Aprilia RSV4 Engine Failure

[KawiSmurf]

Ruh-roh...

2010 Aprilia RSV4R Engine Failure Delays Press Launch

Five different freakin' bikes. Hope this doesn't become an issue for the production run.

I'm sure everyone remembers how badly the Buell 1125R's EFI problems at its launch damn near destroyed its reputation (even after it was sorted out).

[fromario]

is there are side by side comparo between the R and Factory... other than Ohlins and a slight diet

[KawiSmurf]

is there are side by side comparo between the R and Factory... other than Ohlins and a slight diet

The Factory also has steering head, swingarm, and engine/frame mount adjustments. Other than that (and the suspension and CF bits), I'm pretty sure they're the same bike. Which means awesome value.


EDIT: Looks like the base version will also have different wheels, and Metzeler tires (as opposed to Pirellis on the Factory)

[GixerJockey]

Metzeler tires (as opposed to Pirellis on the Factory)

Same shit. Metzeler is Pirelli.

[catch2otwo]

every new bike has teething problems. I wouldnt count it out yet

[a13x]

I remember the Ducati 1098R launch. We had 4 bikes shipped over. 1 didn't work right out of the crate and by the end of two days of track riding at Barber another one had a blown tranny. New bikes from small OEMs always have issues off the bat it seems.

[eboos]

Not pointing any fingers at anyone here but, I wish everyone had this kind of understanding when the 1125R had it's preproduction and early production problems.

[catch2otwo]

Not pointing any fingers at anyone here but, I wish everyone had this kind of understanding when the 1125R had it's preproduction and early production problems.

I agree. as much as people said they thought buells were cool, seems like everyone wanted to see them fail, almost feels the same with the italian brands.

[R7]

First and even second year models are not Aprilia's strong points!
Not surprised at all to read this

[richw]

Exploding engines are not EFI problems

[eboos]

I agree. as much as people said they thought buells were cool, seems like everyone wanted to see them fail, almost feels the same with the italian brands.

Dean Adams is in full delight with Buell's collapse.

[catch2otwo]

Dean Adams is in full delight with Buell's collapse.

haters

[wedge98]

The RSV4 is an amazing bike. If they make a 2-seat Tuono that looks good and is still comfy, I'll consider trading in my 2007.

I would certainly be wary of the first gen as Aprilia is not known for having rock-solid machines and this is an in-house engine development(though they brought in help for the actually engine design). 2nd Gen should be where the value will be at, no more major problems with possibly improved performance(as seen on previous engines where they keep improving power through engine refinement).

That being said, my Tuono did have 2 recalls (rear brake bleed issues and fuel pump hose crimp issues) in which the rear brake affected me. I also had a defective fuel cap(missing o-ring seal, replaced entire assembly under warranty) which puked fuel all over my crotch while riding.

Now that the bike has been squared away, I love her. Loads of power(front end lifts in 3rd at over 100mph under WOT), handles like a dream, and is comfy enough for me to ride tons of miles on.

I would say the only downside is I bought the non-factory and the rear shock(aka pogo stick) is horrible and the front forks stock springs/valves suck(settings are maxxed out and the bike is still too soft).

If you buy an Aprilia and want to run track-days(like me) spend the extra dough and get the Factory, it will be money well spent.

[KawiSmurf]

Hope this doesn't become an issue for the production run.

Spoke too soon. Production models are now being recalled:

Engine recall for Aprilia RSV4 - Motorcycle.com

Aprilia Recalls All U.S. Market RSV4s for Engine Replacement - About.com: Motorcycles

Probably should've this one coming after the pre-pro models had conrod issues; no word yet on what the "problem component" is now, though. Too bad, I really like this bike...but it's really early in the life of this model, so at least Aprilia's being extremely proactive in trying to head it off before next riding season hits full swing. Some manufacturers don't even admit to major problems like this (*cough*Kawasaki*cough* ), never mind go the extra mile for a recall.

[whynot]

Buell, don't get me started. Had a turn signal go out on my last ride. Only 3500 miles, and now this?!

[eboos]

Turn signal recall for Buell = total piece of crap.

Engine recall for Aprilia (and not the first time) = minor teething issue.

[OreoGaborio]

so at least Aprilia's being extremely proactive in trying to head it off before next riding season hits full swing.

Yeah, that IS the silver lining.

Sucks though. Hope they fix the issue quickly.

[whynot]

Hi, Erik -- just joking! That was my way of saying the Buell is great.

It is amazing, tho, how much carping there was on the Buell forum about turn signals. I guess they needed something to complain about. And it's a normal warranty item, not even a recall.

-Kurt

[eboos]

Hi, Erik -- just joking! That was my way of saying the Buell is great.

It is amazing, tho, how much carping there was on the Buell forum about turn signals. I guess they needed something to complain about. And it's a normal warranty item, not even a recall.

-Kurt

I kind of figured as such.

The collective whinning on the Buell forums is unreal. That is why I have visited them less frequently over the past 2 years.

[KawiSmurf]

Hope they fix the issue quickly.

One of the articles said the new engines are already on their way over, so if the owners comply quickly enough (instead of wasting time bashing the mfg on Aprilia boards), this may barely register as a hiccup in the long run.