Bike World Dream Rides | Aprilia RSV Mille R Road Ride
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- Опубліковано 6 лис 2022
- We've been back to The Bike Specialists for another Dream Ride, this time it's the Aprilia RSV Mille R, Colin Edward Replica.
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One of the best analog sport bike you can buy. No traction control no wheelie control no quick shifter no antilock brakes no phone calls no nonsense . Just you and the bike.
The Mille R is probably the best bike of the 99/2000s by a very large margin. They ride like poetry. It's why I've owned 4 and just bought my 5th... 2007 RSV-R Factory. These bikes are sooooo under appreciated. Nothing like italian throttle
Both this and the KTM 950/990s. Very similar motors, both made with egineers from Rotax. I ended up with a Superduke instead of a Tuono, but I'm getting a RSV at some point. :)
Do you love the 2007? Thinking about that year. No stator/regulator, starting issues.
As a relatively young motorcyclist I'm really grateful to see this series, I would have absolutely no idea of all these absolute gems. Thank you for the education, I never knew there could be even MORE bikes on my bucket list 😅.
You can find milles for around 3k-7k but prices will go up like the Honda RC51 and Ducati 916/996/998
@MajinBroly gotta disagree. Gen 1 R's are the best of the twin range.
@@Sycophants_should_suffer
If you're tall then the 98-03 (misleadingly called gen 1 as styling, geometry and the motor were changed for 01, then a tweak to styling and gear ratios for 03) is one of THE sportsbikes for you, along with the Suzuki TL models (the S is unpredictable, the R is a land whale) and the KTM RC8R (original non R is prone to problems) as these didn't get the honey I shrank the motorcycle treatment.
The older bikes tend to have less issues, although age will probably have taken its toll on the electrics and chassis.
The Rotax built V60 motor is easily as reliable as the Japanese if looked after.
They all use a bit of oil, but the RSV isn't anything like as demanding or expensive as a Ducati to maintain.
@pauln6803 well its called the Gen 1 where I grew up, and all of the people I know who fix and ride them call them a Gen 1, so thats what they're called. 🤷
@@Sycophants_should_suffer
Everyone does.
Obviously the 04 onwards were completely reworked, hence the "gen 2" tag.
I'm just saying that it's slightly misleading as aprilia had made tweeks before and that "gen 1" bikes are not all the same.
I owned the initial version '99 Mille (in black/grey/silver) from new for 20 years. Only added the Aprilia Racing Competition stacked exhaust (and the accompanying chip). Thing was bulletproof, nothing fell off, everything just worked, only cost was regular maintenance and standard things that just wear with time. Built like a Japanese bike, styled like an Italian. After 20 years and getting a bit older (and wiser, with two young boys at home), I swapped it for a bit more sedate bike. But sometimes I really miss it, gave me a lot of joy!
I had two enlighting test rides in my life, ridden about 25 motorcycles in total, most of them supersports.
One was the Brutale 800 first gen, one was the Mille first gen.
A Gixxer may have a great engine, a Fireblade may be a great package. But they lack that "special" feeling.
For the dude who sold me his 600 Ninja and called back a month later, he needed something new to scratch the old itch and needed help.
I test rode about five or 6 supersports for him, RSV Mille R 1st gen ( as depictured here ) was the one we both decided on.
She is something special. I am 6.5, he is about a foot shorter. We both enjoyed her immensely and as soon as we took the seat.
The engine isnt even that special, though it has character.
Its the very refined chassis which makes it handle without effort.
You really are faster than expected all the time.
Suspension feedback is great. It goes precisely where you want it to, and it does it better than newer ones.
I have a GSXR750 K1 for the track in my garage, which is same year same class, and i like it for being neutral but fast.
I know for sure the Mille would beat it in any corner and beat its lap times, though it lacks 20 horses to the suzi for the straights.
The guy who sold it in mint condition looked rather shaken when he handed the keys, his wife was in tears.
They rode it all over europe when they still had no children and both had the greatest memories to it, selling it was closing a chapter for them.
I am finally getting either that model or a Falco myself this year, Falco cause its about the same, but even more beautiful, timeless design.
They are getting dirt cheap by now.
My yellow Troy Corsa rep eventually passed on to son five years ago. Done 50,000 miles.
After 40 years riding and as many bikes, it’s the best one I’ve owned.
Mille R are everything this video says and lots more, as you get to know how to set them up for different rides.
Engine is made by Rotax, maybe one of the best V2 engines for bikes ever made. Lifetime and sound is just great.
Ahhhh beauty! Had a 2003 RSV Mille for 3 1/2 years (bought it in 2020 with only 1100 miles from my job 🤯) amazing motorcycle!!! It’s a little heavy but with a 180/55-17 in the rear that bike will turn in with ease, Reliable Austrian “Rotax V990” V-Twin that doesn’t sound like any other twin besides Indian’s FTR1200, Best thing is the valves don’t need to be checked until 12k vs every 7500 miles on a Ducati or Mv Agusta
I have the gen one rsv mille R in my garage. It’s my modern sports bike. I just love it I see the Bike world 44teeth effect taking place as people start appreciating these and the interest climbs. Btw I love your reviews and this is a great series cheers.
Cheers Paul!
I love this series, watched most of the videos a few times and the playlist is on my shortcuts. Chris is a brilliant guy and presenter and the whole atmosphere of the show is just so warm and fuzzy (?). Hope to meet Chris one day and have him sign my track day helmet. Kudos to bike world for the great contents, there are still a lot of 2 wheeled legends out there so I hope for a lot more episodes ❤
I've owned my '00 RSVR for 14 years and it will always have a spot in my garage. Over 50k miles, always hit the required maintenance and feed it plenty of fuel and tires. Awesome bike overall.
Love this series and a fan of the Bike World channel. Please keep creating like this high quality content!
Thought the throttle restriction was just till they were run in, then removed. Never owned one, original Tuono Racing with the white wheels was my dream bike. More special than a CE or Nori rep or even that SP imho!
i have a 2002 Mille and have put around 80,000 miles on it, still runs just fine,, everything you said in your video review of this bike is spot on, great job and thank you for taking the time for a proper review
Cheers David!
Good man!
Motorcycles are meant to be ridden and people shouldn't be afraid of high mileage with "modern" engineering.
I had SP1 and standard Tuono from that era and I enjoyed Tuono more. Both bikes are amazing to ride 👌 which I have great memories.
Also had the Tuono which is one of my all-time favorite bikes. Much more comfortable upright riding position.
Bonjour les amis motards, cette machine est tellement belle que depuis près de 20 ans, je ne m'en lasse pas. Et à bientôt 141 000 kms, elle roule toujours impeccable. C'est la n° 000000006.
Cordialement.
I've fallen in love with Aprilias, so much so I got a 09 Tuono.
The handling of those bikes is unlike everything else, lovely experience. And the Rotax V2 engines are bulletproof when maintained, reliability all in all is decent on these bikes. Some electrical niggles like Italians tend to have but quite cheap and easy to repair.
As an owner of a gen 2 tuono 1000R, I'm glad this whole series of bikes are overlooked. Didn't have to pay Ducati money for an absolutely wonderful bike!
Had a stock one in the past, loved it so much my dogs called millie, lol.
I had an ‘02 Mille R. Great bike, I miss it sometimes.
What a lovely bike. And that sound, wow.
Your comments about how riding that bike reminded me of what I thought, when riding my girlfriends '01 SV650S for the first time. It was like riding an RD350LC again! So light, so nimble, so much fun!. Keep bringing the vids, fells :-)
Welcome to late 90s sport bikes.
They are all fenominal
Such great handling bikes, glad you discovered them!
(former gen 2 Factory owner)
I love my rsv I've had tons of bikes by far the best of the best even being a older bike it still eats others like a snack
Great bikes. Had three of them including a Colin Edwards Rep. it’s basically the heads/cylinders from a Gen2 and less brutal to ride than the RSVR Mille on which it’s based with slightly smoother fuelling and more top end rush . Power delivery is more linear but it just lacks the brutal midrange wallop of the RSVR and standard models. Power was stated as 147bhp but that’s claimed at the crank. Rear wheel bhp on these is more like 125 to 130 but that’s plenty. The RSVR and standard RSV were closer to 118bhp rear wheel but had a fatter torque curve due to single pipe and different heads and narrower TBs and actually feel more brutal and more fun on the road. Top speed us similar on all of them. Standing quarter is surprisingly rapid with 0-60 of 2.9 secs and sq of 10.6 to 10.8 which is still fast by today’s standards. Gen1 rsvrs are the most sought after and a really good one now costs £6k which for a bike with such an exotic chassis and parts bin which includes Brembo Goldline brakes, Ohlins suspension, Oz forged wheels and lots if carbon is a bargain. They are stunningly good on road and track and easily better the 998 imho. I rode both over the IoM circuit and the rsvr felt super confident and could be ridden harder everywhere. It’s also way more comfortable to ride than any gen1 R1 or 998. Utterly fantastic bikes which get into your blood and become one of the family! Gen2 bikes use different engines and are not as reliable or fun to ride. They have several electrical faults including dodgy stators which can cost a grand to replace when they burn out. Gen1 is where it’s at. Utterly reliable, bomb proof motors which are long lived. Just, for my money, one of the best road bikes ever made. Look brutal, sound awesome and no other bike can make you feel as good riding it. Just puts a huge smile on your face every time you go out on one. Very, very special bikes. E 10 petrol trashes their race spec nylon tanks so be prepared to invest around £1500 on a custom carbon or alloy tank from a uk specialist maker.
My yellow Troy Corsa rep eventually passed on to son five years ago. Between us we’ve traveled 50,000m around Europe on it. After 40 years of riding and as many bikes, it’s best and most loved one of them all.
Mille R are everything this video says and lots more, as you get to know how to set them up for different rides.
Couldn’t agree more.
Great review, great series. You've got your work cut out for you. There are a whack of great old bikes that need to be revisited in this setting!
Great stuff my man! Your series are absolute gem to watch! Nailed to the bone! Get some more 90s superbikes to the tests.. some 750 Srads and zx7r! Would like to see your reaction on that masterpieces of their time!
Great review as always Chris, I have the gen 2 factory version, awesome bike but have always fancied an original Mille.
Had an 02 mille in blue. Great bike. Love that vtwin!!
Got myself a mint gen1 Tuono last Christmas. It’s the Best bike I ever owned😎
These mille R bikes were my dream bikes in the early 2000s when l owned my first bike a kmx 125. Now l ride a MT09
Amazing exhaust sound!
I love the agricultural nature of Ducati, that said this is a special bike and I'd love one.
Great content, nice to see the rsv range getting the appreciation it deserves, a comparison with the gen 2 rsv would be good Chris 👌🏻
I had a yellow Mille R 2002 for a few years. It handled great and the Ohlins really ironed out the bumps on the back roads.
Yeah, there's something about the Ohlins equipped R that just flattens the road as you go faster.
I owned 3 standard '03 Milles and one '03 R, which upon first impressions was a bit stiff and harsh in comparison to the softer Sachs/Showa equipment of the base Mille, yet when you wind up the throttle it did that magic carpet thing over our shit British country roads.
the R1M of the 2000's. beautiful machine.
Love these reviews 😍
I had a 07 Tuono and loved it!
Beautiful bikes, my dad had the mille R when I was still on 125s and I was luck enough for him to let me have a go, absolute beast of a bike 🙂
I did exactly the same for my son. My yellow Troy Corsa rep eventually passed on to him five years ago. Between us we’ve traveled 50,000m around Europe on it.
Mille R are everything this video says and lots more, as you get to know how to set them up for different rides.
Great info video..!!!...My father passed a year ago and both him and I was weekend warrior riders, dirt bike for me but every now and again, my dad and his buddies weekend, street bikes. I remember the year 2000 very well, I remember one morning he woke early to go for a ride and I ask to go, "No not this time buddy, dad need some alone time" It broke my heart when he said that, and off he went. Being mad for only a short time I started messing around with an old street bike frame, making noises like the super moto bikes I've seen on T.V, suddenly I heard the most awesome sound coming from what I thought was a muscle car but it wasn't, it was my dad pulling up on a bike that he didn't leave on, and a name I never heard of, but that name spelled Aprilia RSV Mille R V60 and on the tank it has World Champion, starting from the year 1992. Now with his passing, he left me that bike, though I much rather have my dad back, 40k miles on the gauge and this bike was not rode hardcore for long periods when he did ride it. I've been offered 26k to sell it and i just laugh, normal response from the buyer, Guess you know what you own...with a smile. And seeing this video today and hearing how many was made and how much their worth, under the cover it stays until the upcoming spring. I would love to send pictures to compare the US version to the Italian. Great Video guys!!!!
Awesome bike to ride. This and the KTM RC8R 👍
My buddy had 1 of theese, with the sp exhaust behind u! It was a bad ass bike! Spits fire n takes off on the freeway with a twist of the throttle!!!
Love the jet exhaust taillights
Bought yellow one couple year ago from Japan and not going to sell it! Fantastic modern retro sportbike!🔥❤
Had an 02 Mille about 20 years ago, just the standard one. What a bike that was, so good in the twisties and the drive from that motor was awesome. Would love to have it back for short blasts, couldn’t go far on one anymore though, getting older is a pig 🤣🤣
Used to have an RSVR in 2007. Probably the coolest bike I've owned to date. Was awesome if somewhat flawed in some ways but a really characterful fun bike that was so exciting to ride. Looked & sounded amazing but actually behaved really well with great suspension, beautiful brakes & great nimble handling. It could be savage but you had to make it so. It didn't even have a steering damper & didn't need one as it was so we'll balanced. Only sold it as kids came along & needed the money. Alas.....
Beautiful bike👌
Beautiful.. I have a Gen 2 😊RSV Factory with 11k… Considering what you get, Ohlins, Oz, Brembo, carbon etc.. they are excellent vfm
I've got an '04 Tuono as my track day bike its heaps of fun.
This beauty was featured in the movie Torque....will never forget that! ❤️
I have this one, its a thristy boi but will definitly kill anything on the road, crazy torque, crazy sound, and the suspensions and brakes will outmaneuver the 600s. This baby is something else let me tell you rhey go gor cheap now too. Its every motorcycle conosseurs must have.
We've got one at our shop in Durham, NC USA! #86 currently being restored to it's proper glory
I just came home from a lecture on engineering by the literal guy that originally designed the engine for the RSV Mille at Rotax. Fun coincidence. Always wanted a second gen RSV, but can't afford it, as I'm still in university obviously.
You’ll have one sooner or later! There are still a lot of good examples out there, just make sure you buy it from a older gentleman that barely rides it, those are the best bikes because they were babied and usually stock
I'm curious who is the designer of this great Rotax V2?
@@jdesmo1 His name is Helmut Schön, however, there is no information about him anywhere on the internet. I just searched for 20 minutes and didn't even find a picture, let alone more information about the motor or its design at rotax.
@@Blockbuster2033 Thanks. A version of same engine was used in the Buell 1125R, and later further developed in house by Buell for the EBR 1190
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Eric Buell never gives up
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I used to have a 1999 one that had a fortune thrown at it, big bore, throttle bodies, Marchesini mag wheels, Ohlins road and track front/rear plus much more and made 155 RWHP. I was, as I thought, flying round Cadwell but kept getting overtaken by an old guy on an early 60's bike, he even lapped me. It was the prince of speed on an MV GP bike and we were on the MVOC trackday.
now that I am 40 yo I plan to get my first superbike and looking at that era of bikes. this aprilia is definetely in the short list, together with various Ducati.
I would keep it next to a KTM 990adv and a Guzzi V7, so not a bike for everyday use... just a dream bike to get out on a nice day!
I wish I had never sold my RSV1000R Factory 2008, amazing bike.
I'm baffled that you underestimated this bike!!
Rare and very nice ❤️
super neat
Loving this series, looking forward to seeing what else you have coming! Would love to see you on a ZXR750H1/H2, a slabsided GSXR750, or an RC30 for starters. Oh, and how about a KR1-S?
Good shout on all those bikes.. I had a KR1 & RGV back in the day. Also have a ZXR H2 now & an SRAD 750, but I’m on the lookout for an earlier GSXR1100K/L or M
@@waynester71 I had an 1100K back in the mid 90's. Maybe the most fun bike I ever owned.
I Bought a Millie R in 2000 new I still have it with only 3000 miles, knackered Hip and replacement stopped me from riding it, I did replace the tyres a year ago and did a few miles to remember how good it is and was. I take the cover off it now and again just as a buzz.
I bought a 2007 factory version (so gen 2) last winter but I sold it couple months later. I am really a 4 cilinder guy it turns out. Handling is very nice, fast enough, stable and precise. As soon as it has some revvs it was smooth but in the inner city it was a handfull, round abouts in first gear and it would still vibrate. Even with the 15/42 gearing compared to the stock 16/40 gearing it was like that. Amazing torque from down low so it pulls really fast but to me it just always felt like an angry lion. Some people really like that but it is not my cup of tea. To be fair, I have done about 30 trackdays with 600cc bikes and now happily own a 2008 ZX-10R so almost all my experience comes from 4 cilinders bikes.
Sound is beautifull by the way. Even standing at the lights with stationaty revvs.
sounds like you needed the throttle bodies balanced :)
@@InvisibleJiuJitsu I know it can be a thing with the Rotax vtwins but it actually ran really nice. Always started straight up. The vibration was really more at very low speed with little throttle. Its definitely more suited for more open roads with higher speeds. A friend of mine is a mechanic, he bought a tool to synchronise his Tuono, he rode my bike (shortly) and I did not hear him about it.
@@Don8789 open airbox mod is a good one too
machine kidd yemann 💯💪
I owned one of these amazing reps. Thanks to Mott motorcycles in Basingstoke it dropped a valve a few hundred miles after a valve clearance service and they didn’t even want to look at the bike and flat out denied any responsibility. That was around 16 years ago and it still hurts!
Bike ended up being sold to a breaker 😢
Great review as always, Chris. Any reason why the shift-light seemed to be kicking in so low (6k-ish was it)?
It’s user adjustable. You can set it to cone on where you want in the rev range which was done for custom set up for different gearing and tracks.
I had a 2006 Aprilia Tuono R, which basically took this chassis/motor and slapped a big handlebar on it. Maybe my favorite bike of all time. That motor/chassis combination was so good, the torque was brilliant and addictive, the handling sublime. Miss it so much, binned it on the track trying to stretch the cables a bit on a cold October morning. Idiot!
Good vid! James, akrapovic is pronounced with an "itch" at the end.
I traded my ZX9 for one of these and almost instantly regretted it. I did a bunch of track days on it, before selling it on.
My first proper geared road bike was a aprilia rs 125 manuel poggiali edition full power at 17 that thing was the dogs dangles
Had an 04 RSV-R, with the gold OZ rims, licked in carbon. Cost we £4k. Gutted it’s not still in my garage.
I had the earlier Haga Replica for a couple of years. The Edwards Rep was another step up in terms of engine and some nice details like the yoke. The power delivery on the Haga was very linear and predictable. I came from a 748R and for the road the Haga was a better ride, if not as exciting as the 748R... I also had a few rides on the later model of the RSV1000 Factory that came from 2004 and onwards, and have to admit that model was another step up from the original one. Again, very linear powerful V-twin engine, and now with a chassis that was quicker steering however still maintaining that rock solid feeling.
I then went on to the Streetfighter 1098, without traction control. That's when you start thinking - Is this really road legal?
Love my 02 mille R
Can't see me ever parting with it
Have they got the later Mille V2 for you to ride? Would be a good comparison 👍
Ahhh the mille r. Mr. AP workshops and Chris from 44t have really piqued my interest in these babies. Sadly, I doubt I'd find a single one here in India, but God these sound glorious. And the kit on these is MASSIVE for the time.
It's interesting to hear your opinion about the urban honda VTR 1000f, in comparison with the RS 51
No comparison although the Aprilia is better than both
One thing I’d really appreciate is if you guys could include footage of the bike firing up
If you can find one the 2003 Mille R is the most you can get for your money, it has everything the Edwards rep had appart from the higher power engine.
Similar sound to my old Buell 1125R 🙂
Always wanted one of these, but ended up getting a gsxr750
Can we see you on a early Gsxr750 and a rgv250!
We’re working on it now, vids won’t be long…
147 hp.... Put mine on the dyno..... 128hp. Still great bike though.
147 is definitely a bit of a stretch without major modifications. Measured at the rear tire, of course.
Is the sp2 next?
I've also wondered why Apriias have been overlooked, especially when Ducati's desmo valves need so much more attention. Talking about styling ... I've come to appreciate, even love, the sort of space age design details of the Mille and Tuono of that era. The taillights look like mini rocket thrusters.
If i remember correct Aprilia had big problems supplying sufficient spare parts for the Mille, to the point where it really ruined their reputation back in the days for a long time.
Lack of uk dealers but it was never the problem claimed as the gen 1 bikes were so bullet proof. Nothing serious ever went wrong on them providing they got regular servicing. The bitter irony only just being realised today was that they were stacks better than any ducati of that era. They handled better, they went better, they were more comfortable and they were way way more reliable and simply better made machines.
Aprilia just doesn’t have the brand cachet of Ducati. Doesn’t help that the engine is outsourced to rotax I guess. Today I’d have a Tuono 1100 than a Streetfighter even though the streetfighter is undoubtedly a better bike overall
@@morri03 From what I've seen Rotax engines are highly regarded.
@@MadChalet sure but it’s a third party component for the most important part of any motorcycle, the engine. Compare that to the evocative cam belt drive desmo Ducati which is more complex but performs better and has a better sound and character
Yes Chris fucking ace mate you should invite us mear mortals to have a play
I tell you what, a great episode would be a Honda VTR SP1/2 vs 998 or 999, vs an RSV Mille....
think he's being a bit optimistic with the hp figure's
Anymore drag races to come?
Yep, we’re racing again in a couple of weeks
@@BikeWorldTVshow wowww, that's great news, can't wait 🏍💨💨💨🔥
Regardless of the 660 hype, I'm still bummed out over Aprilia splitting the RSV4 engine in two along the wrong axis. The offset crank still doesn't have the same note as a V.
did you know how much hp the Haga’s SP Mille SBK had at the wheel? Also Troy Corser said if the Aprilia run Michilen tyres it would of won at least 2 World Championships
Aprilia Falco is great alternative...
Metzeler Rennsports 😮
Lots of people go on about how grunty these are but the 04 RSVR gen 2 I had was frankly underwhelming...they need some decent revs on to make them move & aren't all that torquey down low at all....they go ok but nothing particularly amazing by modern standards. That was my take away. Been spoiled by big capacity 4 cylinders I guess.
Why do they bs about power figures? 147@ crank, they were 122 at the wheel in that spec, i had one. Wonderful short gearing made them superb but beastly they are not
Retro bike
So happy I bought and restored #86 here in the US. She was being neglected out in California. Check my channel for the finished video
You state that its and 04, mine is an 04 but its a Gen 2.
Good rs250 ain't a cheap thing now either
K1 gixxer thou please
I had a gen 1 RSV Tuono, that was powerful enough but this...