Aprilia RSV4 RF purchase

[alan36]

Looking at purchasing a RSV4 RF 2016 with 7k miles on it. Is there anything I should be aware of or pay particular attention to as I have never had an Aprilia?
Its from Superbike Factory in Macclesfield. It looks in very good condition.

[smifffymoto]

I would contact Aprilia for it’s service history and check the MOT history.
SBF are notorious for doing no prep etc on the bikes they sell.

[alan36]

It has a stamped history from Aprilia. The previous MOT history is all good as well.

[Krikkit]

As long as it's been serviced, and had the valve clearances done, there's not really much to worry about.

Electronically they're very robust. Mechanically what little does go wrong (e.g. fork seals) are easy to sort.

[STe_rsv4]

Not sure if the 2016 suffered the same hot starting issues that the older bikes did, but as a precaution I would invest in some uprated power cables (from battery / to starter) and a lithium battery for better cranking amps other wise the sprag clutch can become damaged from slow cranking.
Valve service are every 12k miles and are essential as a lot of owners have had the valves tighten, causing running issues.
other than that, they're a fantastic bike and will put a smile on your face every time youre out

[trickywoo]

They can leak oil from the seals for the spark plug holes in the rocker covers.

Most people will renew them any time there is a nearby service item. Outside of a relevant service they are 4 hours in the book to do.

[Birky_41]

trickywoo said:

They can leak oil from the seals for the spark plug holes in the rocker covers.

Most people will renew them any time there is a nearby service item. Outside of a relevant service they are 4 hours in the book to do.

Yeah this. Once sealed properly they don't seem to have an issue. All mine have had this from factory though

[alan36]

So check the history for oil seals and pipes? Hopefully all good. I have read online about cam chain tensioners, are they weak or is it the usual doom mongers on the internet?

[Krikkit]

alan36 said:

I have read online about cam chain tensioners, are they weak or is it the usual doom mongers on the internet?

16-on have a slightly different design which is better. Easy to diagnose if you go and see the bike - start it up, and if the chain noise isn't abated in 2-3 seconds it might be on its way. Not a hugely silly job to do, especially if you take it somewhere like AP Workshop where they've got all the tools, knowhow and practice, it'll be an easy enough job.

[alan36]

Thanks all