Aprilia RSV 1000 R | An Owner's Review

This is a review of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R, which is the 2nd generation of Aprilia’s large capacity sports bike. The RSV 1000 was sold from 2004, when it replaced the first gen RSV called the ‘Mille’, to 2009, when it was succeeded by the RSV4. In this video I would like to share with you my personal view on the RSV, based on six months of ownership.

00:00 Introduction
00:34 How it looks
02:57 Ergonomics
03:47 Riding experience (town)
04:24 Riding experience (track)
06:09 Known issues
10:07 Conclusion: pros and cons

📖 Summary

The RSV1000R looks a little bulky, but I think that suits a large capacity V-twin. Aprilia takes pride in their chassis building capabilities and you can tell by just looking at the twin-spar frame of the RSV. The different angled surfaces transform an ordinary box-section frame into something special. The components of the RSV have a high quality feel about them and even the base model comes well-equipped.

The RSV has roomy ergonomics and it is one of the few sports bikes that are suited for taller or larger riders. Keep in mind, however, that it’s still a sports bike, so the foot pegs are positioned quite high.

Around town the RSV can be a little cumbersome, especially at slow speeds. In stop-and-go traffic, pulling in the heavy clutch lever can become quite a nuisance. The RSV is a bike that needs to be ridden hard. Aprilia is renowned for making bikes that handle very well, and this becomes very clear when you take the RSV to a track. Through corners, the bike feels like it’s on rails. But the RSV1000R is not a flickable bike.

The engine in the RSV was developed by Rotax and it delivers a lot of torque, but at the same time it feels very smooth. Less impressive, however, is Aprilia’s interpretation of a slipper clutch, which is nowhere near as good as a modern slipper clutch. Another flaw is that the rear brake is almost non-existent, and this has to do with the design and the placement of the master cylinder.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the RSV1000R is its stator. The RSV1000R’s electrical system is fundamentally flawed. There’s an expensive fix that requires replacing the original 500 Watt stator with a 370 Watt stator. Disconnecting the battery for a length of time will reset the odometer. This is why most secondhand RSVs are low-mileage examples.

🏷️ Key words

Aprilia, Piaggio, Gen 2, RSV1000R, RSV, 1000, Factory, Tuono, Falco, Ohlins, Brembo, Mille, stator, alternator, generator, flywheel, magnets, rotor, windings, battery, rectifier, regulator, electrical, charging, problem, known issues, reliability, recall, brown, connector, AP0296988, AP8127144, AP0685332, 8176929, Ducati, master cylinder, brake, pump, 62540181B, V990, V990NG, Rotax, reg, rect, odometer, PPC, Pneumatic, Power, Clutch, vacuum, slipper clutch, Oberon, slave cylinder, OEM, Denso, 33103007402, apriliaforum, shunt, twin, dry sump, Shindengen, 579, AP Workshops, Aprilia Performance

©️ Copyright Disclaimer

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[dariot]

I like you man, I feel like your voice and vocabulary could tell me where I went wrong with my life and I’d actually listen and consider.

[timg]

You put a smile on my face. I have a 2006 RSVR Factory (black and gold). I bought it new and it will never leave my ownership. My only concern with this model is my 11 year old daughter asked if it was in my will with her name specified. Whilst I admire her taste and recognition of a true motorcycle masterpiece, I do sleep with one eye open.

[blackbirder]

I just cannot get over how gorgeous the RSV1000R looks. That tail section with its horizontal gesture and flat profile is the most unique design element ever and I personally prefer it over any modern superbikes compact/absent tail end. This bike is definitely a future classic and will surely find its way to motorcycling heaven along with the other greats.

[heylookeveryoneitsjeff]

After owning my '08 RSVR Factory for 2 years I pretty much agree with everything you said. These bikes are special, definitely not the fastest thing out there (even in its day), but still amazing machines overall.

There are lots of instances of odometers resetting due to battery replacement, but it is easy to avoid. The issue is commonly caused by not following the correct procedure after installing a new battery. As soon as a new battery is installed the ECU goes into what Aprilia calls an "awaiting memorisation of 2nd key" mode. This causes the system to draw 20 times more current than usual. If the process isn't followed, the system stays in this mode and your new battery is completely drained within a few days, subsequently causing the odometer to reset. The procedure? Very simple. Remove the key before removing the old battery. After new battery installation, insert key and key on, but do not start the bike. Wait 15 seconds as the system re-learns your key (I take this time to adjust dash brightness, adjust the clock and RPM light). Then key the bike off. There and done. Simple to do, but frustrating if you don't know to do it.

Other than that this bike has been loads of fun. One thing you didn't list as a pro (in my opinion at least) is the rarity of these bikes. If you wanted a 1000cc Italian twin back in the mid-late '00s most folks looked to the 999 and 1098 and often overlooked Aprilia as it got beat, both in the magazines and on the racetrack. That makes them a bit more rare (in the US at least) and to me more desirable. I always had a soft spot for well-engineered machines that you don't see at every track day or bike meet. Guess that's why I like my TLR so much as well, haha. You did a great overview of the bike, but I might recommend a voice actor to make it sound a bit more interesting?

[RBLW]

Couple of options for the stator issue - I went with the later 370w flywheel which completely solved my stator issues but cost over £1000. Since then a chap in Europe has found a way to downrate the original flywheel and will do this for approx €70. He's got experience working for Rotax so he's well informed.

The side stand issue is really easily solved by replacing it with one from a 2004 Fireblade.

Great video 👍🏻

[davidporeilly]

You nailed it there with a high quality analysis. I ran Aprilia in Australia for one short year in about 2001. The reason I left was that the aging and non riding chairman just could not grasp what you explained in your closing comments. An RSV is a stunning Italian V twin without the sleepless nights. Italian style and performance with bullet proof Austrian engineering. Like marrying a super model and discovering she loves cooking and is good at budgeting. The perfect first and maybe permanent foray into Italian exotics by a Japanese bike owner.
It's market position is obvious: The one that is exciting to ride but reliably engineered for few surprises.
But try to explain that to a 75 year old millionaire who never bought or rode a bike.
(Glad I got that off my chest).

[taik]

Genuinely like your videos with the voice overs. Not many people do reviews like this. You should keep it up. I would love to see someone do regular used bike reviews.

[agile-jd]

This is probably the best, through, most honest, short and sweet vehicle review I have ever seen. No nonsense, no excuses, actual info that someone not familiar with the bike would never know about. Bravo.

[MKRLPH]

A very accurate review from one owner to another. So much character and fun to ride but like you say the conditions have to be just right. Fast sweeping bends I wouldn't want to be on anything else. I also never tired of seeing it in the garage :D

[ErikPgh]

i have have the same color scheme and exhaust (after my little accident). i have had mine since nov 2003 when they first came out. great overview and you hit all the marks

45k miles& counting with a ride on the tail of the dragon last week

[aevoguitars]

I had an rsvr factory 05, no problems..16k miles from new.. great bike

[browner]

Sort of bloke you wouldn’t mind reading you a bedtime story. Great vid with good depth of knowledge. Many thanks 🙏

[DukeOfTwist]

We own three V-twin Tuono's and have replaced the Clutch slave cylinder with the Oberon kit from AP Workshops in the UK which lightens the clutch feel dramatically and takes less than 10 mins to install.

[ToniMino]

Had a 2001, which I still consider one of the most beautiful bikes ever. The only problem I had was the alarm would consume the battery in a few days if I didn't use the bike. Now, I own a 2004 RSV1000 R, stator already replaced (I bought it from a dealership), but I toasted the regulator wiring (fixed by the dealership for free: in Italy by law dealers have to offer a year guarantee). I might have toasted it on the track, though, although I only did 9 laps! One thing you didn't mention is that she "drinks" a lot, maybe not a problem for you, as your accent and choice of words made me think you're from the US and petrol (sorry, "gas" ahahah), is a lot cheaper there!

[stevehall]

Very fair! I’ve had my 2004 model for several years now and agree with the points raised. But I love riding it and gives me a big grin when I’m out and about.👍🏻

[douglasgreaves]

Had all listed problems with my bike. Don't use the bike much now but it still rides & looks great. Up for sale 04 with only 100 miles on the clock.

[francescocristini]

About the slipper clutch, check that the one-way valve that is sitting between the airbox and the clutch actuator is:
- installed the correct way (some are inverted)
- not broken (air should go only one way)

[nothingtoseehere]

I don't find it that difficult to find neutral after owning it for a couple of years. That being said, the clutch needs to be bled at the handle often. I've found this helps tremendously. 31k miles on mine and still going strong. Stator issues are a huge problem if the previous owner thinks they're also a capable mechanic. In my case, previous owner used the wrong locktight on the stator bolts and they backed out. This destroyed the stator and removed small portions of the fly wheel. Luckily the fly wheel is a magnet and caught most of the steel debris that could have been pumped through the motor and I caught the issue early enough to avoid catastrophic failure. I'm sure copper shards pumped through the motor but have yet to result in any issues. The locktight is aviation grade and needs to be ordered online for the record. I have put 5k miles on the bike since repairing personally. Stator and rectifier bought at AF1 racing. Great website for parts but they aren't cheap. I had to source a new fly wheel from a junkyard in Italy and wait to have it shipped internationally to the US. This saved me around $800 USD. The rear brake on mine had to be rebuilt. Gaskets failed. Rebuild kit isn't to expensive or difficult to perform. DO NOT buy this bike if you can't service/repair it. I live on the east coast and all motorcycle shops will not touch it in my state. Chains and tires are about it. It's hard to find someone to rebuild the forks and they are common inverted Ohlins. I'm 6 foot and 240. Bike is totally cramped. Terrible to ride around town is feels at home above 80 mph. After all this, I love this bike. Even with the stator failure it still rides strong. Bike guys love it. It takes a beating and keeps on going. I met a man with futura that had 75k miles on it and it has the same motor. Parts will be hard to source but I think the value of this bike in the US will go up.

[thevoodoo]

I'm buying my first Aprilia rsv 1000 factory next week from the Isle of man!!! 2008 model and only 8, 800 miles! looking forward to it! Ride safe!

[duke]

Love the video! Beautiful bike😎 Just got myself a first gen impecable tuono before christmas. Stunned how good is the bike never had an Aprilia before and its amazes me how great it is. Superb quality parts also!