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

[alan36]

Quick update. Bought the bike and it broke down at the petrol station. Wouldnt start when warm so as said above clearly a hot start issue. Started after about 20 mins of waiting. Other niggling problem is the clutch lever and bite point are far from the bar but no biggy. Other than that the bike is epic and I love it already.
I will put a new lithium battery on it as looking online this may help the hot start issue (hopefully).

[STe_rsv4]

alan36 said:

Quick update. Bought the bike and it broke down at the petrol station. Wouldnt start when warm so as said above clearly a hot start issue. Started after about 20 mins of waiting. Other niggling problem is the clutch lever and bite point are far from the bar but no biggy. Other than that the bike is epic and I love it already.
I will put a new lithium battery on it as looking online this may help the hot start issue (hopefully).

Haha! As predicted!
as well as buying a new lithium battery, DEFINITELY upgrade the power cables as I can guarantee they will have eroded over the years and you still will suffer hot starting problems. Its only a couple of hours job to replace them but absolutely worth doing. Speak to Griff at AP Racing, they will supply them for around £70

[alan36]

Good shout, thank you. Is it an easy diy job?

[STe_rsv4]

Yes, fiddly bit is trying to get the nut / cable off the starter motor as its behind the radiator but other than that, simply re-rotuing all of the cable back behind the fairings and subframe

[Bob_Defly]

Oh dear, good ol' Superbike Factory!

If that happened to me I think I'd just return it, rather than find more issues.

[Krikkit]

Shame about the battery, I assume SBF will cover it?

[alan36]

Not tried to go back to SBF. Looking at the reviews I dont fancy them taking the bike away for weeks on end.

[Krikkit]

Yeah fair enough, batteries are pretty much a service item anyway tbh

[alan36]

£100 for the cables now

[STe_rsv4]

Im assuming you've just spent north of £10 k on the bike?
£100 cables are a small price to pay to guarantee you don't have starting problems.

Wait until you see how bad the fuel economy on these are....... Aprilias aren't for poor people