Aprilia rsvr 1000 (2006)

[lanci]

I am contemplating buying one of these (trading for one). Can anyone provide their experiences and opinions on them, particularly the following items;

- Reliability
- Servicing and costs within Aucks
- Power
- Handling
- Sound
- Anything else...

The only RSVR I've seen on my rides, was being loaded on to the back of a trailer after breaking down...

Cheers,

Lance

[Cajun]

We own an 06 RSVR,
Is one you looking at a factory or not? Factory has ohlins -front/rear/steering damper, has oz wheels, and carbon fibre. the normal/factory have same motor (145hp @ crank) which works out to 120-125 @ rw,
The standard comes with ohlins front end, but you can buy ohlins rear/damper at good prices thru aprilia dealer (we have ohlins damper & rear shock on our standard model)

According to the servicing book they only need a service every 10,000kms, but good habit is do a oil change every 5000kms, they are a pretty reable lump as whole, they motor been around since the first rsv came out in 98/99, its motor is made by rotax, they make the buell 1125r motor, and motors for snow mobiles. How much to service that i am unsure of since i don;t know up there.

Being a vtwin they sound like a vtwin, they are 60 degrees not a 90 like other twins, so not sound like other twins, but still that nice thumpthy bark.
Handling is good, its one of things italians can do to a bike make them handle/stop.


Being Italian they have there issues, but it just seams to hit different bikes at different times.
Rear brake stops work (there is work around to fix this, ours has been good for over 1 year now,)
Clutch needs bleeding (for some reason air gets in system and makes it hard to find neutral, some people have this issues others do not, a fix is to replace the lever with a better brembo unit)
Starter relays plays up, but can be upgrade to a yamaha one which is better 100amp instead of aprilia 50amp

And just being italian they have small niggly things time to time, but good support base with af1 forums, The apilia importer is a bit useless at moment, with parts, but if you buying second hand, get them of af1 cheaper anyway.

[mashman]

Got an 05 R here, have upgraded to an Ohlins rear shock and had some revalving done in the forks, but don't see the need for a steering damper (not for me anyway). Only thing ever wrong with it was the atmospheric pressure sensor going potty, but changed that and sorted. There was a service bulletin for the clutch and rear brake "problems", both of which cured my clutch and brake bleed issues, but that was just an inconvenience. The rear brake is still shit, but hopefully will be getting some rearsets to relocate the master... other than that, if you want shitloads of power, go buy a jappa litre, failing that, these things carry a bit more punch than I4 600's and plenty of v-twin torque... plus there's always the optional 1060cc upgrade (oooh i wish i had the notes for that little mod)... I love the Prila... gives me bags of confidence to stay well within the limit and really really does handle fantastically when you get her all set up...

Most issues seem to be elecrtical, and as Cajun points out, the dealership seems to be having a few problems (not always the case though)... but more often than not, eBay is your friend, or AF1 for that matter (a wealth of knwledge for Aprilia support, and cheap parts to boot).

Not sure about servicing prices, but there are those who have had theirs serviced and never had a valve adjustment in over 50000k's... bloody reliable engine...

[madmal64]

try www.apriliaforum.com for info. This has been a great source of info for my Falco & I know plenty of the NZ Aprilia riders also frequent this forum as well.

[Sensei]

Reliability >> Mine has done 53,000ks & checked the shims once from new at 40,000 ks still Factory spec

- Servicing and costs within Aucks >> Service mine myself but Ph around .

- Power >> lot's of add on's to increase power , Mine over 128-RWHP

- Handling >> Excellent even better when you get my mods done

- Sound >> Akropovic's / Arrow / Tig craft are the best for these bikes

- Anything else...
If you are looking at an 04> onwards then make sure to replace or make sure the suspenion link plates have been changed . Personally I prefer the 03 shape & like their power delivery better , more bottom end & they have more of an old school V-Twin feel to them . With the right rider the Aprilias will more than hold their own with anything out there plus if you are buying a Factory you get the best suspenion / wheels & brakes & geometry that is available . Ride one & see if it is what you are wanting .

[cruza]

Yeah same as above, few minor elec niggles to sort out , but neat bike to ride, awesome power right up to the limiter.

[mokomoa]

Check miliage.. they have been known to reset when battery disconected. (maybe just the '04,s)