Early RSV Mille opinions wanted

**Paulus** · 5th December 2006, 21:20

A friend is looking at buying a low mileage early (circa 1999) Aprilia RSV Mille. Anyone owned one and/or know of any major (or minor) problems with this model? Anything in particular to pay attention to on a test ride?

Thanks in advance.

**madmal64** · 5th December 2006, 21:29

Try www.apriliaforum.com a good bunch of guys and search the RSV forums there.
Thats always a good place to start.
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/ will take you straight the the forums.

**Dazza** · 6th December 2006, 08:53

I test rode my first one in 1998,bought a Falco in 2000, a 2000R brand new in Dec 01 so combined I did over 70000 odd k's with not one problem, always serviced on time. Battery can be an issue, advise battery tender if parked up for longer than a week (not a problem in a new relationship), need heaps of current to get the starter turning over properly to get those big slugs moving. Low charge battery @ worse will eat the starter sprag clutchy thingy (I'm not too mechanically minded), the first sign is the rev counter bouncing on start up and the dials resetting themselves, pain in the arse ! As already mentioned apriliaforum.com are the place to go, a huge wealth of information.
Don't over rev it on down changes (you have to be a fuckwit to do it), the valves don't like it. Is it a NZ new bike, alot of the imports have been written off in their country of origin due to the gear lever or brake lever denting the frame ( a wee 1/2 cresent dent, barely noticable), not saying this is a bad thing but I'd pay less for an import(just be aware).Check the steering head bearings, not too expensive if new ones are needed, if it's fitted with a steering dampner turn it off because this masks stuffed bearings.Check to see if the shims have been checked(cannot remember recommended milage).Throttle cable routing is another thing to check, as the tank is raised cables can come out of postion and cause damage. Just change the oil/filter @ the recommeded intervals & give it shit, they love it.

**F5 Dave** · 6th December 2006, 09:53

Never owned one though did consider it. Engine makes lovely power, as long as the throttle is open. When I rode it on a twisty road I found it was hard to go from closed to open throttle without it taking off, which is a little inconvenient mid corner. Maybe I'm ham fisted, but I would recommend trying it in these conditions, I found my YZF infinitely easier to ride so I kept it.

**ceebie13** · 6th December 2006, 09:54

Dont take my comment too seriously cos I'm not at all clued up on Aprilias, but I rode one for half an hour (swapped bikes on a long weekend in France).
Half an hour was all I could take. It was like riding a brick! Perhaps its cos I'm 6ft4 but I hated it! Nice to look at...friggin awful to ride. Noisey and oh so uncomfortable.

**Dazza** · 6th December 2006, 10:06

Originally Posted by ceebie13

Dont take my comment too seriously cos I'm not at all clued up on Aprilias, but I rode one for half an hour (swapped bikes on a long weekend in France).
Half an hour was all I could take. It was like riding a brick! Perhaps its cos I'm 6ft4 but I hated it! Nice to look at...friggin awful to ride. Noisy and oh so uncomfortable.

Blah blah blah

(P/T) , I've got mates that ride Mille's fm.1999 to 2006 models & they're not midgets either. They have set their bikes up, granted. They're rather sensitve to suspension setup, once sorted it's rather rewarding. My 2000R was bloody awesome to tour on,from Fox to Golden Bay in a day & was still able to stand up straight and walk no worries

**Dazza** · 6th December 2006, 10:08

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

Never owned one though did consider it. Engine makes lovely power, as long as the throttle is open. When I rode it on a twisty road I found it was hard to go from closed to open throttle without it taking off, which is a little inconvenient mid corner. Maybe I'm ham fisted, but I would recommend trying it in these conditions, I found my YZF infinitely easier to ride so I kept it.

Not dissing you,but it's all about throttle control

**F5 Dave** · 6th December 2006, 10:30

I learnt that on my trials bike, but on the RSV I found that it had to be performed all within 3/4 of a mm. Too bad if you hit a bump. Guess carbs have been around for decades FI is going to take a while to catch up in some areas. The FI GSXRs are totally without this vice, well at least the 750 I rode. Hey what is the SD like in that area?

**Dazza** · 6th December 2006, 10:38

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

I learnt that on my trials bike, but on the RSV I found that it had to be performed all within 3/4 of a mm. Too bad if you hit a bump. Guess carbs have been around for decades FI is going to take a while to catch up in some areas. The FI GSXRs are totally without this vice, well at least the 750 I rode. Hey what is the SD like in that area?

I know, I wasn't getting @ you but it does need to treated with a little repect, hitting bumps pinned, you have to worry about the front coming up, especially if the rears a little soft. The Super Duke is another kettle of fish again. You definately gotta be deliberate, some would say it's rather abrupt but after 18000k's I love it,still treat the throttle with respect when running @ 95%, but hey I wouldn't have it any other way now

I've also ridden the 750 and it certainly was a lovely Gem of a motorcyle,love the way she came on song @ 12000rpm, just not my thing really, each to their own as they say !