Aprilia RSV 1000 R (RSVR) Review 2004 - 2010 | FrontWheelUp.com

[@frankiepavinato]

I used to have a '04 Factory grey/red fluo back in those days. I traded it for a brand new Ducati Multistrada 1200S in 2010. A couple of months ago I turned 40 and I wanted to buy myself a nice present. I now own again a fantastic '04 Factory in grey/red fluo.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Awesome! The RSVR is an incredible bike. Did you keep the Multistrada too?

[@frankiepavinato]

@@FrontWheelUp yes I did. I wanted to trade that as well for the newer model but then I thought...the difference in money was an outstanding 11000€... And with 4000€ without trading the Duc I had the opportunity to have back my beloved RSV. It was a no brainer.

[@Stealthbong]

Snap. I have a Multistrada 1200s and have just bought an 05 RSV Factory. Rode it for the first time on Friday. Don't know why MCN said it was a handful on the road. It was so much more mild mannered and smoother than the 1198S I had, which threw a hissy fit if you wanted to go less than 40.

[@Sh3n31]

I owned an 06 RSV1000. Never had any serious issues. I miss it, I was enamoured with the build quality and looks. For my larger stature this bike was perfect, most newer bikes feel uncomfortable and cramped.

[@charleshicks3140]

I know this is an old video but I just have to talk about this bike. I just purchased this bike 2 weeks ago. My body needed to drive from Portland to Seattle to pick up his bike from the aprilia shop. Not that many aprilia shops in the US. I rode his bike back while he was in his jeep. It was about a 180 mile trip back while in traffic and rain. I couldn’t really hit the throttle to see the punch of it. I parked it in my garage and decided to ride again on it the next day. I was really amazed about the bike once I got really on it. I ended up buying it for $3,500 with 16,000 miles. It is a 2007. I been reading the comments and I can I honestly say they are correct. The bike does not like riding slow at all. It will jerk around even it first gear. Seeing that it is a v twin I thought it will have down low torque but i don’t think the engine was configured that way. I feel the torque about to hit around 5,000 and up. To me it’s a high reving v twin. But at the same time it’s docile machine until you get in the mid to high rpms. I really enjoy the bike a lot. The sound, rumbling, and look of the bike.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Sorry for the late reply, I somehow missed your comment. It really is an awesome bike, hopefully your still enjoying it! :-)

[@oudaios]

I have this bike and model. Great video, which captures the character of the bike. It's agricultural low down but when you open it up its fantastic. Has a slow speed turning circle of a ferry but at speed it's a total grin machine. Back brake is just for show. Thanks for taking the time to do such a good job👍

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks so much for the kind words, really glad your enjoying the bike! I plan to do a maintenance series over winter on this channel. 👍

[@sorryociffer]

I own an 07 with more money in parts and accessories in it that the bike cost…. I LOVE IT…. Will never sell. So much character and personality.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Couldn't agree more, I now own the bike featured in the video and won't ever sell it either. Just awesome 👌

[@scottaspden7235]

Excellent, informative and up to date video. Great bikes these for the money, premium quality parts that last very well especially on the Factory versions. I rode the Tuono and the 04 RSV1000R and went through, with my mate who owned it, all the issues these bikes have. Battery drain is the first. Leads to clock resetting. Also more importantly and expensively the starter sprag gear in the starter clutch gets damaged if there isn't enough battery to kick it over so it kicks back and the sprag does not disengage and it gets damaged. Ducati ones fit and they are cheaper. Keep the battery on an Optimate all the time to prevent this. The swingarms crack between the holes in them, potentially catastrophic. There was a recall for a new and free swingarm replacement which Aprilia still honor today. The oil tank on the upper RHS can crack and leak, the clutch slave is best replaced with a unit from Oberon so you don't get arm pump or wrist sprain in traffic as the stock on is tough as F$#$. The Acerbis plastic tanks can have filler cap drain hole problems, water leaking into the fuel. If you can live with and address these issues these bikes can do huge miles, really huge without engine work. There's a chap who races them and runs an Aprilia shop who can testify to this. Engine wise they were never as strong as the Ducati or KTM of the time, but will still hoist a mono.. For the money the other bike choices are lesser capacity or tatty worn out has high milers. My 2p.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you for the kind word and excellent info from yourself. Thanks for stopping by 😊👍

[@GFDiablos1984]

I would add several sensor issues causing the bike to go into service mode

[@jerseyboycustoms]

I just bought mine, 2900 miles 04 factory (verified miles) for 6k. This was my DREAM bike. Idc what breaks, idc what problems they tend to have, this bike will forever be a labor of love. Both brake masters have been replaced with much better brembo units with bite that'll flip you over the front, rear sets changed, gp shift, puig windscreen, levers, power commander, exhaust (which I'm about to update again), carbon bits everywhere (I def love the little carbon touch on the vent into the rad in the side panels). Absolutely worth the buy no matter what. Bring on the stator repairs 😂

[@FrontWheelUp]

So glad your enjoying the bike! I now own the bike I reviewed, a year on and still loving it!

[@enjoy87mx]

​@@FrontWheelUpjust bought a 09 tuono not even a year ago. Due to more comfort over the rsv, I love it eats the twisty roads shorter gearing did help too

[@Felix111ize]

The best thing about italian bikes is that they've got the looks. Once you own one, you forget all the rest.

[@gitoberg1]

Pickin my gen 2 up on Saturday can’t wait absolutely stunning bike at close to 20 years why not , full mot history checked things barely been run in

[@FrontWheelUp]

Amazing! They must be the bargain of the century at the moment, fantastic bikes and massively capable. I actually now own the bike I reviewed in that video and plan to do a how to series over winter with maintenance etc. Hope your enjoying it!

[@allansrensen1480]

I've had me a RSV1000R from 06 and it gave me nothing but trouble. I was a sweet ride but it spent more time in the workshop than on the road. It ended up costing me a small fortune. Gearbox exploded, stator collapse and engine sieged. Lovely bike to ride, terrible bike to own.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Oh dear! Sorry to hear you've had a bad experience. I've had mine since 04 and it's never missed a beat!

[@Fastade80]

Great honest review, I own a 2006 factory and it’s great fun, sounds awesome, turns heads where ever you go🏍😎

[@nigelmitchell351]

Love my 08 red white black factory, it has a real presence. The Rotax motor is just gorgeous.

[@FrontWheelUp]

The 08 is a stunning colour scheme 👍

[@nigelmitchell351]

@@FrontWheelUp My wife says it's to blingy, but I love it. It's in the colours Chas Davies campaigned the RSV in the AMA's ten years ago. Take care buddy.👍

[@RogueBrit]

That bike has Sachs suspension front and back I think the rims were Brembo. The Ohlins were very prone to fork seals leaking

[@forzacfc]

Don't want to lose original mileage, heres the official fix when changing out battery. Switch off ignition. Disconnect battery Replace battery and reconnect Turn ignition to ON, wait minimum 20 secs, switch ignition fully OFF, if fitted let factory alarm / immobiliser set. Now turn bike on as normal, mileage is as previously recorded/ displayed prior to battery change out. This fix was posted on RSVR.NET Originally I've done it on my 2006 and it worked, no issues.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thats awesome, thanks for sharing 👍. Presumably this is no good if the mileage count has already been lost?

[@MrFrog_]

05 onwards they fixed the mileage reset issues I understand.

[@lukeacey8794]

I had a GSXR 1000 (K6) which later became my race bike, while my uncle had an 04 RSV 1000 exactly same colour bike as in video. I must honestly say that after getting off the gixxer, this bike feels like a cement mixer. Has nice torque in 1st, brings the front wheel up nicely but it does run out of steam quickly and feels like a torquey 600cc in comparison. The suzuki leaves it for dead and my uncle could not pull away from me when I had my previous bike (08 yzf R6). I wouldn't class this Aprilia as the most confidence inspiring handling either, again in comparison to the suzi. Those of you who do own the Aprilia, I urge you to ride a fuel injected modern inline 4 litre bike and experience how night and day it is. All that being said, this model rsv 1000 is a beautiful looking bike and sounding bike and if you aren't the most experienced of riders or aren't coming from an inline 4 fuel injected superbike and don't ride hard or near the limit then the Aprilia will be enjoyable but agreed on the slow speed clunckiness too. Just as a side note, my old man had a 96' 900 Fireblade at the time which had comparable performance, the blade perhaps being quicker still. No matter what we ride, we enjoy our own bikes the way we ride them. Take it easy folks, enjoy and be safe out there

[@FrontWheelUp]

Agree with you there, top end isn't the bikes strong point. Though I do find a massive sense of occasion when riding a v-twin that I don't seem to get from an inline four. As you perfectly said, we all enjoy or own bikes! :-)

[@shiftyshamsk]

Good review btw. 👍🏻👍🏻 Every bike I went to see had it reset. The dealer's were clueless half the time as to the correct mileage. It felt long like a Triumph Daytona 955, didn't feel as compact as a Gen 1. But hey, either way, Aprilia's are underated. I'm on my second Gen 1.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words. Im itching to get out on a Gen 1 for comparison purposes, hopefully sooner rather than later! 👌

[@jerrylagesse9046]

Prefer jaffa cakes mate .

[@tomrodgers6629]

I had one of these. I love the looks, sound and torque. Unfortunately it seemed like I spent more time working on her then riding her. if you are not good with a wrench do not buy one. it will cost you a fortune. It had taken three weeks to just get a side cover gasket. I got impatient and bought a sheet of gasket material and made my own plus these things eat stators.

[@bigrobnz]

I had one as a track-bike......couldn"t even imagine riding on the road with that beast......it was amazing.....

[@FrontWheelUp]

Incredible bike, never had the privilege to ride one on track but from spirited A road blasts I can imagine it is superb!

[@Ironhorse41]

Beautiful soundtrack ;) only motivates me to buy another RSVR

[@notrondayt9]

everything you say for better or worse is spot on I have this bike even the colour 2020 3500k eye candy and a wicked power band that kicks in at 160

[@FrontWheelUp]

Its a very under rated bike, just awesome. 👌

[@andersbjrnvik3667]

Love my Rsv. Honest and great rewiev👍🏻

[@FrontWheelUp]

Its an incredible machine, I would love to get out on one of the original RSVs for comparison. Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@roscos_r6xxer421]

How are prices on maintenance and stuff in that category looking at one to get

[@FrontWheelUp]

You won't regret it, maintenance is fairly well priced considering it's Italian. Basic service is easy enough to do at home, bigger jobs such as checking valve clearance every 18k miles (if I remember well) could be costly if using a garage.

[@jerrylagesse9046]

Wont sell/trade my ‘09 . N , its the most beautiful sport bike ya can buy . Love the rotax power innit . Its beenn dyno tuned . 140 bhp at crank n 128.8 at rear wheel . N a shout out to af1 in Austin Texas . For alla you Brits , AP workshops in Tamworth is the place . See Griff , Snox , n Angelo eh .

[@FrontWheelUp]

Agree 100%...can also vouch for AP Workshops 👍👍

[@jerrylagesse9046]

@@FrontWheelUp send me n e mail n ill send a photo of Martha

[@GFDiablos1984]

Yup I remember Griff a really cool guy but even He could not find the issue that my RSV had and service mode was killing Me

[@kdcoops]

Great review for a bike I'm after, and supprised me when I realised the video is where I live! 👍

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words, I now own the bike from the video...Happy to answer any questions you may have (do it, its an amazing bike!)

[@MegaVinny73]

Hi has it had the swingarm recall work done and was that recent or way back? I ask as I'm looking at one presently but swingarm is the bad one, not been taken in to resolve. Wondering how long that takes these days

[@FrontWheelUp]

The swing arm was addressed way back when they first announced the recall, I forget the exact year but it was over 10 years ago. I would assume Aprilia are still honouring the recalls. Maybe give your local Aprilia dealer a call?

[@MrFrog_]

Unless you are flying around on her, she wont like it!! Certainly a special bike as you say though.

[@stevie5141]

Hi buddy… I’m trying to find a rear seat cowl for an aprillia as I won’t remove passenger seat .. an idea where I can get one👍🏻can’t find on EBay

[@FrontWheelUp]

You could try these guys: www.apriliagenuineparts.co.uk/catalogue-rsv-1000-2004-2008-74-frame.php There is a section on there for rear fairings though it looks as though you'll need to order each component separately. Might be worth giving them a call and see what they can do. Or you could give the guys at AP Workshops a call, I don't think they stock body work but I bet they could point you in the right direction. Failing that, just keep an eye on eBay for someone braking a whole bike and get in touch about the cowl, I imagine that would be the cheapest option!

[@ericcooper5867]

I love when people think 200kg is heavy...i have 2 old-school sport bikes at 225+ and a bmw k100 at around 265

[@sp4msolo724]

Scooter rider

[@GFDiablos1984]

I had 2 of these pre 07 and love the looks and engine sound but everything falls on its face when You spend more time in the garage because of some kind of electrical problem on one of the sensors and end up with service mode with is infuriating.The reason that the neutral is hard to find is due the fact that the nessesary upgrades were not done on this bike like slave cylinder upgrade and rear caliper upgrade to a Ducati one.A nice 07 factory can be bought for around 5k but then again in the Japanese sector You have a very nice blade for this price with more power and less problem's.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Interesting notes about the slave cylinder, I may take a look at that. Thanks,

[@essexhognose1808]

It's a great bike that wants to go fast, but in town and slow speed, absolutely alwful!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Pretty much!

[@sorryociffer]

Mine is fine at low speeds… 🤷‍♂️

[@luisyanez939]

I love my rsvr mine has the oz wheela & ohlins pack. Ride safe mate ✊

[@FrontWheelUp]

Nice! Its an amazing bike, I find it crazy how cheap they can be picked up now. 👍👍

[@luisyanez939]

@@FrontWheelUp without a doubt alot of bike for the money 👍

[@GFDiablos1984]

@@FrontWheelUp I would say they are expensive,for the similar amount of money You have a Japanese 1000 with a lot more power and younger as well.

[@twistychaserNJ]

How would you compare this to the Ducati 999?

[@FrontWheelUp]

I haven't rode a 999 yet so can't compare unfortunately. I was never a fan of the 999 when they were first released but they've matured well and the shape has really grown on me, I would be super interested to have a ride of one for comparison....watch this space! 😊

[@dsevwrh]

Will buy a one love my Mille will keep that 2 but its time to go up a little bit 🙂

[@fangfacetaz2229]

After test riding the Aprilia and the tlr1000 which one do you prefer and why?

[@FrontWheelUp]

Great question. Out of the two I would favour the Aprilia. For me it has more sense of occasion and I feel is the better bike out of the two (if you can live with its quirks). The torque feels more aggressive and it handles much better than the TL. The overall finish is much cleaner too, the welding work on the RSVR is nothing short of a work of art. I imagine an original RSV (the first shape) would be a better comparison to the TL1000...hopefully i can arrange a test ride for review once the better weather arrives. The TL is still an awesome bike and I really enjoyed getting to grips with it, but the Aprilia would get my vote on this occasion. 👍

[@stevie5141]

Also can I ask you, is the neutral a pain to find or was that just wind up?

[@FrontWheelUp]

It's a bit of a nightmare mate I won't lie. I've done abit of research into it and there's some things you can do to improve it massively, a replacement oil jet and a few other bits and pieces. I'm going to do some videos tutorials on it along with service work here on the channel before summer comes! 👍

[@stevie5141]

@@FrontWheelUp ok thanks bud👍🏻 still don’t think it’s put me of yet🤣

[@FrontWheelUp]

Buy it 🤣🤣💪

[@stevie5141]

Just seen this review as I’m now looking at 1000r Factory as always wanted one since back in 2005 , some one told me they are suited for taller people as they are a tall bike. So suited more for the 6 ft person and I’m only 5’9 .. is this right

[@FrontWheelUp]

You should be fine, I'm around 5"10 and can manage the bike fine (I now personally own the bike I rode in the review). It is a higher seating position than your average bike. I honestly think you'll be just fine, though it might take a little getting used to Go for it, its an amazing bike! 👍👍

[@stevie5141]

@@FrontWheelUp thank you ... and for the quick reply.. think I’m going go for it.. Cheers and safe riding..👍🏻👍🏻

[@thebristolianbiker]

I'm 5ft9 with short legs 30" or so and I can get balls of my feet to the ground. Bit of a stretch to the bars though! Love it

[@ianmitchell9102]

Great review, I’m possibly getting one, a straight swap with my k3 gsxr 1000. 👍

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words, sorry about the late reply. Did you end up pulling the trigger on it?

[@ianmitchell9102]

@@FrontWheelUp no I didn’t actually, the guy pulled out, but I’m now enjoying regular track days on the GSXR so all is good 👍

[@bigjam8429]

What you prefer this or the Mille ?

[@FrontWheelUp]

Now that's a choice! I actually no own the bike I rode in this review so I'm a bit biased! From a riding perspective (especially on the road) they are both fantastic, but I do think the old Mille has a bit more charm.

[@apriliaskreetrider5807]

Great review.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you!

[@karlodelrosario1581]

Can you do a video on how do you wash your bike? Thanks. Godbless!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Sure 👍

[@justinzunker]

Where did you get your windscreen?

[@FrontWheelUp]

I think this is the same one: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183642364729

[@mattres9173]

RSVR or RC51?? I'm torn between the two.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Now there's a choice! I've never ridden an RC51 but I'm desperately trying to find one. Really tough call...the RSVR is an incredible bike but I can't help but feel I would be more drawn by the RC51. Good luck, let me know what you decide to go for in the end 👍👍

[@djocharablaikan8601]

vro, there is like less than 18 RC51 in the whole germany. Good luck finding one, let alone the parts

[@Jayyhavinit]

Can you get parts for these in the US ?

[@Euphorica]

Yes

[@happydays1165]

Proper bike

[@FrontWheelUp]

Very special bike indeed! I'm trying to arrange an original RSV or V4 test ride for comparison 👍

[@anthonymillard30]

That's not front ohlins

[@FrontWheelUp]

Happy to stand corrected, I was under the impression it was Ohlins at the front with upgraded ohlins at the rear with more adjustability for the Factory spec.

[@lifeoutdoors3953]

What exhaust?

[@FrontWheelUp]

The RSVR had twin cans from Delkevic. Very good quality at a more than reasonable price.

[@티스토리뉴스]

very nice bike

[@Antmanmoto]

This bike was painful to sit on in the show room standing still…let alone riding one on those tight bumpy farm roads you got there! 😱

[@FrontWheelUp]

I dont find it too bad in all honesty, I know personally own the bike featured in the video....I much prefer the seating position to that of my CBR. But still, I wouldn't want to go touring on it!

[@hieupooentrosang876]

No ABS

[@jerrylagesse9046]

As it should be .

[@59vaughn]

Except on a parade crawl..

[@TheLegendaryLoso]

My 2005 r6 has 123 HP I can’t believe this only has 140

[@sorryociffer]

Difference between an I4 and a V2…..

[@Sh3n31]

I’ve owned both. You’re neglecting to mention torque which for street riding is arguably the more important figure 61nm for the R6 v 107nm. No comparison.

[@TheLegendaryLoso]

@@Sh3n31 I did a vortex super fast kit

[@59vaughn]

Don't see better with a hundred less...anytime...🙄