APRILIA RSV1000R

[PMPDVL]

ANY THOUGHTS? IM ON THE FENCE. I THINK THE BIKE IS BEAUTIFUL THOUGH I HAVE NEVER RIDDEN ONE, AND FOR THE PRICEIM NOT TOO SURE. THE RC51 SEEMS LIKE ALL THE SAME BIKE FOR A LOT LESS MONEY. ANY COMMENTS APPRECIATED.

[highsider]

CALM DOWN!!! NO NEED TO YELL!!!!

Both are good bikes. See if you can find a friend with one and take it for a spin. The Aprilia will have more character, but I'd bet the RC51 will be faster.

[OreoGaborio]

what year are you looking at?

I just picked up an 03 Tuono which is an RSV Mille but w/ bar risers, less bodywork and a few other minor differences for more midrange and I FRIGGIN LOVE IT.

I'd also be willing to bet it's got more punch than an RC51 They're also cheaper on the used market. IMO, they're certainly amazing bikes, but RC51's are way overpriced.

[PMPDVL]

O7

[OreoGaborio]

well, the RSV Factory won the Masterbike competition last year and it woulda had a better chance of repeating it this year if the testers didn't crash it and replace it w/ a base model RSV.

[RSVMILLE661]

While the RC 51 is a great bike, the Mille is a much better bike. A bit more predictable and easier to ride fast.

[spicy]

the RC51s are almost classics (though hopefully honda will actually come out with that RC61), but the ape's are just so damned good looking.

i'd say go with the aprilia if you can afford it

[Dznutz]

O7

That is a sexy bitch, i still love the RC though.... dammit i want one.

[DaSarge]

Aprilia

That body style is mean

[burnham]

I have an 04 RSVR Factory and had an 02 RC51, the Factory version has lighter OZ wheels, Ohlins suspension, and radial Brembo front brakes. Both bikes have/had exhaust with Power Commander, +2 rear sprocket, and suspension set for my weight.

Brakes- The Honda was very good, but not even close the the Aprilia. The biggest adjustment I had to make on the Aprilia was how I applied the front brakes, they are the best I've ever tried.

Engine- Close to even. The Honda pulled more toward the top, it liked to be thrashed. The Aprilia has a ton of mid-range, it gets the front tire light more often. It comes down to what you like. The Aprilia has a Rotax engine, things don't generally go wrong with it. Half of the Italian bike horror stories are engine related, not the case here.

Suspension- Aprilia. It's apples and oranges, the RC was stock and doesn't compare. Every aspect of riding the Aprilia is made better by its high end components, especially the suspension. The ride is a little softer, you feel what's going on in a turn, but it never seems to upset the bike.

Ride- They both can punish you. The Honda gets hot in traffic, they both have a first gear that is to tall, neither has much storage. The honda has a metal tank, so a magnetic tank bag is an option. The Aprilias is plastic.

Fit and finish- Honda, but not by much. Both bikes at the same mileage had the same amount of wear. The only thing showing age was the coves in the gas tank, just scuffed from leathers.

Reliability- HONDA. My RC never needed anything done, ever. The Aprilia does break. It's mostly stupid little things, things that are easy to get sorted. If you are not a little inclined, it could turn into a pain in the ass quickly. I have to bleed my clutch and rear brake two or three times a season, it's five minutes tops. I had two connectors melt (with fair warning)where the wires go in, I cut them out and soldered them. The odometer reset itself at 8500 mi. I've had good luck getting parts, never waited long. My dealer takes great care of me, the whole staff knows what they're doing. It's small stuff and I love the bike so I don't care. I've never been stranded, I've never missed a ride or track day, and its never failed to start.

Both bikes saw track time and did some 500 mile days, this is what sticks out. Both are great motorcycles. For me, the extra money was well spent.

[Dznutz]

Wow, good info....

[R-S-V]

APRILIA !! Yes I'm biased cause I own one.

Bike has so much character and it's just beatiful from any angle, the aluminum work is superb, just look at that frame and swing arm. Its fast (can't be too far off if at all to the RC) and handles so well from the factory. Quick steering yet very stable. The 07s come with Ohlins front forks like the Factory and radial Brembos and OZ-looking wheels (they are still cast, not forged but look a lot better than your regular three/five spoke wheels).

Mine has 10K miles and have only done oil changes and the mentioned bleeding of the clutch and brakes. Fork service and valve check is coming up but that's normal even for Japanese bikes (valves adjutment may not be required until 20K or so). Downside is there are not many dealers around, but hopefully you wont be needing to visit them that often.

Pricing depends but at this time of year you should be able to get some deals to make room for new inventory.

If you want more performace add pipes/evo intake/power commander and a sproket and you should be satisfied, I know I am Just remember this is not a liter bike to win drag races, it excels at the twisties and you can really pick up the pace.

[skiierx]

Very nice write up Todd! I think 2 points need to be put out there. With a little money you can get the RC close to the suspension on the Mille while still paying less, then the next item is the good ole what if you crash...the RC will cost much less to get back on the road as well as the parts will be readily available. I love the Mille and always have, I chose the RC and have not regretted it what-so-ever!