Aprilia RSV4 - Older Factory SE vs Newer R

[rod1m]

Which would be better for the same money - a 2011 RSV4 Factory SE APRC with 10k miles, or a 2014 RSV4-R APRC with 3k miles?

Obviously the Factory model has the Öhlins and forged wheels etc, but think that the whole RSV4 range was improved in 2013, which makes me wonder which is best, the older Factory SE or newer 'R'?

For mostly road riding, one tour (3/4 days) and 3/4 trackdays per year...

[eddd1e]

I have a 2014 Factory, 4,000 miles in and no problems.

I would get the newer bike as there have been a few changes to improve reliability over the years. The main engine changes happened in 2011 I think.. so not sure if the other bike would fall under that.

EDIT: Yeah then 2013+ bikes got new brakes, electronics and bigger fuel tank.

Edited by eddd1e on Saturday 13th February 22:19

[rod1m]

Thanks eddd1e.
Yeah I think the newer bike would be the better one in this situation. I've also read that the 2013 on comes with race abs too

[nervous]

I've done 6k on the older one without a single issue. I wouldn't believe everything you read on the Internet (except this).

[Steve Bass]

My 2011 Factory dropped a valve within 1500kms and totaled the motor.
Aprilia gave me a 2012 FActory which was faultless.
I then changed to a 2016 RR which is epic.

The 2013's got a larger tank but the fuelling isn't as nice. Runs crazy lean at low rpm to save fuel and really needs a Race ECU to sort out.
The 2011 Factory will have lots of parts the R doesn't beyond the obvious including different gear ratios Ohlins damper, variable throttle stacks etc.
Get a decent system on the factory with a race ecu from Gabro in Italy and you'll be laughing.
As for ABS, the non assisted bikes have a much nicer lever feel. I'd happily go without personally

[rod1m]

That's the first I've heard of fuelling issues with these bikes.
Costs wise, by the time a full system + ecu / power commander is factored in, you're into ex-demo R1 / brand new zx-10r category....

[Steve Bass]

rod1m said:

That's the first I've heard of fuelling issues with these bikes.
Costs wise, by the time a full system + ecu / power commander is factored in, you're into ex-demo R1 / brand new zx-10r category....

It's not an issue, it's a deliberate strategy to meet emmissions and save fuel. You need to ride them to see the difference.
As for the extras, there's lots of slip ons around if the bikes you're looking at don't have as well as s/h ecu's and such. particualarly from the US. Go to the AF1 RSV4 forum for more info.
If the Factory is in good condition, that'd be my choice. With that mileage the motor will be nicely bedded in and any gremlins long gone.
Get the GuzziDiag software (free) and a lead ( 5 Quid) and you can do lots to the bike usually requiring a dealer's system.
Does the Factory have Gold or Black wheels??

[rod1m]

Ah I see. It's annoying how flat spots etc are basically engineered in nowadays!

It's the Factory SE's I'm looking at (the first model to have the aprc) that have black wheels.

Cheers

[Steve Bass]

Pop into the AF1 forum and look for Gabro. He's based in Italy and just about the best RSV4 resource out there.
The mapping on the earlier bikes was continually improved, especially the APRC functions and control.
It's an easy job to reflash the ecu to the later factory maps and improves the bike significantly. So you get all the loveliness of the Factory with the newer maps. Win win.

[nervous]

Does the black wheels/ gold wheels denote non-APRC/ APRC? I've always wondered whether it does, but had assumed I was just making a silly guess.

[Steve Bass]

nervous said:

Does the black wheels/ gold wheels denote non-APRC/ APRC? I've always wondered whether it does, but had assumed I was just making a silly guess.

Black wheels is definately a 2011 model, Gold wheels a 2012 and gold with tricolore stripes on the leading edge of the side panels is a 2013 on.
Just a bit of nerdery

[nervous]

I'm really happy to know that. Nerdery is good. Thank you.

[rossb]

Don't have steves knowledge of the bikes - but got a new 2014 Factory ABS model in July last year - did 2700 trouble free and exhilarating miles last summer - mate who has same bike who i do trackdays with has Race ECU and akra slip on and agrees with above comments that bike has much nicer low-mid range - so that's booked for next month for me. Even on the road track mode is much more responsive and fun to ride than the other modes which i only used when running in. Great bike - have an austin racing can to fit at same time. Just thinking of that v4 howl gives me goosebumps! Good luck with your purchase.