Aprilia RSV1000R & Factory (2004-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£8,572
Parker's used price range	£4,105-8,990
Engine size	998cc
Power	143bhp
Top speed	172mph
Insurance group	17

MCN overall verdict

Ultra-exotic, extremely high performance V-twin motorcycle that rocks on the race track but is a handful on the road. The Aprilia RSV1000R is not for the inexperienced. This updated bike appeared in November 2004 and is the base of the RSV1000R range. In previous years the R was a tricked up model and the Mille was the entry level machine. Now the Aprilia RSV1000R is the standard motorcycle, and the Aprilia RSV1000R Factory is the tricked-up motorcycle.

Engine

The Aprilia RSV1000R has a v-twin engine with a compact 70 degree angle between the cylinders and a dry sump to ensure constant lubrication. Low down torque is plentiful, midrange is muscular and the motorcycle's top end rush exhilarating, if not quite a match for the four cylinder Japanese rival motorcycles. Intoxicating traction and noise from the Aprilia RSV1000R.

Ride and Handling

The Aprilia RSV1000R motorcycle is tall, slender and quite a handful. Works best with a rider who can show it who is the boss. Hard suspension is a pain on bumpy roads but divine on the track or good road surfaces. The Aprilia RSV1000R is more comfy above the speed limit than below it. Slightly heavier than Japanese rival motorcycles but carries it well.

Equipment

The Aprilia RSV1000R's comfort is not great. The narrow, tall riding position suits some bikers better than others but wrists hurt at slow speed and numb bumb can set in after a hundred miles on the Aprilia RSV1000R motorcycle. Pillion accommodation is poor. Clocks quite comprehensive. Official extras for the motorcycle include an alarm and a range of Aprilia approved exhausts made by Akrapovic.

Quality and Reliability

The motorcycles are generally well designed and built but there are niggles. The UK dealer network is neither as comprehensive nor as experienced as you’d find for most other motorcycle brands. If there is an established Aprilia agent near you, you should be fine, if not, you may have to travel. Spares slow to arrive for the Aprilia RSV1000R motorcycle.

Value

The cheapest 1000cc V-twin super sport motorcycle undercuts the Ducati 999. Japanese rival motorcycles are cheaper than the Aprilia RSV1000R though and all can be bought at a discount. Be wary of unregistered older motorcycles being flogged on as the latest model. Find Aprilia RSV1000R motorcycles for sale.

Model History

2004: new-look Aprilia RSV1000R motorcycle range launched.

Other Versions

2004: Aprilia RSV1000R Factory launched. More expensive version of the base Aprilia RSV1000R with Ohlins shock and steering damper, light forged wheels, gold frame, carbon and more.

Specifications

Top speed	172mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11 secs
Power	143bhp
Torque	76ftlb
Weight	810kg
Seat height	810mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	36mpg
Tank range	140 miles
Insurance group	17
Engine size	998cc
Engine specification	8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17