Aprilia RSV1000 Mille

[[MC]Ronin[MC]]

Why buy a Ducati when you could have an Aprilia RSV1000 Mille? OK, the name may not be as famous but the Mille is a superb superbike with a surprisingly reasonable price tag. Looks are distinctive, reliability is pretty good it’s just unfortunate that dealer back up can be patchy.

 

Ride Quality & Brakes

When you sit on the Aprilia RSV1000 Mille the suspension barely compresses and you realize it’s 100% sports motorcycle. It’s a delight on fast, smooth roads, tipping easily into corners and firing out with a pleasant balance of stability and maneuverability. A bit awkward in town, on bumpy surfaces or wet B-roads. Excellent brakes.

Engine

The Aprilia RSV1000 Mille has a compact 60 degree V-twin with a dry sump for extra rigidity and constant lubrication, even when wheelying. At low revs the power’s beefy if slightly lumpy and awkward in town. Dip into the midrange and it’s muscular and really gets the motorcycle shifting fast. Top end power’s immense but not insane like the latest 1000cc Japanese fours. 

The Aprilia RSV1000 Mille's reliability’s better than Ducatis of the same age – but not as good as the Japanese. The engine can clock up high miles without any problems but electrical niggles aren’t unheard of. Aprilia dealers are few and far between – and some are better than others. Parts supply can be excruciatingly slow.

Insurance, running costs & value

Very competitive new prices and now on the used market the Aprilia RSV1000 Mille can be a bargain. Combine that with the fact they’re surprisingly durable for an Italian sports motorcycle, insurance is a group lower than many competitors and servicing’s not too extortionate and a clean, used Aprilia RSV1000 Mille looks like great value. Find an Aprilia RSV1000 Mille for sale.

 

Equipment

The Aprilia RSV1000 Mille's extremely comprehensive clocks and an effective headlight are nice touches on a motorcycle that could be pared to the bone. Comfort clearly wasn’t a primary concern for the designers but it’s ok for one person over moderate distances.