The RSV4 has been due for an update, and 2019 is the year it gets a major one. The motor retains the V4 layout, but the displacement has increased by 79cc to 1078cc. Power and torque now stand at 214bhp @ 13200rpm and 122Nm @ 11000rpm. The fifth and sixth gears are taller now. The exhaust is now a titanium Akrapovic unit.

Among other changes are a 4mm shorter wheelbase and 5mm longer travel for the front forks. Brembo’s top-of-the-line Stylema callipers help haul it down from speed. The electronics suite hasn’t been upgraded – it retains the eight-step traction control, wheelie control, launch control, cornering ABS, and engine mapping options.

Cosmetic changes are limited to a matte black paint scheme, which helpfully shows off a lot of the carbonfibre bits that are now added to save weight. We can expect more options here later.

The RSV4 RF will compete with other top-shelf supersport machines that have also got at least a little exotica about them, like the Ducati Panigale V4 S.