2 years Ownership Review of 2018 Aprilia RSV4 1000. Costs, maintenance, reliability, parts supply

[@GoatfatherGit]

Glad you've enjoyed owning one. I enjoy hearing about peoples ownership experiences, I'm an Aprilia owning nut myself. I definitely want to echo what you said, these are amazing machines, albeit more than any street based rider will ever need in the power department. Mindset is everything with owning an Aprilia (or any bike for that matter). I hope it keeps treating you well!

[@Porschemovies]

The Aprilia is a great bike, not a great street bike, It just has too much of an edge. That being said if you work with the bike it can be very enjoyable on the street you can't just jam it around like Japanese counterparts. You also need to be in good physical shape to get the most out of it. I'm not, so I have not been able to push it to the fullest potential yet.

[@harrypersaud9422]

This is the first time anyone has given an honest real world commitment and experience on this bike. I have always wanted on and finally purchase it today and so far love it. Great video sir

[@Porschemovies]

congrats enjoy it. When starting the bike cold make sure it's vertical not on the kick stand. Seems to be a much quieter cold start, because oil shoots up to the valve train more evenly.

[@lc500yyc]

What a great review. I've been all over KZbin and this is exactly what I needed. I'm debating getting my first Italian liter bike

[@Porschemovies]

I will say this RSV4 has the best build quality of any bike I have owned.

[@treverw1]

My 2017 tuono has 20,000 miles... oil changes and checked the valves once. No issues or complaints

[@Porschemovies]

great to hear also issue free

[@Lumel187]

Wish I could say same about my 18 RSV4. Bought mine and straight out of the lot I've had issues. First day I picked it up, white smoke came out of exhaust. Then it stopped. Couple days later got oil pressure warning light. Brought back to dealer, they said bad sensor, replaced it. Then about 1.5 to 2k miles later my clutch started slipping. Mind you I know how to ride and bike has quickshifter so no way I burnt my clutch my self. I do no burnouts or wheelies. Dealer said I burnt my clutch I tell them bikes burning oil and from Then on its been a terrible experience. I had to pay to get a new clutch and then got bike back rode it etc and noticed oil was being consumed. I started tracking it and I was putting 1qt of oil almost every 600-700 miles. Took to Dealer they topped off to see how fast it consumed oil. 600 miles later I bring it back and then my bikes been at the dealer for 1 year and 2 months and out of factory warranty and aprilia isn't willing to goodwill a new motor, my extended warranty isn't willing to replace or rebuild motor either. They said they don't cover wear and tear items... since piston rings, cams, lobes w.e else idk was damaged. Bike has 11k miles how the hell are those components worn out when the bikes spent majority of time at the dealer. I've just had a terrible experience and I'm going later on today to pick my bike up with the motor out of the unit because repairs cost 13k at dealer and aprilia nor extended warranty wants to cover it. So I'm just going to have to let this bike sit till I can find a used motor or something.

[@jakecole3646]

@@Lumel187 I've found a few used motors for less than 4k ranging from 600-10,000 miles. Did you get the bike new or used?

[@Lumel187]

@@jakecole3646 I got bike brand new 0 miles. I been searching on ebay but they're asking 6k for a used motor 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jakecole3646]

@@Lumel187 it's still the 999cc not the 1099 is it? I know 09-17 you can swap the motors if it's still the same you have a wide range of years to find one. I'll keep an eye out and post links here when I find them

[@allinrc3338]

I appreciate this type of review! I am interested in Touno and this helped me! Tnx man 👍

[@Porschemovies]

your going to love it

[@Matua01]

Awesome input braddah. I want one so bad. I'm ready to trade in my Daytona 765 moto2.

[@Navieri]

About to pick up a new 2021 rsv4 1100 factory so this was interesting

[@samuelcurran714]

Looking at getting one to compliment my VFR. Glad to hear they're solid bikes. I know they had chocolate camshaft issues on earlier years

[@Porschemovies]

not camshaft it's valve springs breaking.

[@1100220033]

Thank you 🙏🏽 … great vid … I’m going to test ride a 2017 Aprilia Tuono tomorrow but I currently own an 06 Suzuki.

[@Porschemovies]

welcome you're going to love it!

[@gixxis3264]

@mario d what did you think? I loved the tuono but want a sportsbike

[@alexg160]

Bravo, many thanks for all the real life advice. If one is looking to get one of these (as I am), it's very easy to get caught up in the emotion of just getting it. Thankfully, your video has put it all in real life context for me. For me, I need a commuter bike so my options seem to be either a BMW S100R or Tuono V4 1100.

[@Porschemovies]

TV4 RR 2021 and up, also ride Xr 1000r lots more wind protection, you just need a long inseam, like 32-34in

[@alexg160]

@@Porschemovies I’ve seen the XR at Eurocycle here in Tampa but it seems more of an ADV bike IMO. Thanks for the advice but from what I’ve seen so far, I can only afford an ‘18 or earlier TV4.

[@Porschemovies]

@@alexg160 they do but ride like a sport bike, you can't go wrong with TV4 tho.

[@alexg160]

@@Porschemovies gotcha, thanks for your input! It’s greatly appreciated 👍🏼

[@FaithisKey792]

I had a Gxsr750R 2015 for like 7 years which I loved, only got rid of it once my wife came on a ride with me and she was not really comfortable on the Gxsr750R. So I sold it and got an M109R. Only had it for a year but now I’m looking to trade for a tuono factory. What do you think, they have this one with 900kml on it. But I don’t really know. Any guidance will be appreciated. Amazing review. God bless you and your love ones.

[@Porschemovies]

The TV4 is a smaller rear seat over GSXR, she going to hate that, get the Non-Factory TV4 much larger rear seat. Buy a warranty, my bike has been golden for me but Aprilia can be fickle.

[@Decepticon313]

You said it best, you covered the highlights of rsv4 ownership well. (Im going on 2 years/ 14k miles)

[@Porschemovies]

amazing machines

[@maiccuzzu125]

Nice review, I have exactly the same bike, I want to ask you, did you suggest to get the kit 520 sprocket?? What difference did you notice driving your bike ? Thanks 🙏

[@Porschemovies]

525 to 520 change I can't precisely say I noticed a difference in the ride because at the same time I did change the gearing to lower gearing. I will say this the 520 chain was much lighter than 525 with the same links. I think it's worth the upgrade

[@Seanype]

Thinking of trading my mt10 and getting this bike, I wanna start doing track days and ride it to work during the summer

[@Porschemovies]

What tracks are you plan on riding, if large fast track not too technical stock gearing is good, more technical tracks gearing needs to gear it. Also with exhaust noise regulations, Graves with DB killer or Arka DB kill will work on all tracks for sure.

[@JG-xt6eu]

Just picked up a 18’ w/5k on it today. I rode a 19’ and cldnt stop thinking abt it. Only question is do I need to worry abt the valves before the 12k recommended service? The forum seems to go back and forth. Thanks for responding

[@Porschemovies]

The issue you have is the bike is not new to you, You don't know if it's been tracked or all the services done and how it's been ridden. If you have no issues no noise for the valve train you can just wait for the 12k and should be fine, Some of my friends' bikes only had like 1 or 2 valves out of spec and it was not really bad out of spec and one person had like 12 out of spec but his bike was older like 2014 I think.

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

Easy fix to the fuel tank pressure buildup is to remove the charcoal canister. I pulled mine now bike runs better and no "whoosh" everytime I fill up. If you guys have emission inspections then never mind but that's why tanks expand. Watch a video on it first.

[@Porschemovies]

LOL my dealer wanted todo that when I first bought the bike, i was having hart start issues. All issues where gone since going to openflash tablet. I might need to try that thanks for the advise.

[@gixxis3264]

👌🏾 nice one , this fuel tank expansion really puts me off , if you have found ways round it then that's awesome - also I guess not filling to to the brim is another method.....maybe

[@utkarshjangid3374]

I am also going to get one next month. 2011 RSV4

[@Porschemovies]

Congrats your going to love it

[@pnoyryder68]

Great video and thanks for sharing your ownership experience. I wanted to pull the trigger on a 2018 on EBay but couldn't justify getting it crashed on the track as I definitely plan to take it there (you're really wasting the experience if you don't) so I bought a track ready R6 instead. I have test driven a 2017 RR model and fell in love with it so I will own one down the road. But I've always loved the V4 engine hence my other ride is a VFR. Btw me and a buddy of mine are going to the Aprilia Trackday this year at VIR so I'm stoked for that! They'll let you ride any of their models for one session and I plan to ride their new 2021 RSV4!!

[@Porschemovies]

oh man that sounds like fun!! 2021 RSV4 looks amazing love the swing arm.

[@Lumel187]

Wish I could say same about my 18 RSV4. Bought mine and straight out of the lot I've had issues. First day I picked it up, white smoke came out of exhaust. Then it stopped. Couple days later got oil pressure warning light. Brought back to dealer, they said bad sensor, replaced it. Then about 1.5 to 2k miles later my clutch started slipping. Mind you I know how to ride and bike has quickshifter so no way I burnt my clutch my self. I do no burnouts or wheelies. Dealer said I burnt my clutch I tell them bikes burning oil and from Then on its been a terrible experience. I had to pay to get a new clutch and then got bike back rode it etc and noticed oil was being consumed. I started tracking it and I was putting 1qt of oil almost every 600-700 miles. Took to Dealer they topped off to see how fast it consumed oil. 600 miles later I bring it back and then my bikes been at the dealer for 1 year and 2 months and out of factory warranty and aprilia isn't willing to goodwill a new motor, my extended warranty isn't willing to replace or rebuild motor either. They said they don't cover wear and tear items... since piston rings, cams, lobes w.e else idk was damaged. Bike has 11k miles how the hell are those components worn out when the bikes spent majority of time at the dealer. I've just had a terrible experience and I'm going later on today to pick my bike up with the motor out of the unit because repairs cost 13k at dealer and aprilia nor extended warranty wants to cover it. So I'm just going to have to let this bike sit till I can find a used motor or something.

[@Porschemovies]

oh man, I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles!! I change my oil every 2K I use a 1/4qt between changes, My bike is over years old and I have 15K miles the only issues I had is my quickshifter sensor needed replacement. Honestly other than that my bike has been perfect. I'm still on the stock clutch never a issues. I'm even on the same batt it came with for over 4 years. I hope everything works out but I would sue the warranty company, position rings are not a wearable items like a clutch.

[@Lumel187]

@@Porschemovies yeah man I looked into suing and it's been a mission for sure. But I'm just looking to get a new RSV4 and try my luck again

[@Porschemovies]

@@Lumel187 I just picked up an S1000RR it's amazing also look at GSXR 1000 or R1 all great bikes IMHO.

[@MrYUBLUE]

did you put the race ecu in then flash it or is it the stock ecu? my '18 feels slower with the race ecu installed!

[@apollomorris9920]

It should not feel slower , who put in the ECU. It need to be on a shop computer when installing.

[@MrYUBLUE]

@@apollomorris9920 aprilia dealer installed it but I do have the crt on.

[@Porschemovies]

I could not feel the 22whp gain after the fash myself, I think because it's much smoother, the stock power delivery is so choppy it adds to the feeling the is making more power but it's just choppy and twitchy.

[@MrYUBLUE]

@@Porschemovies that could be it! Either way its fast as it needs to be lol

[@shaffiq]

@@Porschemovies I agree with you, I own 18 RSVRF and changed to SC Project CRT, with stock ECU, 'felt' like more power in low- and mid- RPM, but not in high- RPM. With Race ECU, low and mid feels like not that much of power, but the high RPM is significantly better.

[@slonik100908]

How to check fuel level?

[@Porschemovies]

Look down the filler cap, or pull over when the light comes on

[@leonardjones3486]

Thanks for this video

[@Porschemovies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@windyrun7979]

Appreciate your posting this real world experience. I've been wanting one for a while but there is no strong dealer/tech support within 3 hours so I chose to wait. I have test ridden one (I think it was an '18 but might have been a '19). The thing I noticed, just my 2 hour experience, was it had excellent fueling (low speed as well) and was very easy to ride-high gearing yes. Its fueling was way better than the tuono's I have ridden of the same generation so I'm surprised yours is on/off throttle. I wonder if its the OFT flash side effect. I bring this up since maybe its a bike to bike thing and if anyone is considering one go ahead and test ride one near you and see how it works for you. For my point of reference i ride an s1000r in dynamic mode all the time.

[@Porschemovies]

just under 5K it's jerky, the rest of the RPM it's really good fueling and even smoother with the open flash. I have lots of time on S1000Xr, love that bike I only ride it in Dynamic mode too. Also the Sport mode is the fastest throttle that's hard to master. Track mode is so smooth, race does not have enough engine braking for the street.

[@windyrun7979]

@@Porschemovies Thanks for your reply. Now that you mention it I have always used RACE mode when riding tuonos and my time on the RSV4. I found it a throttle mapping that I preferred, but yeah not a lot of engine braking - there's not a lot of engine braking on my s1000r either to be fair. The RSV4 is a great bike though!!

[@ulisesbernardotti1339]

Spot on man!

[@Porschemovies]

Thank you

[@apollomorris9920]

You must be shifting all the time with the sprockets that you have that 4 up in the back . Can you show me your dyno sheet and what types of the exhaust did you put on it? Air filter airbox modification ? You must go through fuel like crazy the most i ever got out of my bike was a hundred and ten miles on a tank . Stock gears . Does your bike ever have problems starting after it's really warmed up? I had some issues with my bike starting when it was hot.

[@MrYUBLUE]

Only once for the starting issues. Need to dyno it and about the fuel I knew I was just going to have to live with bad mpg(the smiles make up for it though). I will say the stock exhaust is much better with fuel consumption

[@apollomorris9920]

@@MrYUBLUE I can tell you the hp increases to 208 at the crank . 185hp rear With pipe and race ECU . The Honda 2012 makes 170hp at the rear with the same mods .

[@Porschemovies]

I have one down and one up, First still bogs down, Thinking of going 2 more up in the rear.

[@Porschemovies]

@@MrYUBLUE My fuel milage was the same before and after tune.

[@Porschemovies]

@@apollomorris9920 My bike made 184whp with just graves pipe, after OpenFlash my bike made 200whp on mail order tune.

[@adaptiveagile]

Many thanks. I’ve been kicking around the idea of getting one, and this vid put things into perspective. Especially the jerky low-speed behavior which sounds like my RC-51. Worst bike I’ve ever ridden for slow riding, city commutes, etc. I guess it’s just a V thing….

[@BlackBeard_ET]

What parts of FL? Im in FL too

[@Porschemovies]

Flagler County!

[@BlackBeard_ET]

@@Porschemovies clay county

[@thecynicalafro160]

very beautiful bike. if a reliable Japanese engine swap is possible

[@apollomorris9920]

You only got 6500 miles on a set of pads? How long do your tiers last?

[@MrYUBLUE]

The thing eats tires like snacks lol

[@apollomorris9920]

@@MrYUBLUE how many miles per set ? I went through my first set in one track day and some street riding then tuned the suspension with dave moss Never got more then 2500 miles out of tiers 9000 miles in less then a year of riding . 3 sets of tiers. Never replaced the breaks, sounds like you go hosed at the shop. I'm from northern California only ride back roads mid week about 10am after dear stop moving.

[@MrYUBLUE]

@@apollomorris9920 we are in the same area.the rear had a nail in it early on so the front is all I can go off of and its lasted from new to the 6500-7000 mark from new on light riding. Still looking for someone to dyno tune it properly because I believe they just installed it with the race ecu and the bike will "smart adjust" map after each start. Rotors are slightly warped but not enough to need changing to me at the same amount of time but engine braking has a lot to do with it.

[@apollomorris9920]

@@MrYUBLUE for the ecu it is be plugged into an Aprilla factory computer, if it's an Aprilla race ecu . I don't know about others ECU turning.

[@Porschemovies]

ya, I mean I could have ridden another 1K miles but pads a cheap rotors are not

[@ronjacobsen3264]

Your exactly right. I love my 2017 rsv4 1000r but almost unrideable in the city. On off switch for a throttle. 70mph just trying to pull away from a light then constantly on the clutch and brake to try not to get a ticket.uncomfortable is a understatement. Now once your up over 100 it's awesome but shifting and riding at low speeds will wear you out.

[@Porschemovies]

I did Openflash Tablet and that made it much smoother also I used the TV4 gearing and it's much better not perfect but better. Ride in sport mode in the city it should be better in sport.

[@ronjacobsen3264]

@@Porschemovies i will run it by aprilia when i can get it to them. thanks. unless you are on the interstate its about unrideable. i have everything on 3 and i think its in sport that's the tamest setting right?

[@Porschemovies]

@@ronjacobsen3264 No Sport is the fastest throttle setting with highest engine braking it's meant for street riding. I ride in track on the highway. It just makes sense try it you will see.

[@ronjacobsen3264]

@@Porschemovies man thanks for the help. I just can not have any tickets on license due to job.

[@Porschemovies]

@@ronjacobsen3264 just don't get caught

[@mattmatt8338]

What flash did you do? Does it reduce fuel consumption? Looking forward to flash mine.😃

[@Porschemovies]

Open Flash Tablet, I got 24 mpg LOL

[@g4holla]

Can vouch for everything you just said, although my 2019 has had an ass load of electrical issues ever since I flashed it. Might be correlation, not causation, but I've spent thousands chasing down the issue, only to come to removing the battery every night so it doesn't kill it. That being said, the thrill factor of the V4 at WOT can't be understated. Worth every problem I've had so far ... 🤤🤤🤤

[@Porschemovies]

oh no what flash? I have 0 issues with Openflash

[@g4holla]

@@Porschemovies Brentuning, which is surprising because I've only ever heard good things about it. Mechanics at the dealership can't even trace the electrical problem, might not be related to the flash even..

[@Porschemovies]

@@g4holla I never had Bren on any of my bikes but my friends have and always odd issues like yours. I bet if you get the race ecu or open flash you will be good to go.

[@lonpfrb]

If you have battery issues I suggest a maintenance charger suitable for your battery type. I find that my LiPO battery gives more cold cranking amps and is happy to get maintenance. Less weight too is nice. More important that I get no hot start issue. #BeARacer

[@rsv4pilot114]

How many miles did you get out of the factory supercorsa tires?

[@Porschemovies]

rear 3400 front almost 7K but the front was really shot at 7K

[@ReshardsAutomotiveWorkshop]

I will never want another liter bike. However, I do need a bike to goof off on. A smaller 400 or something. The RSV4 in the city is like riding a pissed off flame thrower! Twisty roads and track days, nothing is better! P.S. NEVER turn off ABS and traction control.. never.

[@Porschemovies]

I ride with No TC on sport setting on road and I'm sure I will turn it on at the track if I every go. I like ABS for the road for sure. I really will only ride RSV4 if I'm sport riding. If i'm doing bikeweek or something I take my GSXR.

[@sambeezy007]

Ninja 400. I got it and enjoy it

[@MegaTechpc]

Interesting your comments about the insurance on this bike. I have found through personal experience that this bike is pretty much the cheapest literbike to insure (for me, anyway). I pay only around $35 per month for full coverage through Allstate! My guess has been that the RSV4 is just so rare that nobody wrecks them and the insurance companies act accordingly. Obviously that has not been your experience, but low insurance costs were a major factor in my buying an RSV4. Buying an R1 of the same year would've cost me around $120 per month, which is obviously far more expensive...

[@Porschemovies]

maybe because I added the GSXR it was cheaper?

[@kevin43324332]

In vegas with a clean record and at 46 yrs old, insurance was costing me 101 a month for full coverage... fuck that....

[@GenghisKhan311]

Just got quite for rsv4 1300 yr tuono was only 500 yr. Progressive

[@edgarsoto7546]

Thank you for the information

[@adamstratford6740]

Sup buddy 👍🏻 i myself ride a 19 RR bought it September last year not put any real mileage on the bike as yet as this bloody Coronavirus!! Plus I’m from the uk 🇬🇧 and winters are pretty harsh here so i choose not to ride. Ive just started getting out locally with friends and starting to really get comfortable with the bike as i had my suspension tuned last month and WOW 😮!! Waa really interested to hear what you said about the bike soon as i saw your video pop up so I’ll be checking out your channel and hopefully get to watch lots more of your videos. Adam 🇬🇧

[@Porschemovies]

Thanks Adam, Living in FL I got to Ride most of the year but if it's raining or windy I don't ride. Congrats on your 19!! there was a video from Lamb Chops Rides and he said UK did not get RR only RF, but now maybe they have the 1100 and Aprilia now imports the RR as the base model. I love my RR, so much drama!!

[@adamstratford6740]

SBK FLORYDER not sure why Chopsie said that he’s usually pretty reliable in his information but on this occasion he’s 💯wrong!! Lol 😆 yeah i myself absolutely love its always been one of the bikes ive promised myself id own at some point and when i sold my ZX10R winter edition last year this beauty popped up and the rest is history. You’ve mentioned in one of your videos can’t remember which one about the gas tank expanding i have a Lightech quick realise cap and its always pressurising when running low on fuel would you advise i do the same as you and just realise the pressure every few days?

[@Porschemovies]

@@adamstratford6740 I like the key for the tank, what else to do but open that cap and let the air out.

[@adamstratford6740]

SBK FLORYDER i have 💨 💨💨💨💨

[@gixxis3264]

@@adamstratford6740 I'm looking at the factory but i may have to wait a few months before comminting due to the price. I could get the RR 19 , sure i'll love it , how are you finding it 2 years on? Has yours been decatted? How obnoxious is a decatted RSV4?

[@apollomorris9920]

Dino sheet showing 200hp to the wheel ! Because you saying it's making 224hp at the crank and you have to replace the pistons to get there and do a whole bunch you work and then you have to rebuild the motor every 3,000 miles i know an awful lot about a Aprilla RSV4. With the race ECU and best pipe it will make 208hp at the crank and 185 at the wheel. That's it .

[@Porschemovies]

Yes I have dyno sheets, hit me up [e-mail] and I will send them to you. I don't know what crank is 200whp was the dyno. I would say 210 crank HP and that's a guess. I made 184 with just a graves slip on with stock tune.

[@apollomorris9920]

@@Porschemovies please take a look a Aprills world superbike . I'm assuming you thought this brand-new becomes with a book that shows the different models that you can buy for racing , there is a bike that's $75,000 it makes a claimed 225hp 200x12% is 24hp at the crank the 12% is the los of horse power of two wheel, of course if you run carbon fiber wheels and a 520 chain and everything is . Real nice and clean will gain a few horses, You can check on cycle trader right now there is a bike that's a hundred thousand dollars for sale an Aprilla , 225hp . When you put a pipe and race ECU it dose make the bike feel vary fast. But remember with electronic aids that it cuts the horse power down automatically. 208 is a lot of bike same has a 2 stroke moto GP bike. Go put it on a dino because your bike is making the miraculous amount of power compared to all the other ones that have the same mods. Even more then the new one 1100cc with 217hp but that is stock .

[@Porschemovies]

@@apollomorris9920 my dealer was horrible I needed to argue for the back seat and they did not give me the little plastic plates to cover the footpegs. I got no book either, but I know about the race spec bikes they sell I ride on the street so I'm happy with the RR.

[@MegaTechpc]

My 2018 completely stock puts down 178 hp at the rear wheel which is way more than enough for me! I also received no owners manual and had to ask for the rear seat. Such is life for an Aprilia owner!

[@apollomorris9920]

@@MegaTechpc dang the owners manual is nice because it shows 4 other Aprilla rsv4 bike that are available. Your bike is making HP that the factory is making, you got to allow for climate and temperature change so your bike is spot on. With the best slip on and a race ecu they make 208hp at the crank no higher! That's just over 185hp to the tire with about 83 foot pounds of torque, just below the magic number of 85 foot pounds of torque which is the desired number. Please join AF1 racing board and learn about the Aprilla , AF1racing.com There is nice mod that you can do to your bike to help keep it cooler and fix the hot start issue. There is hundreds of aftermarket parts for sale. Plus a slew of used parts and used motorcycles.

[@b1perry]

It’s the ethanol in the fuel that causes expansion has nothing to do with the vapor pressure, your wasting your time with opening the cap

[@Porschemovies]

oh ya Ethanol Fuel has alot todo with hit, but opening the cap to let air out is still a good idea not to deform the tank

[@GenghisKhan311]

​@@Porschemoviesyour letting out all the octane

[@FaithisKey792]

Nice.

[@skatman3872]

I agree my 16 rf is very uncomfortable and is definitely a track bike,my bmws1000rr is much better for street

[@yodo6414]

Ahh. Ummm, ahhh ummm.