Aprilia RSV Mille - opinions please

I'm considering changing my sv to something bigger next year and one of the ideas is generation 1 (1998-2003) Aprilia RSV Mille. Before I'll make my decision I want to do the same thing as before buying my sv, means reserch everything I can. I really want a bigger bike which will be a bit more comfy, more powerfull and it look good (I think mille looks superb). I'm comuting for few miles a day so general purpous is weekend ridouts and fun. So any opinions re reliability, real world fuel consumption and anything really it's going to be greatly apreciated. I think there is a few mille owner on here anyway so looking forward for any help, links to good sites, anything really.

[dyzio]

I've owned a Falco, same engine and many many other bits on a different frame.

First thing you NEED to do is to modify the sidestand, second is to have a look at the charging circuit. Mine need a few solder joints made to improve the connection between the reg/rec and the battery. I've had no trouble with it afterwards.

Fuel consumption: tank is 19l, I was getting 90 miles to the light in town and 140ish on open roads. Oil: 200ml/ 1k miles, it's got a big sight tube so it's easy to keep an eye on (but it's a dry sump so the procedure is different).

Reliability, 3 years 25k miles: dead battery in the first week. Oil seal went on the clutch rod when replacing the clutch slave cylinder, another oil leak when the mechanic didn't tighten the vale cover properly and a few punctures.

The biggest problem with them here is the lack of dealer or garages for support and servicing, do your research in your area.

Best mods I did:
- 15t front sprocket - gearing was too tall, not sure on the Mille.
- Gabro eprom, better fuelling, economy and noise.

Also worth considering putting a new clutch slave cylinder and a braided line, it'll work lighter and more precise.

The bars are further away so try to get a test ride to see if you like it. It's a different bike and you need to muscle it into a corner, but being italian it has a mind of its own and sometimes wants to do something else. Brilliant on open roads, not so much on narrow twisties.

[NTECUK]

What gen RSV .
Mines a gen 2 .map 2 gives about 33 mpg.
15 front sproket .
If your short its comfy .

[NTECUK]

http://forum.rsvr.net/forum_posts.as...-rsv1000r-2005
have a look this one had to have a new engine.

Originally Posted by NTECUK

What gen RSV

Original post edited

[NTECUK]

Ok mine nothing like it.If were honest.
Very much what Dizyo said as the falco was the sensible(better looking?) version .
Shared same engine and electric with charging issues being its biggest problem.

[Messie]

I had an 03 Mille RSV .... and I hated it. But that was probably because it was a very big bike. I don't mean engine size, as I've ridden bigger. The whole bike was big and heavy, with a high centre of gravity. Then again, I'm female, without much upper body strength, so found all manouvreing of the bike very difficult indeed.
Having said that, it was an absolutely beautiful bike, with some superb engineering. When me and the bike were working as one, it would glide around corners, as if on rails.
The datatool alarm drained the battery constantly, and as I don't have anywhere to keep a bike on trickle charge, this was a real nuisance. This happened even with a new battery, so I disconnected it in the end.

Sounded LOVELY though!

First thing to do would be to try one. Unless you like it the rest of the research is redundant.

gen1 and gen2 RSV's are a very different experience due to diffent riding position. Power delivery also a bit different despite same same engine (gen1 more brutal). Don't discount tuono either

well, like I said I havn't made any decision yet. I want to try a few different bikes and Mille is one of them.
There is a lot of choice for my budget (2000-2500) including daytona955, sv1000, blade, zx9r, r1, ducati 900ss and so on, also considering some sport 750s. I really want a nice looking bike with good suspension for weekend fun a short comuting. I actually considering starting a new which bike next thread but I stick with this for now. I still got a plenty of time to make my decision and reserch anything I need to know.
Thank you very much for everyones input so far, please keep it coming!

[NTECUK]

For commuting a gen 1 is going to be a p i t a.
Triumph or R1.
Blade never know anyone who commutes on one.