Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory - 1 Year Owner Review: Good and Bad!

So this is my review of owning my 2020 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory for just over a year. In this video, I'll tell you the good and bad from an ordinary person on what it's like to own it.

[@melvincannell9449]

I own the limited edition rsv4rf im 52 and i love the aprilia the noise is amazing makes me feel like im twenty again absolutely priceless these Italian masterpieces tick all the boxes with me

[@rsv4pilot114]

Amazing machines!

[@daveo9844]

Always enjoy a ‘real’ world review. The journalists of course just do their job, but they only convey a quick snap shot of each bike. Love aprilia’s 🍻

[@rsv4pilot114]

Thanks for watching. Aprilia is an amazing machine. But it has flaws much like any other bike.

[@yukikaze8721]

About the whizzing sound when you turn the bike off, and about the gas pressure build up inside the fuel tank, that's the EVAP/charcoal canister. It's job is mainly for emission thing. Located on the front left side of the bike. It's very normal for people to remove the canister. After removing the canister properly, there will be no more gas pressure build up nor the whizzing sound. Try searching for "how to remove evap canister rsv4 (or tuono v4)" there's a really good step by step video in KZbin from hiimchad that explains all the tools needed and the detailed process on what it's for etc. Of course it'd affect your warranty so there's that

[@rsv4pilot114]

Great advice. Thank you

[@HemiBurns]

Doug DeMuro should review this, he would love the quirks and features. This bike is a real weapon regardless.

[@rsv4pilot114]

That would be hilarious. I'd love to see that video

[@verdeboyo]

Hey, I've owned my 2014 Factory since March 2020 and the only bad thing I can say is it ain't cheap getting the 12k valve check job done. I ride mine 90% on track and 10% on road. I've had the Ohlins suspension professionally dialled in to my 66kg and track ability, changed the gearing to 15/43, fitted stickier Michelin Power Cup 2s over the standard Pirelli Super Corsas, comparison - like night and day! All I can say is, it is the ultimate trackday bike with the angriest V4 engine out there! I absolutely love it and wouldn't want to ride anything else now.

[@rsv4pilot114]

That is awesome. I got excited just reading about your bike. I love the RSV4 and you're right, it belongs on the track. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I am able to track ride mine at this point in time and don't see it happening anytime soon. I'm considering selling it to get something more street friendly.

[@MalShakur]

Rode the Factory a few years back and loved it. Every time I think about buying one I come across these videos with horror stories. Always makes me think twice.

[@rsv4pilot114]

I hope the video didnt discourage you from getting one. Its an amazing machine and I giggle like a school girl everytime I ride it. Does it have drawbacks? Yes. But every bike does. Same with cars. Exotic bikes or cars come with different drawbacks but I would get one in a heartbeat. This was my dreambike and I was fortunate enough to be able to make it happen. If you want one and can buy one, get it. Even if you dont keep it long.

[@MalShakur]

@RSV4 Pilot Congrats to you for being able to purchase your dream bike! Yeah I've seen a ton of videos and done some reading on the forums. It's an amazing machine for sure. Maybe I'll take the plunge someday. We'll see. Part of me thinks the bike is sooooo good that it'd be a huge waste of performance on the steet. My racing days are over so I'm still not sure if it would really make any sense for me at this stage. Damn I still want one though if only for that sound!

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@MalShakur I dont track it. I'd like to but time and money doesnt allow it. It really makes no sense on the street but damn is it awesome and fun. I think if I had to do it again, I'd get a Tuono. My friend has one and we rode to DC (260mi one way). His was way more comfortable. But I still love the looks of the RSV4. I will keep it at least one more year and then reevaluate my situation. Im getting older now so a sport touring bike might be the best choice for me. Ohhh, and I damn near stole this RSV4 from Aprilia so because I got such a great deal, it's easier to hold onto it.

[@sergiopereira5367]

I am still debating to buy an Aprilia RSV4 Factory because the reviews and videos. I’ve never tried one but I am a rider for long time and lots of the comments about heat, thank noise and specially temperature discouraging to get it. I don’t track it. Only street. I currently have a 22 Busy and 22 1290 KTM SA and they don’t give me any issue. Still thinking . Unfortunately!!

[@krisdurrant]

Great review 👍. The tank thing I don’t think is an issue- simply remove the EVAP (1/2 hour job) and problem solved. Also stops stalling on hot days 🤘

[@rsv4pilot114]

I'd hate to research what all is involved in that. But thank you for the suggestion. I'll look into it for sure.

[@krisdurrant]

Honestly, if I can do it anyone can 😁

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

@@rsv4pilot114 I did that on my 2010 factory and I never heard that awful hiss again. Super easy. Basically just a charcoal canister delete.

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

@@rsv4pilot114 also try and run non ethanol fuel. We can only get 91 octane non ethanol here on Maui so I premix a little VP octane boost.

[@sergiopereira5367]

It was a super nice, honest and sincere review. Really thanks. I am really thinking to get a RSV4 Factory but I’ve read some people complaining about the heat and it is very scary specially riding in OC and AZ. I also read people saying that RSV4 22 and 23 does not have that heat problem anymore. It will be really annoying spending $26k plus all fees and tax and not feeling happy but also super frustrating ending returning. Would like to know if anyone that has a 22 or 23 RSV4 Factory still have the same issue. But again , thanks a lot for your great review.

[@rsv4pilot114]

Thanks so much. I would get a Tuono instead. If I had to do it all over, I'd for sure get the Tuono. No fairings to keep the heat in and way more comfortable.

[@sergiopereira5367]

Thanks again man. I really appreciate your advice. Tuono is not my stile. I’ve seen in the Aprilia dealer and did not like it.

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@sergiopereira5367 Well, I always say, get what you want and like. Just enjoy it, have fun and be safe.

[@joyfulpyro2589]

I have a 2023 that I bought 2 weeks ago. I just rode in Alabama heat stuck in stop and go traffic for 2 hours straight. When standing still in traffic the temp went to 234 or so but when I started moving it went down to like 198-205. I had on jeans no burns or excessive heat on my legs. It was already warm out but I didn't notice anything out of the norm. When I did stop for gas there was pressure for sure from the gas tank. That surprised me. Oh one other thing I did do the cat delete on my bike with a slip on and the Gabro up map so that may have helped some. I will be going with engine ice and samco hoses next month. Also the only difference between the factory and base model is the electronic suspension, electronic steering dampner and the forged aluminum wheels, evething else is the same. If you want the Bluetooth comms you will need to buy the Alprilia MIA. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions @joyfulpyro on Instagram. I will post pictures in the next week then videos here. If you get the bike PPF that satin paint to protect it. 👍

[@sergiopereira5367]

@@joyfulpyro2589 Hey Joyfulpyro, I very much appreciate your time sending me that super helpful review. Very nice from you. Do you mind telling me where you are located?? What the most heat you have at your city?? I contacted Aprilia Texas dealer and a very educated guy told me that the fan just goes on after 215 degrees, and this is why temperature goes high when we are stuck in traffic but like you said it is nothing stupid hot. I am at OC - CA and I have family in AZ. AZ is nasty hot for 3 months but even here in CA gets some kind of heat(around 90/95 ) in July and August and there is my concern. I did not mention but I already have 2 bikes. Hayabusa 22 and KTM Super Adventure 22 and none of them the temperature goes that high. But with no lies , they get hot too of course!! I am planing to go to see the Aprilia I liked( RSV4 Factory White) at Glendale (CA) dealer and i will let you know the end of my deal. I don’t have social media stuff ( I am an old guy, 54) this is why I won’t contact you , but again , super grateful for your help. Sergio.

[@devaconcc9038]

3500 miles with half tread available. 2 track days will fix that problem.

[@pnoyryder68]

You forgot to mention the seat height. But really, I'm not surprised as I'm sure you'll agree, thats fairly common for high performance bikes i.e. runs very hot, uncomfortable seat etc.. This is a thinly disguised track/canyon carver weapon even though it has cruise control lol. Which btw I was lucky enough to do exactly that during a recent Aprilia sponsored trackdays in May and 2x last year (VIR and PittRace) where I had a chance to ride both the factory and base version as well as the Tuono and 660 model at VIR. And boy that RSV4 just handled like a 600 but with gobs more torque! Then all those things you talked about don't matter. If I ever own one, it will definitely be ridden 10% on the street and 80% track!

[@rsv4pilot114]

I am very jealous that you got to ride it on the track. I want to but I have some other obligations before I spend cash on trackgear and track days. Maybe next year.

[@richardwoodhouse8397]

You've got no knee tank grips fitted, which elevates wrist ache , you could always do an upright handlebar convertion just fit second hand tuono triple tree & bars?

[@FelixPerez-rt1rg]

Delete the evap-canister and you will get rid of the pressure in the tank👍

[@markamos8131]

I don't think any bike would make this guy happy

[@sonotover]

My biggest complaint about this bike is how the timing chain tensioner can't be removed without dropping the motor and pulling the heads. You can do a full engine rebuild and install new tensioners and if one of them fails you have to do it all over again. Most other bikes you can unscrew a port on the block and remove them without unbolting anything else.

[@rsv4pilot114]

Well, there is another down side. Did not know that

[@CubanRider]

Now that's the kind of downside I'm looking for. That is ridiculous. S1000RR it is.

[@movem1]

you sound disappointed, you should sell it to me asap -ha ha Good honest review. I'm just jealous!

[@rsv4pilot114]

Haha. Not disappointed. But you know how it goes, for the right price, everything is for sale. Haha. I actually dont plan on keeping it a lot longer. Maybe to the end of next year and then move onto another bike. I like to get new bikes every two or three years just so I can try different bikes. I'm not one to ride the same bike for 10yrs.

[@Jrstrdr]

The warning label section was hilarious. "All these stickers tell you the different ways in which you're going to die" 😂🤣

[@rsv4pilot114]

Its true. They all say something like...dont do x y or z or you'll die.

[@Rodterraa]

Thanks for the video! What insurance company are you using?

[@rsv4pilot114]

State Farm. I think it's $83/mo full coverage with $250 deductible.

[@joyfulpyro2589]

Ha me too! 165 for a 2023 rsv4 and a 2016 657r 500 deductible

[@ghiadetomaso1642]

May I ask whats youre height, cause for bigger riders the Aprilia is more comfortable in comparison to a Yamaha R1

[@rsv4pilot114]

I'm 5'10"

[@stephencarbajal5657]

The noise you're hearing at the tank is a check valve AF1 told me it's normal and i heard my tank expand and contrast when i opened my gas lid. As far as decals they are a big pain in the ass but a heat gun works fine then use goo gone to get the glue off and wax it

[@rsv4pilot114]

Thanks so much for the input. This is the first bike I ever seen this on.

[@crossplanev8]

How can gas be bubbling or boiling? Only liquids can bubble or boil. Are you trying to say petrol? Or does your motorcycle actually run on gas like lpg or cng?

[@rsv4pilot114]

In the USA, we call petrol, gas, short for gasoline. So that's what I meant.

[@rudyrobertson1540]

Was it that hard for Aprilia to think of a little vent window you could slide open on the lid? I don’t want to leave my gas lid open all day when I go into work

[@rsv4pilot114]

Would have been nice. I just leave it cracked not fully open. Don't want debris to get in it. But it is a pain in the ass.

[@deankruse4491]

How do other manufacturers of motorcycles not have this problem with their gas tank? That’s some BS there!

[@sergiopereira5367]

Totally , absolutely agree with you. Don’t understand why engineers don’t fix it!!!

[@neloo23]

Remove EVAP and you will solve the problem with the inflated tank

[@krisdurrant]

Yep- literally a 1/2 job and if I can do it comfortably anyone can. Also, if you are stalling on a hot day- same issue is occurring in the tank. Remove the EVAP and problem solved.

[@Motobikereviews]

Hi can you please share with me If you had any oil leaks if yes from where ?

[@rsv4pilot114]

Yes. One minor leak. More of a seepage from the rear cylinder spark plug tube seal. So minor that I'm not gonna fix it till the 12,500 mile valve check service.

[@JoshuaReuben-s6d]

I got this bike - a 2010 model and the seat heats up and my testicles feel it. Is there anything I could do? I'm willing to buy a thermally insulated underpants - if there is one.

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@JoshuaReuben-s6d you can use exhaust take or the heat shield lots of people use on the bottom of the Panigale seat. Both work of I heard but I never used it.

[@Gazkhuul]

I don't buy super sport bikes for comfort lol

[@richardcerritelli9657]

They don't have to be uncomfortable lfl high-rising bars and be comfortable

[@lucasramon1632]

Hello in your opinion what level of motorcycle experience do i have to have a factory rsv4 1100 ?

[@rsv4pilot114]

Oh my. Thats a tough question. My opinion is that it varies from person to person. Responsibility, skill level and hand eye coordination plays a huge factor. But I'd say in general, 5yrs of consistant riding is when I'd say someone is ready for something like an RSV4 and thats if they had riding experience with bikes building up to the rsv4 power level. Otherwise, a person would get in trouble and be hurt or killed. That bike is a huge handful and if not in good hands, the rider could have serious consequences.

[@chalky042]

Any rider can ride any bike, what you need for a powerful bike like this 1) good throttle control 2) good situational awareness 3) good judgement Mistakes on beasts like this get amplified, but at the end of the day it only goes as fast as the rider makes it.

[@svig137]

Buy a Tuono seat, it makes a huge difference for street riding.

[@rsv4pilot114]

Really? How is the Tuono seat different? Because this one is supposed to be some sort of gel seat but after a couple hours, its like sitting on a wooden plank.

[@efiniGTX]

I have the tuono RR and the seat foam is in. Fact softer. I bought the gel seat, but it’s the factory seat with a gel insert. I returned it because the overall foam was harder than my stock seat. The RR seat is also a different part number.

[@kirkdunn1379]

should be able to just run some kind of heat shield in that corner so it doesnt heat up your shoe or boot on foot pegs....easy fix

[@rsv4pilot114]

Yeah, they make exhaust wrap. But I think it looks bad. Just my opinion.

[@dmvrider9293]

Like many have said... its the evap canister. I have the exact same bike. The valve fails.... Remove it and its fixed.

[@Jake2359]

So its for sale????? Im in CA

[@rsv4pilot114]

Not yet. Probably next year.

[@jamest5149]

The tank is plastic and the bit you were touching is the actual tank, the cover is just the carbon bit at the front.

[@rsv4pilot114]

Thats what I thought but wasnt quite sure. I havent looked close or taken it off to be sure.

[@seanc6754]

I want a Aprilia Tuono so bad..or a ktm super duke. Those are my 2 favorite motorcycles ever. On 650ibs channel if you search "650ib bren tuning bmw 1000rr Aprilia rsv4 Dyno" you should be able to find the video where brendan himself Dyno tuned the rsv4 and it put down to the ground 223 fkcn hp to the ground with only full exhaust system.. that's it! Such a freaking monster

[@rsv4pilot114]

Get a Tuono. And I assure you, the power that bike has stock is beyond anything you can use. My RSV4 is rediculous. Last thing it needs is more power.

[@seanc6754]

@@rsv4pilot114 yes very true and I think that can be said for both the Tuono and the Super Duke. But here is my dilemma. I have been a L twin guy since the Honda RC 51 my favorite bike of all but as I just turned 40 and have a 9 and 6 year old I don't want a superbike style bike anymore bc I will want to ride it as such lol. I have a 09 FZ1 rn and I like it a lot. I put a slip on a PCmdr 5 on it and a healtech quick shifter which was probably the best up grade ever bc I've never experienced shifting without the clutch LOL. My last bike was a 99R1 I rode for 5 years then sold it like 15years ago And i just got this FZ1 about a year ago bc I want a more comfortable riding position and for me it's not about high speed anymore but I do want enough power to have fun coming out of slower corners and maybe the occasional wheelie. What makes it RLY hard between the 2 is I know the Tuono is a far better handling bike and the engine is just a master class of what a V4 should be..and it does kinda have a fairing which my fz1 has a N conversion done which it does look way cooler but the wind beats my @ss to death. Now the ktm super duke has the beast of a engine and is supposedly one of the most insanely fun bikes to ride but doesn't rly appreciate putting around which is a lot of what I do just cruising around with the occasional rip here and there. I also do rly rly like the way the ktm looks..just mean as hell and have always loved the orange as it's my favorite color. But also finding a Tuono in my price range will be a lot easier because they've essentially not changed the bike for many many years and it still wins super naked pretty much every year even though they haven't changed it because they've just made a master class motorcycle. On the other hand the KTM super Duke has gone through quite a few changes since it's first come out and I know the older ones were not the best handling motorcycles at all and I cannot afford a 12k to 19k motorcycle. I have seen Tuono like 2014 and 2015s going for 9k which is doable. Save a few thousand and sell my FZ1 and bam I have the money. But anyway yeah sorry for the life story but I don't have any motorcycle riding buddies anymore so LOL probably why I went into a lot of detail that you probably didn't need. But yeah that's my dilemma 🤣😂🤣😂

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@seanc6754 Get a Tuono. You wont be disappointed I promise. Comfy, fast, more power than you will ever use but still tame if need be. I'd get a Tuono if I had to do it again. I'm thinking of trading my RSV4 for a Tuono. It's a much better choice if street riding. I never rode the KTM but I'm bot a fan of the styling so that's just my opinion. I still say the Tuono. It's a beast of a machine and all the fun you can ask for. Just my 2 cents.

[@thentantt]

I have a tuono v4 Factory. It’s been one of the best bikes I’ve owned. Even more so then my bmw s1kr.

[@Antmanmoto]

No, don’t buy an RSV4 for touring/all day rides and expect to be comfortable….wrong bike for that

[@BigHead104]

Big question here, should I get an RSV4, or Tuono/RS660? I haven’t ridden a street bike in 15 years, but raced motocross, and did freestyle for most of my life. WHAT SAY YOU RSV4 PILOT!?!?!? Lol

[@rsv4pilot114]

The RSV4 is an amazing machine in every aspect. However, it is intended for the racetrack. You can't even begin to extract the performance from it on a city street. Its like driving a Lambo in a parking lot. The Tuono, especially the 660 is way more street friendly. A ton of usable fun and way more comfortable. The RSV4 is very uncomfortable. I would say a Tuono, and the 660 over the V4. Way too much power that you can't use. The Tuono 660 would be a winner in my book all day long.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Tuono

[@FirstLast-tx3yj]

​@@rsv4pilot114have you tried heat wrapping the exhaust at the least the section close to your foot??

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@FirstLast-tx3yj No. And mainly because I don't like how that looks. I just deal with the heat

[@FirstLast-tx3yj]

@@rsv4pilot114 it is barely visible and if the temp is getting high enough to melt rubber than it is definitely affecting electronics/aluminum pieces expanding and contracting It really put me off but if I buy one I will wrap front and rear headers and keep the visible tail before the muffler exposed Cheers

[@ipscmaster]

I cant get more than 600 out of a rear and maybe 1200 on a front

[@rsv4pilot114]

Wow. Thats crazy. I've never hear milage that low.

[@GenghisKhan311]

3500 miles on a set of tire is amazing. I get 3000 tops depending on model

[@rsv4pilot114]

I was surprised especially being the Supercorsa

[@richardcerritelli9657]

Dude you're buying the wrong kind of tires I have a GSXR Hayabusa I ride fairly hard I put 9,000 miles on it. What do you go through tires once every 2 weeks LOL

[@djocharablaikan8601]

If these are the only issues thats a bomb bike 😂

[@rsv4pilot114]

It really is. It's fantastic. No bike is perfect. But all in all, the RSV4 is an amazing machine and would highly recommend it.

[@djocharablaikan8601]

@@rsv4pilot114 i have an old RSV mille now, i was thinking about an upgrade, i found couple of RSV4 for around 8000 euro in my area, how many liter per 100km does she get?

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@djocharablaikan8601 I'm in the US so we dont use liter per kilometer. We use miles per gallon. I average about 35mpg but that includes cruising and getting on it hard. I say if you drive normal, 40mpg. If you dog it, 30mpg. So somewhere in between is a good guess.

[@djocharablaikan8601]

@@rsv4pilot114 are you serious? Thats great consumption! My beast doesnt go under 10L/100km (24MPG) and she doesnt even ride all that 😭 goddayum! I will be saving money riding 200 horspower bike that sounds like a thunder, i am sold.

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@djocharablaikan8601 I guess its better than your old one. However, I think people that buy this bike are not concerned with fuel economy. If they were, the RSV4 would not be the best choice. This is a racebike, not a commuter so if you are buying this bike, fuel economy is not a big concern. That would be like buying a Lambo and worried about gas consumption. 🤣🤣

[@bmack1000]

Heat gun for the stickers. Yes they are the worst. Do one a day each one is like 30-60 min 😂

[@Chickenstrips77]

Other than the EVAP canister, not sure the negatives mentioned are very note worthy for the bike given it’s purpose. If you were talking about a sport touring bike, these complaints would be more considerable.

[@rsv4pilot114]

Yeah, its a great bike. Hard to find anything to complain about

[@HemiBurns]

So riding boots are a consumable....like tires. Got it....

[@rsv4pilot114]

Yeah. Sure is. Lol

[@stephenjohnson7519]

My kawasaki 636 used to have a gas tank problem.

[@rsv4pilot114]

What was the problem?

[@stephenjohnson7519]

@@rsv4pilot114 it was a breather pipe needed a new one

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@stephenjohnson7519 Oh good. Not a major issue

[@Motobikereviews]

Remove the carbon canister it won’t have pressure

[@rsv4pilot114]

I just heard that recently. I'm gonna have to try that

[@curtissmith1998]

that is the gas tank. thump on it and you will see. and it is not a city bike. in another 15,000 miles you will make another video.

[@G-Man01]

Maybe you should change up and get a Ducati? Theyre supposed to be very reliable these days.

[@rsv4pilot114]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shalengajadhar5653]

No ways! Hahaha

[@G-Man01]

Fair enough. I wouldn't like owning a bike i had to release gas pressure for, or burn my ankle because it's not practical. I didnt know there were negative views about Dukes. More a stigma really, since by all accounts, people speak highly about the Panigale. To me anything at the price of these bikes is pretty much exotic.

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@G-Man01 It sure is. New video coming soon. Yet another reason not to get an exotic bike. Stay tuned if you are interested. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Tinkey1993]

Tell me you put more than a couple thousand miles on it…

[@rsv4pilot114]

It has 3900 on it now

[@jordangarrick669]

Absolutely gorgeous bike - but melted boots, roasted a55 cheeks, and boiling gas?!.....You might want to consider a Japanese or German sport bike for your next purchase 😎

[@verdeboyo]

😂😂😂😂😂😂Jap crap!

[@Mucka-be8nv]

BMW is the best bike in the world 🌎 right now.

[@rsv4pilot114]

Fair argument. Its not for everyone but yes, great bike. Still some flaws that it shouldn't have for that kind of pricetag. But I agree, great bike.

[@Mucka-be8nv]

@@rsv4pilot114 this year I bought a 2023 bmw s1000rr. I crashed after 5 months. 1 week in hospital. Now I wanna buy another bike. I’m between aprilia rsv4 and bmw . The only thing I didn’t like about bmw is that it runs extremely hot in traffic and also the N neutral is very hard to find. Give me an idea since you own aprilia. I’m 5.7 high. Thank you.

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@Mucka-be8nv So I am 5'9 and I cant flatfoot the bike. Not a big deal but just something to note. Very sorry to hear about your crash and hospital stay. Hopr you are well and also hope that you didnt crash because of lack of experience. If that was the case, dont get an rsv4 or an s1000rr. But the rsv4 is a great bike. It has quirks like any other bike. And yes, it is HOT. It melted some of the rubber from my boot onto the left footpeg. But I would still buy the bike even if I knew about it beforehand. It has flaws but nothing that would deter me from buying it again. I'm making a video soon on just this topic so stay tuned. Let me know what you end up getting. Ride safe and be careful.

[@GenghisKhan311]

Debatable i think the aprilia is more planted and flickable. I currently own bmw Buying rsv4 next Saturday

[@rsv4pilot114]

@@GenghisKhan311 Hell yeah!