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SPman
9th April 2003, 18:44
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TR><TD><normalfont>one for Simon</normalfont>

<normalfont>2004 Mille: A Quick Look</normalfont>
<normalfont>Taking a Peek at Aprilia's New Flagship </normalfont>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150 height=109><IMG height=109 src="http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/mille-3_sm.jpg" width=150 border=1></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><normalfont>Word on the street is that Aprilia has a well-sorted, fully developed redesign of its flagship superbike, the Mille. Aprilia reportedly entertained ideas of releasing this bike at last year's Intermot Show as a 2003 model; this obviously didn't happen, so it's probably safe to expect this one to debut as an '04 model this September in Milan. Either way, there's no reason to believe the new Mille will be anything shy of a radically improved evolution of an already amazing motorcycle. The current Mille platform has twice benefited from year-to-year tweaking since its initial release in '99.<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD Align=right width=150 height=179><IMG height=179 src="http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/mille-2_sm.jpg" width=150 border=1></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

A wholly redesigned big twin and an all-new top-shelf chassis and suspension are rumored for the new Mille. Being that Aprilia just slapped radially mounted calipers on '03 Mille Rs, the new bike will most definitely pack a pair of these. The edgier new look, as seen in these spy shots, makes it clear Aprilia intends to stick with ram-air induction to feed the V-twin, which will almost assuredly remain liter-sized. We're excited. Are you?</normalfont></TD></TR></TABLE>

merv
9th April 2003, 20:02
Makes it look a bit like an VTR SP (RC51) with that ram air hole in the middle of the fairing.

NhuanH
9th April 2003, 20:05
AMPS have an '03 Mille R on the floor and man those radially mounted gold Brembos really rock!

bluninja
10th April 2003, 10:02
SPMan, thanks, but I've had these pics for about 6 months....personally don't like the SP look alike front or the silly tail.......but who knows what the final style will be.

I was down in AMPS yesterday getting a new indicator lens and had a look at the 2003 RSVR. Yes the brakes do make it look more special. I also like the way they've slimmed the tail with the new unit. I don't like the mix of shiny black paintwork and matt black on the tail though. It looks as though they couldn't make up their minds. Maybe when I have a spare $34k&nbsp; I might buy another :cool:

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TTFN

Coldkiwi
11th April 2003, 12:12
Yeah.. very SP-2ish

One would hope that Aprilia have more styling sense than to follow the japanese machines simply because edginess is in vogue.Here's hoping Italian flair wins the race :) And they can piss that black/silver look off anytime!!... Italian bikes are not meant to blend in with urban blandness...

As for the '03 mille, those gold wheels are FANTASTIC!! Aprilia have redesigned their (already very nice) website and it shows the 03 RSV off very nicely.

I wonder how many more ponies they're gonna get out of it? Every review for the last few years has been asking for a bit more mumbo but not too loudly given the rest of the package. Its got to be time for&nbsp;rework tho, especially given the ducati threat/dominance in SBK

wkid_one
13th April 2003, 22:27
Still an overly heavy bike and underpowered compared to the GSXR/R1/Blade's out now.....and for the dollars?&nbsp;

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Coldkiwi
14th April 2003, 12:35
maybe.. but it is ITALIAN!!

Anyway, i haven't seen the spec's so I live in hope that they've dealt to teh power and weight issues

750Y
14th April 2003, 15:13
verrrrry nice spman. wow!

bikerboy
14th April 2003, 16:38
There's more to a bike than raw power. Such ephemeral things as design, handling, emotional response and cache. These are things the italians do well and the japanese don't. That's why Ducatis cost so much and the factory sells everyone without the need to discount.

Sorry japanese bike fans, please don't abuse me tooooo much!:done:

SPman
14th April 2003, 17:43
Thats right! But personally I'd love a Mondial Piega - combines the best of both worlds - RC51 motor and exquisite Italian design flair - pity they are $30,000 US

Coldkiwi
15th April 2003, 12:20
Oh yeah!

That mondial or the Benelli Tornado are VERY handsome bikes! I wonder if Mondial will do a cheaper version for 1/2 price like Aprilia did with the&nbsp;RSV R (from the SP) and Benelli did with the Tre? Those ones came in around $33,000 NZ which ain't so bad.

BTW, did AMPS ever sell that RSV SP??

wkid_one
15th April 2003, 12:46
I'm sorry, but I question how people ignore the R1 when comparing bikes with the Duc/Mondiel/Benelli etc....

I know power isn't everything - I also know that a dollar in spend on an R1/GSRX/Blade would be $3+ on the other bikes easily - yet I am not getting much more for my money.......

I could spend $20k on an 2002 R1, and $5k on perf. parts and still have shit loads of change compared to exotic bikes.&nbsp; Plus, the Japanese bikes are more technologically superior and race proven.&nbsp; Yes Ducati are winning SBK but only due to the previous and present restrictions against multi's.&nbsp; The Benelli sucks on the track.&nbsp; The Mondiel well hell - it is based on a V-Twin engine - never going to compare in power (don't slander me here - check out what bike I ride - I can say this as I know first hand)

VTR SP2 $28k 136hp, 200kg dry or GSXR $23k 160hp, 168kg dry&nbsp;- come on.....Duc 998/999R $65k, 138hp, 187kg dry - no contest.

As for looks - that is why there are so many different bikes.&nbsp; However, to ignore the nice lines coming from the Red Sun area is ignorant.&nbsp; The CRB600RR - one sexy bike.

Plus - I am sorry - but I refuse to compromise power/handling/performance just for looks - sorry.

Yes Ducs handle well mid corner - they have to - coz they were just chasing the Jap Multis down the straight........

Don't get me wrong I love the look of the MV for example - but would never buy one, love the lines of the 999 - but would only park one in my garage if I didn't pay for it.

If I had more money than a bull could shit - I would still buy GSXR/R1/Blade.&nbsp; When I am on a bike, I am only interested in what it feels, handles and performs like&nbsp;- why buy second place.&nbsp; As for looks - ideally, all any one should see is your tail-light getting smaller and smaller&nbsp;- LCD all the way!

bluninja
15th April 2003, 13:00
yes the SP did sell at AMPS. WKID I can see where you are coming from, but smaller and more powerful isn't always better. Anyhow I'm just sad that Aprilia never made the Blue Marlin into a production bike. It was reall sexy to see in the flesh.

TTFN

bikerboy
15th April 2003, 17:06
I thought the Aprila Tuono looked good in the magazines but I saw it at AMPS and it just looked cheap, very disappointing. Yes the Marlin was a gorgeous bike. Guzzi has a new concept that's similar and looks good.

As for the design talents of the Jaspanese Bikes, sorry as much of an improvement the CBR is, it is doesn't have the fineses of the Italians.

Sorry Wkid: the R1 is a fabulous bike BUT it looks just like any ordinary bike, not the special it is, as for L.E.D. lights I believe they are the fluffy dice of the bike world.:(

I don't think the italian bikes are better looking because I bought one, I bought one because they are better looking. :done:

Coldkiwi
15th April 2003, 17:30
Yeah! Preach it brother!

:D

Wkid, before you get too hot under the exhausts, I'm not saying that R1's and GSXR's aren't good bikes. I'd agree they can probably outperform the italian V-twins..

but if its a 'lets sit around and look at the shinies' competition I think I know what I'd like to call my own (and as much as I love the greenies a ZX-12 isn't at the head of my list! (def top 5 tho :) )

And you have to admit... a V twin (or triple) sounds SOO nice (which is why you bought the VTR&nbsp;right?).. so add in the italian flair and I say it'll be one of teh most beautiful bikes around.

wkid_one
15th April 2003, 17:31
He he he - my point, they look good, but are under powered and heavy....more luck to you...

Why compromise on performance, when you are sitting on the bike - can you see it?

wkid_one
15th April 2003, 17:34
PS - I was referring to LCD being easier to see from miles away

Coldkiwi
16th July 2003, 18:16
underpowered in terms of what? a GSXR and R1? maybe..

in terms of what us mere mortals actually utilise on the road? I doubt it!

I know you can't now with your shoulder... but have you ever actually gone out with the mindset of hitting the throttle stop at every opportunity? i did it on the Zx-6 a few weeks ago and nearly had to change my pants!! All sports machinery beyond 400cc thats come out in the last 8 years is friggen quick regardless of cylinder config. On the road, how many of us could really conclusively show up the difference in performance between an RSV and R1?

It's a paper advantage for most&nbsp;, just the other end of the prestige scale... one man says 'I have a bike that people know looks awesome' and his mate says 'I have a bike that people know goes faster'. Its just different bragging rights! How many of us actually need a quicker road bike once we get up to 600cc?&nbsp;who needs something faster than an RSV?

I personally appreciate the better looks of italian bikes, the sound and the badge (I'll be honest) instead of the badge (definite pose factor in a GSXR 1k, R1 or ZX-12) and textbook advantage of a japa rocket, which I don't think I could ever utilise.

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