Aprilia announced some significant upgrades to the RSV4 model for 2011. These came at the Intermot show in Cologne, and right after Aprilia completed a Championship season in World Superbike on a high note, winning both the rider and manufacturer titles.

The new RSV4 APRC SE (Aprilia Performance Ride Control Special Edition) now features many of the electronic safety systems that turn what is essentially a race-bred bike into a bona fide streetbike that can be managed by everyday riders.

Photo: Aprilia

These new features include:

• An 8-level Traction Control system - adjustable on the fly from a switch on the left handlebar. It allows you to choose the right level of wheelspin for street or track conditions and your planned riding style.
• A 3-level Wheelie Control system – to presumably prevent total loss of control and excessive front end lift, and make for smoother landings from high wheelies.
• A Launch Control system – In racing, racers engage the Launch Control system, then hold the throttle wide open and let out the clutch when the lights go green. The electronics take care of ensuring optimal revs and clutch slip for the best possible start. The systems typically turn themselves off when the bike reaches a set speed or goes into second or even third gear. The Aprilia system features three selectable modes, all for "race use only". Ya, sure!
• A quickshifter system to upshift without using the clutch of closing the throttle.

There was no mention of a “blipper” that kicks revs up automatically when downshifting, thus eliminating the need to use the clutch. Maybe next year…

There is no mention of an ABS in the announcement, standard or optional.

Here are a few other improvement on the 2011 APRC SE:

• Dual display mode settings - Road or Race – that change what is displayed on the instrument panel
• Lightened exhaust system
• Closer ratio gearbox
• Improved engine lubrication system
• A new 200-section rear tyre with a dual compound construction

No Canadian pricing or availability has been announced. Stay tuned here for developments.