Aprillia RSV MILLE - Servicing/Ownership
Discussion
I am currently considering an RSV Mille, is there anyone out there who owns this model?
- Any views would be appreciated, am looking at a UK '03 model, currently have an '02 ZX9R which incidentally may be for sale!
- Any recommendations for a dealer in the Midlands, particularly for servicing, or a specialist independent.
Cheers in anticipation!!
- Any views would be appreciated, am looking at a UK '03 model, currently have an '02 ZX9R which incidentally may be for sale!
- Any recommendations for a dealer in the Midlands, particularly for servicing, or a specialist independent.
Cheers in anticipation!!
Will probably feel slower than your Ninja - it is in a straight line. But on normal roads or tracks (which aren't straight 
you will cover ground very quickly on account of the superb Ohlins suspension (I have the R model). I believe the RSV-R '03 model is still the fastest bike around BIKE magazine's handling test track.
Overtaking ability is awesome. Sometimes, when I am in less of a hurry, I change UP before an overtake. There is so much torque that it still storms past.
Servicing is pricier than Jap bikes.
I'm very happy with mine and it is much more reliable than my old Ducati. I fancy upgrading it for the '03 with the gold wheels myself.
you will cover ground very quickly on account of the superb Ohlins suspension (I have the R model). I believe the RSV-R '03 model is still the fastest bike around BIKE magazine's handling test track. Overtaking ability is awesome. Sometimes, when I am in less of a hurry, I change UP before an overtake. There is so much torque that it still storms past.
Servicing is pricier than Jap bikes.
I'm very happy with mine and it is much more reliable than my old Ducati. I fancy upgrading it for the '03 with the gold wheels myself.
Matt,
I've had two and they have both been fantastic. For servicing in the Midlands, you have either Speedaway motorcycles just off the M5 nr. Brum and my preferred place which is Bikers World at Pershore. They have always been very helpful.
Servicing cost is going to be a little more than the Kawasaki, but the smiles pre mile are much bigger!
Matt
I've had two and they have both been fantastic. For servicing in the Midlands, you have either Speedaway motorcycles just off the M5 nr. Brum and my preferred place which is Bikers World at Pershore. They have always been very helpful.
Servicing cost is going to be a little more than the Kawasaki, but the smiles pre mile are much bigger!
Matt
Had my 02 from new.
Nothing gone wrong with it.
I still love every time I go out on it.
The greatest thing is the mid corner stability. It allows such faith in the whole set up that you end up just pouring the power on exiting corners. Get the 'R' and put the Aprilia aftermarket can on. Sounds amazing and goes like stink. Oh yeah take a tooth off the front and the 2-3-4-5 gear changes are seamless. Enjoy!
And your mates will understand the phrase:
"It just growles and F#*kes off"
Nothing gone wrong with it.
I still love every time I go out on it.
The greatest thing is the mid corner stability. It allows such faith in the whole set up that you end up just pouring the power on exiting corners. Get the 'R' and put the Aprilia aftermarket can on. Sounds amazing and goes like stink. Oh yeah take a tooth off the front and the 2-3-4-5 gear changes are seamless. Enjoy!
And your mates will understand the phrase:
"It just growles and F#*kes off"
I've got an 03 which I've had from new, nothing major, just make sure you get an optimate to keep the battery topped up.
If you do get an 03 rather than an 02, then you might want to drop the sprocket down two at the front from 17 to 15, they changed the gear ratios in the box for the 03s.
Apart from that I'd echo what the others have said about the aprillia can and chip, you might want to swap the air boot for a pre-01 version (~£30 iirc) which makes a nice induction noise and helps the low and and mid range even more
If you do get an 03 rather than an 02, then you might want to drop the sprocket down two at the front from 17 to 15, they changed the gear ratios in the box for the 03s.
Apart from that I'd echo what the others have said about the aprillia can and chip, you might want to swap the air boot for a pre-01 version (~£30 iirc) which makes a nice induction noise and helps the low and and mid range even more
I was put right off getting one by my local bike mechanic at Duffus's in Scotland,and sure as hell he took me into the workshop and there was an 04 with an unbelievable list of things wrong with it,plus they stopped dealing with Aprilia which helped with my decision,however,i did try one out and it was great(went for SP1 eventually)but ofcourse bikes being bikes there's probably loads of guys out there never had a problem with their one,there,that's probably cleared that up for you!
Rough guide to my costings. with 25k miles.
Bought bike may 02 £6899 otr.
Insurance about £300 p year
1st serv £178
2nd Ser £133.95 (think there was another 1 somewhere)
3rd Ser £88 - tru!
4th Ser £350 inc Shims
Tyres 207RRs when new.
Replaced with 208s (no 207RR in) 2002 -to wide on 195, rubs chain
Replaced in 2003 with BT010 still wide
Replaced with Diablo's 180 rear.
each set approx £175.
Other costs. R&G mushrooms £110 i think
Indicator - broken when 2 months old by handbag (no not mine) when parked up.
Baglux. Do a lot of Touring - Corsica, France, Spain etc,
New Disks Galfer (front) £330
New Oxford bags (old burnt when 2 up)
Probs
After service sump plug came off. Lucky i was near home with G/F riding behind! Garage did an ace clean up & new rear tyre FOC.
In France, rear brake had been binding then seized on (when crossing a dual carrage way!!!) melted brake hose & wiring for speed sensor. Sorted FOC by garage.
I do not use the same garage anymore.
Hope it helps.
Bought bike may 02 £6899 otr.
Insurance about £300 p year
1st serv £178
2nd Ser £133.95 (think there was another 1 somewhere)
3rd Ser £88 - tru!
4th Ser £350 inc Shims
Tyres 207RRs when new.
Replaced with 208s (no 207RR in) 2002 -to wide on 195, rubs chain
Replaced in 2003 with BT010 still wide
Replaced with Diablo's 180 rear.
each set approx £175.
Other costs. R&G mushrooms £110 i think
Indicator - broken when 2 months old by handbag (no not mine) when parked up.
Baglux. Do a lot of Touring - Corsica, France, Spain etc,
New Disks Galfer (front) £330
New Oxford bags (old burnt when 2 up)
Probs
After service sump plug came off. Lucky i was near home with G/F riding behind! Garage did an ace clean up & new rear tyre FOC.
In France, rear brake had been binding then seized on (when crossing a dual carrage way!!!) melted brake hose & wiring for speed sensor. Sorted FOC by garage.
I do not use the same garage anymore.
Hope it helps.
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