PATENTS: Is Aprilia working on its next generation RSV4?

Aprilia’s filed a couple of designs which hint that there’s a new RSV4 coming in the not too distant future.

Ok, so the patents don’t give much away. At all. They’re for a new, smaller radiator. But as far as we’re concerned, that’s as clear an indication as we’re going to get that the Italian factory is starting to think about the next generation of its flagship sportbike.

Basically, Aprilia’s working on a solution to direct air more efficiently to the side-mounted radiator using some new front ducts and fins. And if they can get a more efficient flow of clean air to the radiator and cool the radiator quicker, they’re able to reduce its size – which of course translates to weight savings.

It’s a clever idea – which would be perfect for the top of the line sport bike. We don’t know for sure that it’s for the RSV4 – but it’s unlikely that Aprilia would use it elsewhere. Only time will tell if we’re right.