APRILIA RSV1000 R (2004 - 2010) Review

Version: Gen 2

Year: 2005

A fantastic sounding, torquey engine still happier being ragged on track than noodling about on A roads. I'm 6"2 and have never felt cramped riding, an absolute joy on track...yeah you will always get hammered by the new toys on the straights but the bike comes alive when pushed a bit. Still a great looking bike now and how cheap for a 170mph bike...

Buying experience: My local independent dealer sold me mine in 2014, think I paid around the £4500 mark.

Version: R

Year: 2004

Quite possibly one of the best v twins you could own. Sure there are many twins but this one is different. Styling and sound are unique. It has been said that it can be a handful but have to disagree. Yes you have to be confident in your riding and capable of pointing it in the right direction but, and this is an important but, its margins for errors is bigger than a Ducati which means it is a fantastic bike on which to learn how to ride fast. Worst points for mine have been reliability and the dealership experience..but I think thats the same for every dealership (sadly). I have toured all round europe on it and luckily didn't have any issues within the first year.

Buying experience: As with most dealers they were my best friend when buying new, sadly this loved up relationship didn't last long after I had handed over my money!

Year: 2010

I bought this bike new in 2010. The last of the model in Ice White. As the end of this generation of RSV's, it clearly wasn't going to be the fastest or the most technically well equipped bike but I had always hankered after one and the deals were so good, I just had to buy one. So comparative to my other bikes, this isn't mega quick by any means BUT it makes up for that in a beautifully handling bike that has heaps of old school v twin character and feel. You can absolutely feel the racing heritage of this bike in it's handling. It's build for the track or smooth fast roads where it really comes into it's element. It does feel dated these days but that's an endearing quality to me. I love the old school lack of ANY electronics. You are directly connected to all aspects of the riding experience arguably more so, as there is no electronic wizardry between you and the mechanic forces at play. I also have a 2020 Tuono so I'm not against electronics by any means..this is just a different experience that's more rooted in my biking past. As a road bike, it's not the most comfortable or easiest to ride around town(especially as I'm now getting older and fatter and need to knock a "belly" shaped dent in the tank to be able to reach the bars LOL). But get it on the fast sweeping bends in Wales or Spain etc and it's almost an ethereal experience. These days, I tend to ride it more on track days than on the road and although I get passed on the straights by all the RSV4's and 1000rr's etc, I get sweet revenge in the corners. I've done just over 30k miles (including hard riding track days and hooligan road rides) and it's never given ANY problems. It still feels like a new bike..nice and tight and solid in all areas. I've done of few of the basic mods, like airbox, sprockets change etc and this certainly helps to induce a broader grin. I will never sell this bike, it's just too good a part of biking history. My son will at least inherit something.

Buying experience: I bought the bike from a Dealer in Birmingham (because I couldn't find one anywhere else). Worst buying experience of my entire life...with anything... EVER!. Even after 10 years it still annoys me to think about it...can't say what I want to on this forum. Price was excellent (wherever you got one from) and from distant memory I think it was £7999 brand new. Do you remember those days people? Now every bike I desire is £20k plus :( it's paid for itself over and over with the joy it has given.

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £500

I love it, so much character and grunt!

Version: Factory

Year: 2009

Annual servicing cost: £100

Magazine reporters rave about this bike, but I'm not sure why. It certainly is a great looking bike, & with a wide torque curve it is deceptably fast & handles very well. The clocks steam up, it's nearly impossible to find neutral, the rear brake is very wooden & the seat is a plank. Sometimes after it's rained the ignition can be intermittent until it dries out. But for a morning blast down a country road it's amazing. I think people call all this character. Not recommended for your regular motorcyclist, but if your looking for something different, go for it.

Buying experience: Bought privately from a one owner who babied it.

Version: Factory

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £500

Fantastic bike never missed a beat

Version: Factory

Year: 2005

I also have a 916, 998, and 999S and this RSV1000R Factory handily trumps them all. Chassis is exceptional with the Factory Ohlins, Rotax engine is bomb proof reliable and cheap to maintain unlike the Duc’s of the period. These bikes are a steal on the used market.

Buying experience: These are absurdly cheap on the used market now. Paid $3,500 for an all original model with 3200 miles that has never been down.

Year: 2005

Power excellent as is top quality suspension, but toy town switch gear

Buying experience: Local dealer, part exchangedd my blackbird

Version: RSV1000r Bol dor replica

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £300

Although not my only Bike, it was bought new in 2008 and is still as good as new.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer with an excellent deal due the emerging RSV4

As a big boy's toy to scratch around fast twisty roads, this is quite simply awesome. I bought my 05 RSV Factory after my Daytona 955i came to grief in 2012. It had a geniuine 6800 miles on it, with only 2 previous owners (the last owner had it only 3 months because he really wanted a gixer). My initial impression was of a sweet handling, highly flickable bike with an incredibly versatile engine. Good low down grunt, but almost free revving as the revs grow. And, what a sound - especially after replacing the restrictive standard cans with some carbon fibre aftermarket ones. So, for recreational fun, this has never disappointed - and I don't think it will. It keeps me smiling everytime I go out on it. Typically, though, it isn't without its foibles - after all, it is Italian. The rear brake is rubbish - it is just as well it doesn't get a lot of use. Even, after getting a good brake after eithe reverse bleeding or tuning the caliper upside down, it doesn't last. When I get the time and inclination, I think a different master cylinder will be the order of the day. Thankfully, the front brake is stunningly good. The clutch slave cylinder also leaked, which resulted in me fitting an aftermarket part. It made a good difference in clutch feel, although reverse bleeding was again the trick to the set. This and the brake are a result of bad design and engineering. My final note, is that for long journeys expect to be very uncomfortable. At slow speeds it is heavy on the wrists. It grts a bit easier at higher speeds when the air on the chest helps take some of the load off the wrists. That said, over longer distances you can certainly expect to feel the over tank positioning to hit your lower back. Heavyish rucksacks only add tonthe pain - I won't make that mistake again. Right, the overall verdict. I bought it primarily as a big boy's toy, at which it excels. Indeed, it excels so much, that I no intention of changing it - not yet anyway.

I bought my Aprilia new in 2010. I had to search for one of the last new ones available which comes in a satin white and black and fitted with Ohlins etc. This meant having to look around the country until I found one in Birmingham. The bike itself is fantastic but owning it has'nt been without problems. Firstly the company I bought it off gave me the worst service I have ever experienced in my life and didn't prepare the bike properly. Amongst other things this meant that the single seat unit fell off into traffic on the ride home as it wasn't assembled properly (the lock still being in place on the bike and the plastics crushed in the road). Then within the first year the tank de-laminated (a known problem with this finish). I also had a clutch problem and needed a new rear swingarm bush within the first year (again a recognised problem I believe) but thanks to my local Aprilia dealer (On Yer Bike at Aylesbury) I got all of these problems rectified under warranty. This sounds like a reason or two NOT to buy an Aprilia and I have to say as a company Aprilia and Aprilia UK are NOT good to deal with BUT......The bike is SOOOooo good to ride that I can't be arsed to worry about all of that. I have had the bike for 3 years and done 23k miles. It still looks like new and rides like new. I have Arrow cans and up rated air filter fitted so it sounds fantastic and pulls like a train. I am 6ft and find the size of the bike just right, with plenty of room to move about. I have ridden all over the UK and throughout Spain on it and never felt particularly uncomfortable. Two up it is pretty uncomfortable when riding through traffic etc, like any sports bike really. My wife is a great pillion and this helps limit that effect but I would'nt recommend it for long trips two up. Having said that she loves the Aprilia and never shy's away from the opportunity to join me. The engine has been faultless and the bike has never not started or broken down on me. The handling is sublime, particularly on fast smooth sweeping roads where its racing pedigree definitely shows. The faster you ride it the better the experience gets. I wanted a bike without electronic rider aids...old school...learn how to maximise the potential over time and improve your own riding abilities as you go! The Aprilia offers this experience in bucket loads. It is full of character as well as ability and feels like a completely different experience to your standard inline four electronically controlled bike these days. I won't sell mine....we will just grow old disgracefully together.

I bought my Aprilia new in 2010. I had to search for one of the last new ones available which comes in a satin white and black and fitted with Ohlins etc. This meant having to look around the country until I found one in Birmingham. The bike itself is fantastic but owning it has'nt been without problems. Firstly the company I bought it off gave me the worst service I have ever experienced in my life and didn't prepare the bike properly. Amongst other things this meant that the single seat unit fell off into traffic on the ride home as it wasn't assembled properly (the lock still being in place on the bike and the plastics crushed in the road). Then within the first year the tank de-laminated (a known problem with this finish). I also had a clutch problem and needed a new rear swingarm bush within the first year (again a recognised problem I believe) but thanks to my local Aprilia dealer (On Yer Bike at Aylesbury) I got all of these problems rectified under warranty. This sounds like a reason or two NOT to buy an Aprilia and I have to say as a company Aprilia and Aprilia UK are NOT good to deal with BUT......The bike is SOOOooo good to ride that I can't be arsed to worry about all of that. I have had the bike for 3 years and done 23k miles. It still looks like new and rides like new. I have Arrow cans and up rated air filter fitted so it sounds fantastic and pulls like a train. I am 6ft and find the size of the bike just right, with plenty of room to move about. I have ridden all over the UK and throughout Spain on it and never felt particularly uncomfortable. Two up it is pretty uncomfortable when riding through traffic etc, like any sports bike really. My wife is a great pillion and this helps limit that effect but I would'nt recommend it for long trips two up. Having said that she loves the Aprilia and never shy's away from the opportunity to join me. The engine has been faultless and the bike has never not started or broken down on me. The handling is sublime, particularly on fast smooth sweeping roads where its racing pedigree definitely shows. The faster you ride it the better the experience gets. I wanted a bike without electronic rider aids...old school...learn how to maximise the potential over time and improve your own riding abilities as you go! The Aprilia offers this experience in bucket loads. It is full of character as well as ability and feels like a completely different experience to your standard inline four electronically controlled bike these days. I won't sell mine....we will just grow old disgracefully together.

Think this is my third review on here. The RSV (05 model). So now coming up to 7 years of ownership. Bought it with 1200 miles at 4 months old. Now just on 66.000 miles about, (clocks reset when alternator failed). So what's it been like. Reliability? Never failed to start, even when the alternator packed in the bike goes into limp mode, and got me the 40 miles home before the battery died. Second hand alternator (£60) a weekend and back on the road. Had the front forks refurbed at 50.000 and set up (£100). The engine has been bulletproof, still on original clutch, it doesn't use any oil or smoke, the gearbox has a lovely slick feeling with only the annoying neutral still awkward to get. Wheel bearings original and no wear, brake discs ditto (lots of engine braking). Finish? Lasted really well, the tanks a thick plastic so obviously won't rust, ad the bike has kept its finish really well. Unlike most of the newer sports bikes, the RSV has shown itself to be reasonably comfortable on longish rides (300+ miles) especially as I usually have a pillion. They're a long bike, so the pillion isn't squashed up to the rider. Overall? Never owned a bike longer than 3 years before, (R1'S, GSXR's, CBR'S,ZX's)which shows how much I've enjoyed the RSV. Problem now is what to do with it. Buy another and keep this for spares or just keep running it.

Short review: I had an 04 rsv-r. They have their good points and bad. More good then bad though. But here's the good points first: This bike ridden right is uncatchable. race cans mean best sounding bike ever. It has so much torque you really need sticky tyres. It is so involving! Its like riding a mental animal. Will wheelie over 100mph. and is the best handling bike in the world. according to me and mcn. Thee most fun thing you will ride but to mental for the road, will end up band or dead. fun though. Bad points: Check the inside of the swing arm before you buy because they crack. side stands are weak. Speedos blank out and start agene from 0000. so it may be higher miles than says on the clocks. not really fast top end speed but you'll beat everything to 150mph so what more do you need really? I'd have another any day but my wife won't let me, she thought I was too mental on it.

Had an 04' Factory a few years back and changed to a K7 GSXR1000 which is a great bike but way too easy to go stupidly quick on...sold it and bought an 05' Factory..OK its slower but so much more involving and makes you ride the bike..perfect Sunday bike and the sound is just intoxicating...its not everyones cup of tea but it suits me. Quick enough at the speeds that matter and always gets noticed compared to jap il4's. There is just something about the way Aprilia design their bikes that suits me....this is my 5th and all of them have made me smile...closest to these would be KTM's which are just fun and addictive. If you want a jack of all trades comfy bike look at this last...if you want style and a touch of class at a sensible price you could do worse.

Ill keep this short. If like me your coming from the newer inline fours especially a 04 R1 don’t do it you will regret it! Even though it’s got Ohlins and OZ and that swing arm etc, which was one of the selling points for me, it is no better chassis wise then my old R1, road or tarck and if you ask me the Aprilia best feature is its chassis. (I’d say the R1 is superior even without the trick bits, let alone a properly set up R1). In fact I’d call the RSV wooden! (Yes I do know what I’m talking about. I’m always at the very front of the fast groups, on track days and I also do about 20000miles a year on the road).The engine is gutless (regardless of what gear you’re in, or where you are in the rev range) regardless of what you do to it (mine made 130 rwhp). The back brake is shit, it needs a cover, and constant bleeding with 5.1 or you have to buy new rear sets and hang the master cylinder on the pegs like a normal bike! The mileage resets if the battery runs flat. Although reliable and built well for an Italian bike, it ain’t that reliable and there’s a definite difference in build quality between the two. Fuel economy is not great in comparison to the R1 either. I also found that the seat is too wide and digs into the top of my inner thighs when my feet are down making the bike feel taller then it really is. Did I mention it’s a bit of a porker! However, it is a bloody good looking bike and the kit you get for the money is exceptional value and with a set of cans it sounds awesome! I am however significantly quicker on the R1, whether I’m on track in the fast group, on just out for some fast road riding. I bought it as I had fond memories of my old SP1 and thought it would be a step on from that. I was wrong buy the SP1 instead. Maybe I’ve been unfair? Maybe I’m just not a twin man? But I wasn’t impressed!

I love it to death, but it's completely raped my wallet to keep it on the road. I've now bought the bike twice over in repair costs from things just randomly breaking on it. My local garage assure me that it's a one off & that I've been "unlucky", but sadly I feel my confidence in the Aprilia brand has been dented too much to ever buy another one. I've heard KTM are worse, but I fancy a change for my next bike when the time finally comes. Maybe I'm a masochist at heart. Aside from my troubles, the handling is utterly sublime, brakes... powerful (I'm never owning a bike without brembos again!) & engine... torquey. Having never ridden a V-twin before, the engine breaking took a bit of getting used to. Now I never need to touch the break lever unless undertaking 'spirited' riding. The engine sounds awesome. Especially with the full akrapovic system ;P. Having said that, I wish it had a bit more power. When things finally stop breaking on it I'll hopefully be able to stockpile enough money for the 1060cc rebore, racing cams & some headwork. The guy at my local dyno's had 155BHP at the rear wheel on the last one he gave the above treatment to! I'll just have to keep saving & dreaming til then.

had mine from new and not one mechanical problem. It is ridden hard here as the cops are not as prominent as back in the UK, many track days around Kyalami and so far 24,000 very happy km's.It is nknown locally as the "snottin snortin rhino of a bike" as the pipes have been gutted and it make an unbelievable crisp rummble. do all the basic service stuff myself as we have same problem of shortage of dealers etc. clutch and brake master cylinders need bleeding regular to keep in top form...typical italian bike. i could never replace it with anything else. i am looking at a triumph rocket three to totally move away from superbikes in my old age (45). regards to 'blighty' from Botswana!

Still got the Aprilia after 3 years, and the only bike I'd consider changing it for would be either a Duc 1098 or KTM RC8, both of which are now out of my price range (thank you Mr Brown) So, I've now clocked 25,000 miles in 3 years. What's gone wrong? In all honesty, very little, the wet summer last year saw off the speedo sensor (mounted near the rear caliper so gets soaked) but picked a second hand one up for £16. The Ohlins fronk fork oil seals started leaking at 21,000..Er, that's it..The well known cr*p rear brake is still cr*p, but at least it now works after investing £5 for a genuine Aprilia heat shield which is standard fitment on the 07 on models. If anything, the engine is nicer now than it was when new, it feels nicely run in and the gearbox is very slick. Neutral is another well known foible, but it becomes second nature to snick into neutral as you pull up. The finish is holding up really well, (far better than the Suzukis & Kawasakis I've owned in the past)despite it being used all year, as long as the roads not covered in snow and ice.. So, despite early worries regarding the Italians reputation re reliability, the Aprilia has been superb, and with the prices now reasonable I'd definately buy another, though not the terrible garish new factory colour scheme..

I bought my 2005 Aprilia 6 months old and with 1000 miles on the clock. As new! and as soon as I set eyes on the RSV, I knew that I would buy it and struggled to keep my cool long enough to do a deal. As the starter was thumbed, my senses exploded. Looking, Listening,.... Looking,.... Dribbling! How can you haggle when the owner sees you are frothing at the mouth? This bike is Beautiful,....... Perfect! I didn't know why he was selling and I never find out. It was going to be mine and I didn't care. Stupid, Stupid, FOOL! Rash decisions like that can bite you! Did an MCN check after the event. (really would recommend doing one before, though) Ha Ha, this time though,... No Bites! It goes, stops, handles sublimely. It is Awesome! I love this bike and so does everyone else. I know you covet my Ox, but it's mine! The best bike I've owned. By Miles.

Bought my silver 06 Factory 2 years ago, and hve clocked 16000 miles up..Like other owners who'd moved from Jap fours, they take a bit of getting used to, but oncethe cans are changed and the fueling set up they're superb..You need to ride these bikes as unlike Jap bikes they're not bland machines that do everything for you. Niggles? Back brake tha doesn't..Aprilia deny there'e a fault but every foum has a magic fix for the problem..The speedo sensor is placed underneath the rear caliper and as such gets all the water thrown at it, and in Aprilias wisdom they're not waterproof..Plop some silicone around the joint and problem solved otherwise its £67 fo a new one.. Spares? Got a speedo semnsor over counter..Ditto wing mirror after droping it in the garage, the build quality is on a par with Honda, but like any modern motorcycle they need looking after..Mine still looks superb despite the mileage..

I have the 2007 model non factory and love it now, but upon first picking it up from the dealer (brand new) I almost took it back to ask for my Gixer 750 K4 back. As it was like riding on a JCB, I had previously had two milles (older model) so knew what to expect with a v-twin. But this model felt rubbish to start with at low speeds just wanted to surge and was a nightmare keeping low speeds. So got advice off the forums and changed the front and rear sprockets and added some end cans and boy did it make a difference. It is now so planted and stomps like hell, ok top is a bit down now but the low and mid are awesome. Its also very comfortable even though I am 6.3ft, although the mirrors are useless and had to add some spacers to them to make them useable ish. Its also slightly let down on the paint quality on the tank as its water based and showed signs of wear after just a couple of hundered miles. But that said it is easily the best bike I have ever owned and you get a smile every ride and is great fun on the twisties.

The bike is an 07 bought from Taz motorcycles with the Akropovic cans thrown in for nowt. I enjoyed the bike, but thought the bottom end wasnt all it should be and the suspension very unforgiving and a little scary over rough back roads. A few head shakes when the front lifts and it felt very tall and heavy. My brother bought one at the same time as me and convinced me we should try to improve them slightly ( against my better judgeent )It has now had a steering damper, power commander and renegade air box fitted. This was fitted and the bike was dyno'd by the excellent lads at Southern Cross motorcycles in London. They also set the suspension up which has made a massive difference. The power, noise and rideability of the bike has been completely changed for the good. I can only tell you what a fantastic machine this is to ride, smiles all the way.The guys at Southern cross fitted some crash bungs through the fairing too, and made an excellent job so you can hardly tell they had cut the panels. On the downside I have had a ooolant leak from the crimped hose clips on the rad and the adjuster on the bottom of the rear shock lost its ratchet with muck getting in all within 10 weeks. Easily sorted though. The battery has gone flat on me too, but you cant turn the lights off when the ignition is on, battery dies very quickly. Note to self, dont leave the ignition on when tinkering to stop the alarm going off Ride one and see for yourself, anyone who has one, seriously consider getting the mods done, you cant imagine how much this transforms the bike

Got myself on the factory and used with intent for toe-down, and i was in no way unimpressed. my "unique" or "bizarre" riding style suited perfectly, 25 mins of skuffing knuckles to alter the suspension was worth every second when i had the knee down on the first roundabout from cold, AMAZED. at first i was slightly aprehensive of being lent it for a "lil blitz" around my fave RaB's but i quickly settled with great amuzment. after coming from the SV following a good 4 hours hard peg scraping, the RSV felt almost easy! despite being what, 20KG heavier, the superior frame and adjustment made the whole show a lot more entertaining. i cannot obv call on the quality of the manufacturing or the value as yet as A) i dont own it and B) its 2 years old, but everything seemed very well put together. i wanna take a VTR SP2 out for some abuse before i can say which big twin is the best for none-ducati money, a 10k trick twin? RSV me away, :P shame im still 22 haha who'd insure me??????? er, someone wanna lend me a SP2 for a few hours??? :P iam in lurve.

been there and done the ducati thing and got it out my system, dont miss it one little bit,i have just bought the new 07 rsvr v60, looks wise its awesome silver red. great powerplant stock pipes sound fine not silent wich is nice. ride and handle once the suspension was set up is planted, truly, on the down side so far all i can pick fault with is the position of the indicator switch. its way to low and horn is in the place were normaly the indicators are ?? odd.

Bought new nov 2005 the money I saved on a deal I spent on on the bike it now has ohlins steering damper r&g crash bungs tail tidy acrapovic sp cans k&n air filter power commander fitted by seastar it is now pushing out 130.50 bhp at the rear wheel & 73 ft.lb of torque more bottom end more mid range joy to ride. Strengths: easy to ride fast, good package. Weaknesses: back brake does not work and needs bleeding a lot

Had an r6 before this and after having a short ride on a ducati a few years ago, i wanted a v twin ever since. nearly bought a ducati but was put off by running costs. ok the aprilia factory isn't exactly cheap to run either, but nothing like the dukes. and they're more reliable, and look nicer, and quite rare. Strengths: equipped with ohlins front and rear and ohlins stearing damper, it takes alot to upset this bike. the brembo brakes are amazing and engine has loads of torque, and if you get a nice set of race cans (i have twin carbon arrows) they sound awesome. And i'll say it again, they are one of the best looking bikes i've seen. turns heads everywhere you go and people always comment on it. doen't feel heavy when riding it and flicks into corners very quick. Weaknesses: i've heard if you order parts from aprilia, you could have to wait a while for them to arrive, but there are alternative place to get parts from, specially around the internet, although i haven't had to buy any yet. the clutch master cylinder is a bit of a pain in the ass as it needs bleeding about every 300 miles but this only takes 2 mins. and no, they certainly aren't comfy... but hey, what sports bikes are these days? gearbox is a little clunky and hard to find neutral, but u get used to it.

Awesome bike, just traded in my 2003 gsxr600 and was a little worried about not having a full blown sports bike, forget it this is one awesome bike, just had 600 mile service and writing this as i got back from using them extra revs, takes a little getting used to, locked up the rear a few times flying into corners and shifting down, but just me not used to the engine braking. Strengths: Midrange, Front brakes, not many about. Weaknesses: Lack of room under rear seat!!!!