Aprilia RSV4R ride impression

The 2010 Aprilia RSV4R is striking. It has sharp styling, a small and nimble chassis and an exhaust note with enough punch to frighten small children. The Aprilia RSV4R is an aggressive sports package with a shed load of charismatic Italian attitude.

Mark Fattore has tested the RSV4R already in Sydney, but we wanted to give the bike a punt on more familiar Victorian roads, and we'll have a full write-up of the exotic Italian motorcycle soon.

However it's safe to say the bike's short wheelbase makes for razor sharp out-of-the-box handling, assisted in this instance by some very sticky semi-slicks.

The bike is engaging, chuckable, tactile and easy to master, but for my liking, was set too firmly in the rear which made the tail end a little skittish under late braking - the damper possibly dialled up for heavier riders (on that note, taller riders may also find the RSV4R a little cramped, the shorter riding position and high-set pegs making it hard to tuck in).

For the most part, braking is confident and strong but lacks that precise feel - especially on the rear - needed for accurate balance on corner entry. A little more polish here could make the RSV4R an ideal bike for that weekend punt or occasional track day.

An athletic and compact 998cc V4 engine, delivering a whopping 180hp (134kW) at the flywheel, translates to blisteringly quick acceleration through a six-speed gearbox, a slipper clutch allowing snappy swaps once up to temp. 

The cassette type box is however a little notchy and lacks the positive feel found in Japanese rivals and is sticky when selecting neutral.

But if you can manage to work around it (give it a few days practice), a good spread of cogs ensures flexible in-gear acceleration to make the most of a meaty torque curve and monster mid-range. Make no mistake, this motorcycle has performance sure to bring a grin to the face of even the most die-hard Japanese superbike fan.

Stay tuned for our full review of the 2010 Aprilia RSV4R.