For me, in some ways, this era of bikes, around mid naughties, represents the best. It was just before electronic rider aids kicked off and bikes were still pure, yet more advanced, powerful, reliable and faster than earlier bikes. May not be as flash or as fast as a modern bike, but more involving and rewarding to ride and own. The RSV is one of the best examples
Could not agree more, I also think the same could be said with cars. Analogue enough to still be involving but advanced enough to live with daily. I'm all for a healthier planet but imagine the tightening euro emisssions had something to do with it. I did consider part ex-ing the RSV for something newer but really what would I do with another 50hp? If anything it wouldn't be as fun on the road.
I was fortunate to own one of these glorious machines in 2005. I had recently purchased my first Ducati, a 999, as Ducati had been my dream bike since that classic poster of the 916. I honestly had never heard of Aprilia but the Factory caught my eye at the dealership and I had room for a second bike. Long story short I quickly favored it over the Duc and even the eventual MV Agusta I would own. Supremely comfortable, competent and confidence-inspiring, and simply a thrill to ride with that bellowing V-twin. Circumstances changed and I regretfully sold it, but it has always remained the best bike I have ever experienced. I’m a bit older now, 60, and after nine years without a bike I finally am back on a Tuono 660. A hundred horses is plenty now, and it’s remarkably nimble and fun and a bargain for the $. But that ‘04 Factory is always in my heart and the inspiration behind every ride. Cheers.
@davealtabird1 thanks for the great comment, they really are special bikes. I agree also, mine was making 119bhp and that's more than enough for the real world.
P.S. I posted a link earlier to X that had a photo of the bikes in my garage in 2005, but I don’t see it now. I suppose it could easily have been perceived as spam or some kind of phishing scam, but it was just a nice little shot of the lovely Factory with the 999. 😊
I’ve got a 2007 RSVR with Ohlins forks. It’s the best bike I’ve ever owned by far and I’ve had a few Japanese super sports. So far none of the quirks you mention exist on mine. I’ve had it almost a year and have done 3 track days with it. What an absolutely glorious machine. Great review in this video 🙌🏽
Cheers Carlos, seems the later bikes had less issues as various things were engineed out. When Aprilia were making the gen 2, before the accountants got involved and sold to Piaggio they were really firing on all cylinders.
Good review. I have an 07 Tuono and love it. Took a few mods to get it where I want it. But I think it’s one of the best street bikes you can pick for the money. Great handling, torque, comfort.
Twelve year's ago I did give myself a permission to have a motorbike again! I did have a chat with old motorcycle friend of mine and after a while he suggested to me italian twin. After a while one Factory came to sale. I went to trial ride and it took full one easy spin to get the feel that IT'S MY BIKE!!!!!! It came so mine that when it was up to swap my bike there were just one bike to swap it - to an another Factory R!!!!! So now I've black Factory after that Fluo Red. Bellissimo!!!!!
Thanks for the honest review, my fave model this, wish I’d bought one 15 yrs ago when I was in the fashion of buying large sports bikes , and tourers , my choice at the time was the Honda VTR , SP1, 1000 , so I bought one of those then a sv1000 was next , the list goes on, to a limited Hyabusa , zx10r and many more , but the aprrillia slipped through the net also the 916 sps, that I almost bought , but I see the Aprillia as a stylish very tastefully made bike love the swing arm, headlight shapes induction in between, the blue spoked alloy wheels, in fact one of my favourite looking bikes of all time , thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧
Absolutely LOVE my 07. I’ve spent sooooo much in accessories and “improvements” for mine… more than the new price of the bike! 😆 It’s ok though, keeping forever! Next big ticket item…1127cc big bore kit!
I have a 2009. Love it! Very true that the faster you go the happier April gets! And yes the rear brake is so bad it’s like someone greased the rotor while I was inside paying for my gas. Paying for gas is another thing RSV owners do a lot! Wow! horrible fuel mileage. Really have to plan it out if doing a long twisty ride? It’s all worth it though, I’ll never sell it, but am getting ready to buy a new RSV4!
Thanks Mike - concise and to the point. Have loved riding my Duke S4R with that unmistakable Italian V-twin sound but wanted something better suited for the odd track day. So, ..... I just bought an 04 Factory just like yours .... cant wait to get her home :)
Only seeing your review after I posted my own. Interesting to see that we both raise the same points. 👍 I am surprised to see you took the bike to the track without having stator issues ...
Seems like we came to very similar conclusions! I always thought there was a irony in terms of high build quality vs the various issues we both mentioned. Still a very appealing proposition in my opinion while prices are still cheap, for now ;)
@@M1K3R0LPH Correct. Build quality and attention to detail make these bikes a pleasure to watch and admire. Yours looks considerably nicer than mine, btw. And you're right, considering the price, they are absolutely worth the gamble!
A wonderful review and matches my experience with my '07 RSV perfectly. -- Even the Harley 'sportbike hating' crowd give a nod to it. -- Contemplating an RSV4 and it's not an easy decision to make.
Nice review. I had a gen1 2002 RSV as my only real sports bike to date. I loved it and now considering a gen 2 as it's so much bike for the money. I'm not interested in huge power inline fours and your review just reminded me of the v-twin character I enjoyed so much 15 years ago.
Cheers John, agreed about being great value for money. I imagine you could sell it on in a few years and get your money back, or pos even more I'd you didn't like it. If you're seriously considering it I think the gen 2 is quite different in shape from the gen 1 so worth double checking. Thanks again :)
I had the first-gen a 2000 model. The torque and low rev acceleration is insane but so are the spare part prices. It is a track bike and not very comfortable road bike, but i miss it.
love mine which is identical to yours except ive the stock pipes and a set of Aprilia racing pipes. Stator has been broken for several yrs now & here in the US, hardly any shops to fix it, even in major city. Heard it's not too difficult and/but to do the rectifier & regulator same time, tho many dn't do that here, at least in cooler regions of the country. Miss that sound-- such an incredible sound. I wear ear plugs of course, as we do open pipes here mostly on these, sans catylist. I also have had since new, and with the dealer installed mods of the auxillary computer to change map to a custom map the dealer chose base on another bike they did/had, and oiled type air filter. No cutting of some plastic though, which other guys did. I wanted mine returnable to stock condition. never had swelling tank, tho have not checked lately!
Recently picked up a very nice 2004 RSV 1000 Factory. I've had the RSV1000R before. After a set of mint Arrow or Akrapovic cans to match the condition of the bike. These bikes are amazing for the money, if you can find a goodun.
Love my ‘09 . Ive Griffs rear sets as well mate . Not ever bout top end . Allboutdat middle . N yes its a beast . Best exhaust note as well . 140 bhp dyno tuned by af1 . Plenty hp .
4th stator since 2004, 60000km. Compufier, RM stator still burn out. Trying T12 cooling mod this time. Monoblock brembos all round bring this bike up to date.
I've had now two Factories in a row and like that bike is like a scooter in town. It agile and easy to handle while so light ( mine is another 13 kilos lighter).
I'm currently looking for a "new" bike for curvy country roads in mid mountains. I have to choose or want to decide between Aprilia RSV 1000 with 139 HP from 2004-2006 or a MV Agusta F4 1078 RR312 from 2010 with 190 HP. Can someone give me a recommandation what to choose? Is the MV Agusta made for country roads or only for high speed highways? I'm 187cm tall.
Height-wise you're about the same as me, and I find the bike really nicely proportioned. In terms of curvy roads, I'd say long sweeping corners the RSV really excels using the mid-torque but more technical stuff it probably isn't the best tool for the job.
Mike Rolph mmmm, there are also two other V2 bikes already. Might extend my shed and spare time. All about getting your priorities sorted isn't it?! 😛🤩
Hmm, probably not. Although it's only 120hp at the rear wheel don't be fooled it has no ABS, TC or any rider aids. Still a handful. If you can exercise self restraint go-ahead but maybe not your archetypal beginner bike.
Thanks Jamie! When you turn the ignition on the rev needle goes to the set redline. I've set mine to 10k. If this hasn't been set, or more likely reset, it will spin up to only 6k. You can set your revlimiter via the dash with instructions in the manual. I hope that helps.
I’m 6’0” and mine fits perfectly. I put 1” risers on and even better. Didn’t distract from handling or looks. Extremely fun motor. Power in all RPM range. Rear brake is almost useless unless you do a mod. Horrible horrible gas mileage but totally worth it!
@@davida1679 Agreed about the rear brake. I now have Aprilia Performance rearsets and the newer V4 rear master cylinder, it makes the world of difference.
Depends how'd you define big, I'd say generally no but it was my 1st litre bike so feel free to ignore me! It's not the friendliest with 0 rider aids and a primitive slipper clutch but if you're not knee down every corner go for it 👍
Not a beginner bike at all. But if you came from a well powered super sport you’ll just notice lots more grunt. Even though the HP numbers aren’t comparable to the newer super bikes it still is extremely fast in any condition except the tight stuff. Get her out on the big open high speed sweepers and you’ll think you died and gone to heaven. Mine is a 2009 and still every time I come home from a long twisty day I still can’t believe how fast and good it handles! Always makes me grin ear to ear. No other sport bike I’ve ever had gives me this feeling year after year after year
First big bike oush nope not if you value your life this thing will spit you off no rider aids abs traction control nothing get a 600 and ride it for a couple of years.
Here it is 2020 and I am looking at a 2004 Factory with 2000 miles (accurate?) He's asking 5800 USD. Worth it? I've had the 848 and 848 Street fighter as well as a 749. Loved those. I want to try something different. If I saved till fall I could afford a 2012 RSV4 for around 10,000 USD
Great video. But i dont get why you are at the edge of whispering. Can barely understand what you are saying. Try to talk louder, cause im actually interested to hear what you're saying without having to max my speakers. Other than that, great video with good points!
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
For me, in some ways, this era of bikes, around mid naughties, represents the best. It was just before electronic rider aids kicked off and bikes were still pure, yet more advanced, powerful, reliable and faster than earlier bikes. May not be as flash or as fast as a modern bike, but more involving and rewarding to ride and own. The RSV is one of the best examples
Could not agree more, I also think the same could be said with cars. Analogue enough to still be involving but advanced enough to live with daily. I'm all for a healthier planet but imagine the tightening euro emisssions had something to do with it. I did consider part ex-ing the RSV for something newer but really what would I do with another 50hp? If anything it wouldn't be as fun on the road.
Absolutely agree, fuel injection was a welcome advancement but to me there's not much exciting about a bike with no throttle cable...
I was fortunate to own one of these glorious machines in 2005. I had recently purchased my first Ducati, a 999, as Ducati had been my dream bike since that classic poster of the 916. I honestly had never heard of Aprilia but the Factory caught my eye at the dealership and I had room for a second bike. Long story short I quickly favored it over the Duc and even the eventual MV Agusta I would own. Supremely comfortable, competent and confidence-inspiring, and simply a thrill to ride with that bellowing V-twin. Circumstances changed and I regretfully sold it, but it has always remained the best bike I have ever experienced. I’m a bit older now, 60, and after nine years without a bike I finally am back on a Tuono 660. A hundred horses is plenty now, and it’s remarkably nimble and fun and a bargain for the $. But that ‘04 Factory is always in my heart and the inspiration behind every ride. Cheers.
@davealtabird1 thanks for the great comment, they really are special bikes. I agree also, mine was making 119bhp and that's more than enough for the real world.
@@M1K3R0LPH I appreciate the insightful and descriptive commentary in your video. It’s truly a special bike with a memorable character.
P.S. I posted a link earlier to X that had a photo of the bikes in my garage in 2005, but I don’t see it now. I suppose it could easily have been perceived as spam or some kind of phishing scam, but it was just a nice little shot of the lovely Factory with the 999. 😊
I’ve got a 2007 RSVR with Ohlins forks. It’s the best bike I’ve ever owned by far and I’ve had a few Japanese super sports. So far none of the quirks you mention exist on mine. I’ve had it almost a year and have done 3 track days with it. What an absolutely glorious machine. Great review in this video 🙌🏽
Cheers Carlos, seems the later bikes had less issues as various things were engineed out. When Aprilia were making the gen 2, before the accountants got involved and sold to Piaggio they were really firing on all cylinders.
I still own one of these after 12 years and has been the most reliable bike I have ever owned, including Hondas & Yamahas.
Good review. I have an 07 Tuono and love it. Took a few mods to get it where I want it. But I think it’s one of the best street bikes you can pick for the money. Great handling, torque, comfort.
Agreed about mods, but totally worth it in my opinion. Cheers John
maybe you can share your mods :D
Great review and beautiful bike. I do a 20 km round-trip commute on my '04 daily and love every minute of it.
Twelve year's ago I did give myself a permission to have a motorbike again! I did have a chat with old motorcycle friend of mine and after a while he suggested to me italian twin. After a while one Factory came to sale. I went to trial ride and it took full one easy spin to get the feel that IT'S MY BIKE!!!!!! It came so mine that when it was up to swap my bike there were just one bike to swap it - to an another Factory R!!!!! So now I've black Factory after that Fluo Red. Bellissimo!!!!!
Thanks for the honest review, my fave model this, wish I’d bought one 15 yrs ago when I was in the fashion of buying large sports bikes , and tourers , my choice at the time was the Honda VTR , SP1, 1000 , so I bought one of those then a sv1000 was next , the list goes on, to a limited Hyabusa , zx10r and many more , but the aprrillia slipped through the net also the 916 sps, that I almost bought , but I see the Aprillia as a stylish very tastefully made bike love the swing arm, headlight shapes induction in between, the blue spoked alloy wheels, in fact one of my favourite looking bikes of all time , thanks Shane uk 🇬🇧
That is an absolutely lovely review. Thanks very much indeed
Thanks Rob!
@@M1K3R0LPH no worries. You've helped me decide to buy one 👍🏻
@@R0BL0W Glad I could help. To be fair for the money I don't think you could go wrong as they're so well priced generally 👌
I had one, and finally sold it a few years ago. One of my more stupid decisions. Would I have another in 2022? A definite yes!
Absolutely LOVE my 07. I’ve spent sooooo much in accessories and “improvements” for mine… more than the new price of the bike! 😆 It’s ok though, keeping forever! Next big ticket item…1127cc big bore kit!
I have a 2009. Love it! Very true that the faster you go the happier April gets! And yes the rear brake is so bad it’s like someone greased the rotor while I was inside paying for my gas. Paying for gas is another thing RSV owners do a lot! Wow! horrible fuel mileage. Really have to plan it out if doing a long twisty ride? It’s all worth it though, I’ll never sell it, but am getting ready to buy a new RSV4!
April 😂✌🏽. Ive had an RSV MILLIE 2001 for 2 months now. Love these bikes. Down shifting Engine braking does indeed cause ball slamming 🤣🤦🏽♂️😍
Thanks Mike - concise and to the point. Have loved riding my Duke S4R with that unmistakable Italian V-twin sound but wanted something better suited for the odd track day. So, ..... I just bought an 04 Factory just like yours .... cant wait to get her home :)
Hi Roman, thanks for the kind comment and glad this video helped. Enjoy the RSV, I'm sure you'll love it.
@@M1K3R0LPH would be interested to discuss mods, issues etc that you worked on. Is there a way i can message you directly? Thanks
@@romansluga1418 sure thing. My username is Jambon on rsvr.net, feel free to message me there! Very friendly and lots of info too.
Only seeing your review after I posted my own. Interesting to see that we both raise the same points. 👍
I am surprised to see you took the bike to the track without having stator issues ...
Seems like we came to very similar conclusions! I always thought there was a irony in terms of high build quality vs the various issues we both mentioned. Still a very appealing proposition in my opinion while prices are still cheap, for now ;)
@@M1K3R0LPH Correct. Build quality and attention to detail make these bikes a pleasure to watch and admire. Yours looks considerably nicer than mine, btw. And you're right, considering the price, they are absolutely worth the gamble!
A wonderful review and matches my experience with my '07 RSV perfectly. -- Even the Harley 'sportbike hating' crowd give a nod to it. -- Contemplating an RSV4 and it's not an easy decision to make.
⅘
Nice review. I had a gen1 2002 RSV as my only real sports bike to date. I loved it and now considering a gen 2 as it's so much bike for the money. I'm not interested in huge power inline fours and your review just reminded me of the v-twin character I enjoyed so much 15 years ago.
Cheers John, agreed about being great value for money. I imagine you could sell it on in a few years and get your money back, or pos even more I'd you didn't like it. If you're seriously considering it I think the gen 2 is quite different in shape from the gen 1 so worth double checking. Thanks again :)
Colin Edwards RSV 1000 R ....LOVE it - nice review...THANKS for that!!!
I had the first-gen a 2000 model. The torque and low rev acceleration is insane but so are the spare part prices. It is a track bike and not very comfortable road bike, but i miss it.
love mine which is identical to yours except ive the stock pipes and a set of Aprilia racing pipes. Stator has been broken for several yrs now & here in the US, hardly any shops to fix it, even in major city. Heard it's not too difficult and/but to do the rectifier & regulator same time, tho many dn't do that here, at least in cooler regions of the country. Miss that sound-- such an incredible sound. I wear ear plugs of course, as we do open pipes here mostly on these, sans catylist. I also have had since new, and with the dealer installed mods of the auxillary computer to change map to a custom map the dealer chose base on another bike they did/had, and oiled type air filter. No cutting of some plastic though, which other guys did. I wanted mine returnable to stock condition. never had swelling tank, tho have not checked lately!
At last a proper review on what is a fantastic bike from a fantastic company
🙌
Really good, honest review, I also have an rsv gen 2 factory , what a machine, your review is true in every word, solid advice, thank you 🏍👌🏻
Cheers Ade, glad you agree with most of it too. Thanks for the comment 👍
Recently picked up a very nice 2004 RSV 1000 Factory. I've had the RSV1000R before. After a set of mint Arrow or Akrapovic cans to match the condition of the bike. These bikes are amazing for the money, if you can find a goodun.
Love my ‘09 . Ive Griffs rear sets as well mate . Not ever bout top end . Allboutdat middle . N yes its a beast . Best exhaust note as well . 140 bhp dyno tuned by af1 . Plenty hp .
And there i was happy mine made more power than when new...What mods have you done to get 140hp?! Power commander?
I’ve got a set of Griffs too!
Had 2000 R 2002 R and now 2005 R 😍😍😍😍
They definitely are on my list of owning
I love these bikes, mines an absolute weapon. £5k 170mph. That’s lot of bang for buck.
I just bought the gen1
Really loving it
Sutche a bigg differants coming of a yamaha r1
Great review my next bike is decided off the back of this review!
I have an 07 and it is a GREAT bike. LOVE mine.
Lovely job mate , really lovely audio
4th stator since 2004, 60000km. Compufier, RM stator still burn out. Trying T12 cooling mod this time.
Monoblock brembos all round bring this bike up to date.
What a great motor, really awesome,,,, thanks for share
Great review . Whats it like slow speeds . Around town ect .
Cheers
Cheers Grant. Not great, very lumpy low down and with the heavy clutch traffic is not the bike's friend.
I've had now two Factories in a row and like that bike is like a scooter in town. It agile and easy to handle while so light ( mine is another 13 kilos lighter).
Excellent review.. Mine is identical apart from Akrapovic carbon exhausts. I need to replace my clutch slave to an Oberon too as it’s so heavy..
Nicely Done. lovely Machine.
I'm currently looking for a "new" bike for curvy country roads in mid mountains. I have to choose or want to decide between Aprilia RSV 1000 with 139 HP from 2004-2006 or a MV Agusta F4 1078 RR312 from 2010 with 190 HP.
Can someone give me a recommandation what to choose?
Is the MV Agusta made for country roads or only for high speed highways?
I'm 187cm tall.
Height-wise you're about the same as me, and I find the bike really nicely proportioned. In terms of curvy roads, I'd say long sweeping corners the RSV really excels using the mid-torque but more technical stuff it probably isn't the best tool for the job.
Lovely review. Have the sport touring RST1000 Futura and interested in her sporty sister to come and live in my mancave.
Thanks Olaf, I say do it!
Mike Rolph mmmm, there are also two other V2 bikes already. Might extend my shed and spare time. All about getting your priorities sorted isn't it?! 😛🤩
@@oterhaar I couldn't agree more 😁
From the little I could hear, it was fine but you really should get in touch with your outside voice.
Bullshit. The low voice was making the review even better.
this makes me want to fix my vtr
:)
I still have my 97 VTR, and I love it. I just bought an Aprilia 2002 Mille R.
Had the 2005 model. Always worried she wouldn't start.
Gotta tighten all connections. Then it’s always starting like a in-line 4.
would you recommend this bike for a beginner?
Hmm, probably not. Although it's only 120hp at the rear wheel don't be fooled it has no ABS, TC or any rider aids. Still a handful. If you can exercise self restraint go-ahead but maybe not your archetypal beginner bike.
Best review I've watched most rsv's I've seen when they are Turner on the needle on the rev counter swings round to 6k yours goes to 10k ?
Thanks Jamie! When you turn the ignition on the rev needle goes to the set redline. I've set mine to 10k. If this hasn't been set, or more likely reset, it will spin up to only 6k. You can set your revlimiter via the dash with instructions in the manual. I hope that helps.
Beautiful bike, gonna buy it for sure in the future :) How tall are you?
Thanks a lot. I'm 6ft
I’m 6’0” and mine fits perfectly. I put 1” risers on and even better. Didn’t distract from handling or looks. Extremely fun motor. Power in all RPM range. Rear brake is almost useless unless you do a mod. Horrible horrible gas mileage but totally worth it!
@@davida1679 Agreed about the rear brake. I now have Aprilia Performance rearsets and the newer V4 rear master cylinder, it makes the world of difference.
@@davida1679 its just an untamed beast not wanting to be tamed 🤣
great review. i struggle a bit to hear you.. but its probably me
The audio is pretty bad I agree! Thanks for the kind words.
How would you say this would be for a first big bike
Depends how'd you define big, I'd say generally no but it was my 1st litre bike so feel free to ignore me! It's not the friendliest with 0 rider aids and a primitive slipper clutch but if you're not knee down every corner go for it 👍
Not a beginner bike at all. But if you came from a well powered super sport you’ll just notice lots more grunt. Even though the HP numbers aren’t comparable to the newer super bikes it still is extremely fast in any condition except the tight stuff. Get her out on the big open high speed sweepers and you’ll think you died and gone to heaven. Mine is a 2009 and still every time I come home from a long twisty day I still can’t believe how fast and good it handles! Always makes me grin ear to ear. No other sport bike I’ve ever had gives me this feeling year after year after year
First big bike oush nope not if you value your life this thing will spit you off no rider aids abs traction control nothing get a 600 and ride it for a couple of years.
Here it is 2020 and I am looking at a 2004 Factory with 2000 miles (accurate?) He's asking 5800 USD. Worth it? I've had the 848 and 848 Street fighter as well as a 749. Loved those. I want to try something different. If I saved till fall I could afford a 2012 RSV4 for around 10,000 USD
That's certainly low mileage, if the paperwork backs it up it could be the real deal.
@@M1K3R0LPH all I know is I'm excited to get back on a pasta rocket. I prefer the torque of a twin to the top end of the 4's.
@@dennisprow7576 more useable on the road too!
@@M1K3R0LPH yeah I had a Nicky hayden edition 848 back in 2012 once, caught my pants on fire with that bike haha
@@dennisprow7576 burnt my leg on my exhaust a few times..battle scars 😂 fighting my MILLIE 2001..😍
Great video. But i dont get why you are at the edge of whispering. Can barely understand what you are saying. Try to talk louder, cause im actually interested to hear what you're saying without having to max my speakers. Other than that, great video with good points!
It’s an Italian gem. Then you whisper. It’s not a screaming Kawasaki😁
Nice review and nice bike, but you're talking a bit too softly, almost like ASMR, made me a bit uncomfortable mate 😜
Think about me, I have to live with this voice.
You sound like jackfrags 😁😂
Thanks. Regards Jack
If get them dyno tuned the tame right at lower speeds
I had one a few years back , owned it for three or fours years and had funny turn and sold it . Deep regret