, buyers secure a level of exhilaration, innovation, and prestige unattainable through cost-cutting alternatives.
The main rivals of the Aprilia RS V4 in the Indian market include several premium superbikes with similar performance and pricing:
- Ducati Panigale V4
- Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
- BMW S1000RR
- KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Compared to its rivals, the Aprilia RS V4 stands out with its unique V4 engine, advanced electronics, and racing heritage. Its higher price means it mainly appeals to enthusiasts who want the latest technology and MotoGP features.
VERDICT
The Aprilia RS V4 raises the bar for superbikes in India with its strong performance, advanced electronics, racing technology, and quality build. It’s ideal for riders who want a MotoGP-style experience and are willing to invest in something special and new.
The RS V4’s high price and limited colour choices might put off some buyers, but it makes up for it with top performance, advanced rider aids, and high-end parts. Its handling and braking are excellent, thanks to quality suspension and electronics, making it both exciting and easy to control.
Overall, the RS V4 offers superbike fans in India a unique blend of power, advanced tech, and Italian style at ₹30+ lakh. It provides both strong performance and a sense of prestige, making it respected both on the road and off.
PROS
- Exceptional Performance: The 1,099cc V4 engine produces a powerful 217 hp and 125 Nm torque, offering exhilarating acceleration and a high top speed suitable for both track and street.
- Advanced Electronics Suite: The a-PRC system with traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, launch control, and customisable riding modes significantly enhances safety, control, and rider confidence.
- Premium Build Quality: The bike features high-end components, including Öhlins electronic suspension and Brembo brakes, that contribute to superb handling, braking performance, and overall durability.
- Aerodynamic Design:Integrated winglets and MotoGP-inspired styling not only elevate looks but also improve stability and downforce at high speeds.
- Single Variant Simplicity: The single RSV4 Factory variant offers all premium features, simplifying the choice for buyers without compromising on tech or performance.
- TFT Display and Connectivity: A modern 5-inch TFT display provides full digital instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, and navigation aids, enhancing usability.
CONS
- High Price: At around Rs. 31.26 lakh ex-showroom, the RS V4 is among the most expensive superbikes in India, pricing it out of reach for many enthusiasts.
- Limited Colour Options: Available only in Ultra Gold in India, some may find the colour choice limited compared to rivals offering multiple colour schemes.
- Riding Posture: Despite some ergonomic improvements, its aggressive sportbike posture can be less comfortable for daily commuting or long-distance touring for some riders.
- Fuel Efficiency: With an ARAI mileage of 15.4 kmpl and real-world mileage slightly lower, fuel costs may be a concern for cost-conscious users.
- Service Network: As a niche premium brand in India, Aprilia’s service network and spare-part availability are less extensive than those of leading Japanese or German manufacturers.
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About APRILIA BIKES
Aprilia India is the premium, performance-focused two-wheeler division of the Piaggio Group, set above regular commuter brands and known for its sporty scooters and motorcycles. Under Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (PVPL), Aprilia targets urban enthusiasts with models such as the SR scooter range and imported superbikes, supported by Motoplex multi-brand stores that offer a tailored sales and service experience.
History and Growth
- 1990s–2000s – Global foundation: Aprilia grows in Italy from a small-capacity bike maker into a major racing and performance brand, winning multiple world titles and later integrating into the Piaggio Group, which becomes the parent for its India operations.
- Late 1990s–2000s – Early India footprint: High-end Aprilia superbikes and sport models start reaching India in minimal numbers via imports and niche dealers, creating initial awareness among enthusiasts but with no local production or mass scooter presence yet.
- 2012 to 2015: Piaggio focused its two-wheeler business on Vespa and set up the Baramati plant and Motoplex multi-brand showrooms. This laid the foundation for introducing Aprilia as a premium performance brand in India.
- 2016: Piaggio officially entered the Indian scooter market under the Aprilia name by launching the SR 150. Designed in Italy and made at Baramati, it created the ‘sporty scooter’ sub-segment. It became the first mass-market Aprilia made in India.
- 2016 to 2019: Aprilia expanded the SR platform with the SR 125 and SR 160 models, offering a wider, yet still premium, scooter range aimed at urban enthusiasts rather than budget commuters.
- 2020 to 2022: Aprilia launched the SXR 125 and SXR 160 maxi-style scooters, targeting Indian riders who want comfort and style for touring. The brand also expanded Motoplex dealerships for Vespa and Aprilia in significant cities.
- 2023: Piaggio celebrated 25 years in India and announced new Vespa and Aprilia launches, showing an ongoing commitment to premium scooters and motorcycles and plans for more local production in the future.
- 2024: Aprilia began producing the RS 457 twin-cylinder sportbike at Baramati, with deliveries starting in March. This marks a significant move toward making middleweight performance motorcycles locally, rather than relying solely on imports.
- 2024: Aprilia announced a new superbike line-up for India and named John Abraham as its brand ambassador. This move aims to ‘ignite India’s superbike culture’ and strengthen the brand’s aspirational image.
- 2025: Aprilia launched the SR 175 hp-e to replace the SR 160, further establishing itself as a performance-scooter specialist. Industry analysis points to its steady, premium-focused growth in India’s two-wheeler market.
Key Milestones and Developments
- 2016: Piaggio announces local manufacturing of the Aprilia SR 150 at the Baramati plant and formally enters the Indian scooter market under the Aprilia brand, creating a new “sporty scooter” category.
- 2016–2019: Aprilia expands the SR platform in India with SR 125 and SR 160 variants, broadening its reach in the premium scooter segment while retaining a performance focus.
- 2020s (early): Aprilia strengthens its Indian line-up with SXR maxi-style scooters, positioning them as more comfortable, touring friendly alternatives to the SR models.
- 2023: Piaggio marks 25 years in India and announces plans to launch new Vespa and Aprilia scooters, signalling continued investment in the premium two-wheeler space.
- 2024: Production of the India built Aprilia RS 457 begins at Baramati, with deliveries slated from March, marking a significant step into locally manufactured middleweight sportbikes.
- 2024: Aprilia unveils an expanded superbike line-up for India and appoints John Abraham as brand ambassador, aiming to “ignite India’s superbike culture” and boost brand visibility.
- 2025: Aprilia launches the SR 175 hp e in India, replacing the SR 160 and further reinforcing its leadership in the performance scooter niche.
Manufacturing Facilities
Aprilia’s main manufacturing base in India is Piaggio’s integrated plant in Baramati, Maharashtra, where both commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, such as Vespa and Aprilia, are manufactured. The plant produces Aprilia SR scooters and the RS 457, blending Italian design with local production to control costs for the Indian and select export markets.
Piaggio describes the Baramati plant as ‘state-of-the-art,’ built to handle current production and future growth for several brands and vehicle types. Aprilia uses the same vendor base, quality systems, and logistics as Vespa and Piaggio commercial vehicles, helping maintain consistent standards as the brand grows in India.
Market Position and Achievements
In national sales, Aprilia is still a niche player compared to big brands like Hero, Honda, and TVS. However, it holds a clear premium position in India’s two-wheeler market. The SR series helped create the ‘sporty scooter’ sub-segment. At the same time, the RS 457 stands out as a globally relevant sportbike designed for emerging markets and made locally.
Aprilia’s racing history, with hundreds of Grand Prix wins and many world titles, is central to its brand image in India and is often featured in marketing. Motoplex multi-brand showrooms, which include Vespa, Aprilia, and sometimes Moto Guzzi, have helped the company build a premium retail presence in major cities, boosting brand visibility and customer experience even with a smaller market share.
Future Plans
By 2025, Aprilia plans to focus on its performance-led portfolio, increase local manufacturing, and expand its premium network, rather than targeting commuter sales. The company is developing the SR hp-e scooter range and increasing RS 457 production at Baramati, while using Motoplex outlets to introduce more superbike and middleweight models as fully built units for enthusiasts.
Corporate statements call India a ‘key market’ and outline plans to add more sales points, launch more niche scooters for touring, racing, and luxury, and keep updating engines and technology to meet new rules and customer needs. As electric vehicles gain ground in India’s two-wheeler market, industry analysis says Aprilia and Piaggio will eventually need a more straightforward local electric strategy. However, as of 2025, their primary focus remains premium ICE scooters and motorcycles, supported by their racing heritage.
Other related links from Bikeleague India
- Aprilia SR 175 hp-e
- Aprilia SR 125 hp-e
- Motto Guzzi Bikes
- Aprilia SXR 160
- Aprilia SXR 125
