With the highly anticipated FIM homologation of the Aprilia RSV4 expected to be announced in early 2024, the big question here in the U.S. is whether or not the Italian marque’s 1,100cc sportbike will make its debut in the MotoAmerica series. And, the answer to that question is a solid “maybe.”
MotoAmerica generally follows the global guidelines and rules set forth by the FIM because, after all, it’s not called the AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship for nuthin’. In other words, when it comes to motorcycle road racing, what’s good for the rest of the world is almost always good for the U.S., too.
Aprilia has had a lot of success in the MotoAmerica series. Their RS 660 has been one of the flagship motorcycles in the Twins Cup Championship over the past few years. So, it follows suit that the Noale, Italy-based company would want to see how their RSV4 fares against the Yamaha YZF-R1s, BMW M 1000 RRs, Ducati Panigale V4 Rs, Suzuki GSX-R1000Rs, and Kawasaki ZX-10Rs that make up the Stock 1000 and Steel Commander Superbike grids in MotoAmerica.
But, it’s an eleven-hundred, you say, and those other bikes “only” have thousand-cubic-centimeter engines in them. Ah, but it’s merely a matter of “balancing,” which is exactly what has made the Supersport Next Generation class so competitive and compelling with its eclectic lineup of machines ranging from 599cc four-cylinder Yamahas to 955cc V-twin Ducatis.
We hear the RSV4 will be required to carry an extra six kilograms of ballast, plus possibly be subjected to some curtailing of the bike’s electronic interventions, as well as maybe a reduction of horsepower via the electronic throttle. Whatever it takes to maintain a level playing field in MotoAmerica’s literbike class.
But, which current or new team will enter the bike, and who will the riders be? Oh, but we just can’t give all that information away yet. Besides, said team or teams will want to make their own announcement, and we will be ready to support them.
Stay tuned.
