Aprilia RSV Mille R Review (1999 - 2003) | FrontWheelUp.com

2002 Aprilia RSV Mille R review. This review covers models ranging from 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
This particular bike is an unofficial Haga rep.
Huge thanks to our friends at JD Comps for loaning us the bike, take a look at their website if you fancy having a go at winning the bike featured in the video.
www.jdcomps.co.uk/
Website review: frontwheelup.com/aprilia-rsv-...
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[@peterflynn9123]

Had one in 2003. The corner speed it could carry was ridiculous. Awesome machine

[@stevenmaxon7051]

I have a super clean 2001 R and I love it. Full dual ti acro exhaust ECU intake kit. I will have it till I am gone. And it's yellow 💛

[@mooncat.787]

The very best colour........ By far !

[@Millektm]

Great story,I have a 1999 gen 1 mille,bought it with very low mile mileage in early 2000,most enjoyable reliable bike I have ever owned,86000km and still runs like a clock and puts a smile on the dial when ever I ride it,certainly a keeper and will go down the hole with me. Have had many bikes over the years, new Triumphs,BMW,Ducati, KTM 1190 presently,most have been moved on the Mille will stay !

[@FrontWheelUp]

Awesome, so glad your enjoying the bike, Definitely a keeper as you say. I own a second generation RSVR but would love to get my hands on one of these original shape bikes. I've always had a thing for them.

[@FijiDiamonds]

Finally- a new video on the RSV MILLE R. I look up the bike from time to time, in hopes of seeing something that I haven't. Proud owner of a 2000.5 RSV Mille R

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words, its a really awesome bike I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this review. A privilege to spend the day with such a nice bike.

[@Spguzzi]

I get my Mille R next week. your review was spot on.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words! Enjoy the bike, its an awesome bit of kit! 👍👍

[@edgar180]

Good review. Superb sounding bike!

[@SoufianeW16]

Sold mines 4 years ago, still regret it till date! It becomes so hard to find one again here in The Netherlands. Rare bikes. These will go up in value for sure, timeless italian machines. Good review mate, cheers!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Ahh sorry to hear that, hopefully you get the opportunity to get another one soon. Thanks for the kind words! 👍

[@mwbrada]

They're still out there mate! Hope you find one!

[@XxXGhostXxX417]

I have an 02 RSVR with 44 kilometers on it. Yes 44

[@rhysmctighe5426]

One at my work dying away in the workshop, owner is looking to sell

[@FrontWheelUp]

That's a crying shame!

[@ianlawrie919]

Couldn’t agree more! One of the “must own list”. Been looking for one for ages. Great review 😑

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you, I really enjoyed making this one

[@mwbrada]

Keep your eyes open mate! Look at this Steal I found! ^_^ kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6O1pamPa7F8qac

[@rollotomassi8251]

Traded my -03 Fazer 1000 for -02 Mille R . Best deision I ever made. Bike is so nimble and that Rotax got character for days.

[@alexxela754]

Thanks for the review. You made me decide to still keep my Mille😂

[@FrontWheelUp]

I will sleep well tonight knowing I did my good deed for the day! 🤣

[@RSV-REnglishman]

Im an owner of a 2005 RSV1000-R and your review on that was brilliant.

[@FrontWheelUp]

It's an amazing bike, thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@TryAmazonPrimeToday]

This video brought back some very good memories. First bike was an '02 R1. Second bike was a base model '00 RSV1000 Mille. The Mille is slightly underpowered and has a slightly stockier frame. Nevertheless it proved to be agile as the R1 despite its lack of top-end acceleration. If I were to buy another bike it would be another RSV1000. Both bikes were phenomenal to ride, although the sound and the feeling of the v-twin roaring is a remarkable experience. Thank you for this video!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for your kind words! Its a simple amazing bike, I had so much fun riding and talking about the bike and didn't want to give it back! After the competition ended I actually got quite close to buying the bike from the chap who won it, sadly I didn't pull the trigger on it but I'm regretting it now! I do have a Gen 2 RSVR that is equally as awesome.

[@richbrett7268]

Nice review .. just swapped a project car for an rsvr. I totally agree with your impressions. For me ill do 3 track days a year on it nothing too abusive and a handfull of road rides . Not my only bike so a fun toy hopefully appreciating in value. What more could a person ask for!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you! Glad your enjoying the bike 👍👍

[@black_jack4600]

My ol' honda broke down about a month ago so now im basically bikeless which sucks. My friend bought a gen 2 factory, i rode it, now i want one too.😂 im looking into the gen one rn and im really looking forward to buying one hopefully next year😍

[@rogerwredford]

Ah, the coast road up to Ulverston... was once my biking stomping ground, stopping for an ice cream at Bardsea. Lots of good roads up that way. Nice down-to-earth review... thanks for uploading it. looking at at a '98 one of these for not much money. Done 50k but i hear only good things about their high mileage capabilities. Interesting to hear how favourably it compares to its successor...

[@FrontWheelUp]

Absolutely right! It's a lovely rode, JD Motors who kindly loan me the bikes are based just outside Dalton so its Absolutely ideal! That is high mileage, but along as its been serviced regular the Rotax engine is bullet proof. If you go for it, be sure to give the swing arm linkage a really good once over, they were known to cause problems on the early RSVs. 👍

[@darkknight1340]

I recently bought a mille r sp having ridden various Honda Firestorms,including the SP-2,and I have found the mille r to be superior in every aspect,although the handling on the mille r and SP-2 is excellent on both.I have to say that the Aprillia is a lot more docile than I was expecting.

[@alexxela754]

Shift-light can easily be adjusted by pressing C-button with ignition on before start😊 And yes it has do be done again if battery loose power or if you try to start it with bad battery.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Cheers for that, I know on my gen 2 it's a simular process but glad someone chimed in with the exact procedure for this bike. 👍👍

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

I had the Edwards rep gen1 and std mille r. Best bikes I ever owned. Hooligan tools that handled' scratched and toured effortlessly. Lovely Honda sp1 beating bikes. Sp2 moved the goalposts a bit but on road it was always the Mille R that in real world conditions wiped the floor with most sportsbikes due to a sublime and forgiving chassis set up. Future classic.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Couldn't agree more! 👏

[@seanknight2516]

Think I'm going to get one, had the Futura a few years ago which has a slightly detuned engine and that torque is so addictive, the way you can get in and out of corners it makes so much more sense than inline 4s where you're hunting the powerband.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Absolutely. I'm a huge fan of the RSV and wouldn't hesitate to reccomend one to anybody. 👍

[@TheRaceEdition]

Just got a 2000 gen 1 Mille but has a 1999 vin.. strange but reminds me of what one might come across with an old rare super car. Someone fitted the titanium dual Shotgun exhaust and the sound and raw feeling this bike has made me had to have it.. this is a machine unlike modern day motorcycles.. as you and some commenters have said.. you need to command it and have the right frame of mind to do so. A piece of history when Aprilia was a small company. Thanks for your great review!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words, the Gen 1 is one of my all time favourite bikes!

[@duke7888]

Great review! 😎

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks very much!

[@rollotomassi8251]

Great review 👍

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you! 🙏 I had a great day putting it together

[@aevoguitars2576]

I had an rsvr factory 05 model..loved it.

[@xtremelead]

Great vid and love the bike. Neutral issue is easy fixed with a smaller size oil jet.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks for the kind words and info, I'll be replacing the oil jet on my Gen 2 RSV over winter! :-)

[@marioturkalj1239]

I am happy that I've joined to the RSV mille owners club.It's 2001,standard model,no modifications.My first 1000 cc bike.I've been looking for one in good condition and now when I have one .......I am so happy.😎On the clock just 26500 km.Chain sprocket combination is 15 front and 40 rear.Is that better than stock 17/42?

[@timhumphreys7831]

I have a feeling you may be purchasing a Gen1 Mille very soon.🤣🤣 they are great bikes, I am fortunate enough to have a 2003 mille and Tuono and I can’t ever see myself selling either👍🏍 great review

[@FrontWheelUp]

You could be right...I need a bigger garage first though 👀

[@TigreBrian]

I've never had any mechanical "issues" as such, although the fork seals did give up the ghost. But I've had a few electrical gremlins, coolant temp sensor comes to mind.

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

Solid review - i just bought a 2004 late gen-1 RSV mille about 2 months ago, absolutely loving it! Great bikes to ride BUT as you said, they wont ride for you - you have to ride them but they will also bite you on the arse if you dont respect them lol.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Cheers! I couldn't agree more. As soon as funds allow I will be investing in one for sure! 👌

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

@@FrontWheelUp The riding position was also a major shock for me - i also own a RRX fireblade and a L9 ZXR400 ninja and i expected the Mille to be probably the harshest BUT i dont think it is at all, loads of leg room and the pegs fairly low/centred when comparing to say a Ducati.

[@peterflynn9123]

Enjoy - it’s not a cruiser - if you’ve not got your A game head on leave it in the garage. But if you’re “game on” then it’s an awesome machine!

[@martinez19d]

yea good review I have a 02 Mille and live it.

[@FrontWheelUp]

🇮🇪👌

[@adolfshitler]

I had an 06 plate RsvR, possibly the best bike I've ever owned. Within 5 minutes of selling it the big regrets set in and have never gone away, 8 years now! 😔

[@FrontWheelUp]

Sorry to hear this! No plans to get another? Bargain prices at the moment!

[@adolfshitler]

@@FrontWheelUp No plans now, mine had 12k on it when i sold it, and it was mint. Even tatty ones are now more expensive than i sold mine for. Sort of puts me off. Besides, I'm 60 now and it would probably hurt a lot! 😔

[@halemotors4084]

Great Vid!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thanks! 👍

[@davidquenardel541]

@Front Wheel Up bonjour , j'ai remarqué qu'il y avait une plaque signalétique avec un numéro.C'est une série limitée ?

[@mohdanuarbinmatjamil1051]

regis laconi replica 2002?

[@beamdoctor5637]

On my 2002 I put handle bar risers on it by 2005 and still owe bike. today in 2021 Harley riders often compliment the Millie sound. I have high mount Arrow full race exhaust.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Glad your still enjoying the bike, an awesome bit of kit. I had the opportunity to buy the one featured in the video just unfortunate that it wasn't at the right time!

[@pauln6803]

The old Italian comedy rear brake! It's because aprilia mounted the master cylinder on the side of the engine and the heat cooks the brake fluid, leading to constant need for fluid change. A home made heat shield and a banjo bleed bolt on the m/c helps a metric tonne. The side stand is also a smidge too long.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Awesome info right there thanks! 👍👍

[@Gary-tz7ur]

Bought an 03 Millie back in June of this year and I absolutely love it. One thing you did mention there was the battery; having real difficulty at times getting it to turn over (put it in gear and chug the wheel around a bit and it kicks off ok but resets clock, rev warning light settings etc. on the dash). You mentioned a battery upgrade, any suggestions for a replacement? Thanks for the review!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Glad your enjoying the bike! I purchased an upgraded battery for my own Gen 2 and it made the world of difference. If your in the UK, check out these guys: www.apworkshops.co.uk/yuasa-battery-yuasa-ttz14s-vtwin-models-all-rsv-tu.html You can also get an upgraded starter solenoid and battery cables which will all make starting up a breeze. Hope this helps! 👍👍

[@alexxela754]

Try also to clean and tighten the connection points on the battery poles. That solved a similar problem on my Mille:-)

[@evgenyurupin8729]

Just double power line from battery to starter and you ll see a miracle after hitting start button

[@daggrz1613]

I have ‘03 Mille R Haga edition. Since new. Absolutely love it. I use now Anti-Gravity battery AG-1201 Li-Ion. Cranks up with no problem. Much smaller and very very light but twice the cranking power.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Sounds like a beautiful bike! 👌

[@aevoguitars2576]

Is this better than an 05 rsvr factory

[@NudaMan]

Nice! I ride a 2003 Aprilia RSV MILLE everyday👌🏾 only had 1100 miles on it when I bought it last year smh 🤦🏾‍♂️, now has 15.8k 😁

[@FrontWheelUp]

Awesome ! Many more happy mies to come, enjoy it 👍👍

[@mwbrada]

LOLOLZ! Awsome!! I just found a beauty 2002 Mille R with only 300 miles on it. Can't wait to rack up the miles. Such a gorgeous machine!

[@NudaMan]

@@mwbrada it’s probably the most comfortable sport bike riding position I’ve ever been on lol

[@danieljordannicol9937]

I am currently on an SV650s 2007 thinking about getting either one of these as my second big bike. Been riding for a year or so. Do you think it would be a big adjustment?

[@FrontWheelUp]

Not at all, a perfect transition if your already riding a twin...the SV is a fantastic bike! Go for it, you will love it just take it easy at first! 👍👍

[@djocharablaikan8601]

Make sure you take it easy on the brakes, twin 320 mm brembo calipers without abs on the front will send you flying if you dont know what are you doing, These are the best brakes you could get at the time. Race spec performance, they will take some getting used to in the begining, brake with one finger until you get used to them, if you are used to trailbrakeing in corners i would probably not advise that in the begining until you get used to them. especially on wet surfaces. bike doesnt like low revs that much, it can get a bit jerky at low speeds, take it easy on the throttle in the corners. get one with good tires or change them. if they are worn. you dont want to get on mille on bad rubber. Given you have been riding for a year you should have decent throttle control skills so you should be fine. Suspension and handleing is top notch on this bike. you will get used to it quickly.

[@rustynuts82]

Just bought one!

[@FrontWheelUp]

Lucky! Enjoy 🇮🇪👌

[@majacajat2290]

Nice review. But in your opinion, is it better to buy a gen 1 or a gen 2 ? I ask you that because I am hesitating : the price difference is around 1000-1500 £, depends on the mileage and if it is a R or not. Thank you for your advice.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Wow...thats a seriously tricky decision. I personally own a Gen 2 and it's a fantastic bike, but after riding the Mille R in this review it I'd equally as good. Really tough choice as both are incredible bikes. If it was my choice, I would fave a Gen 1 Mille R...then a Gen 2 RSVR Factory, 3rd choice would be a standard Gen 2 RSVR and a standard Gen 1 Mille would be my final choice taking 4th place. I hope that helps, you won't be disappointed with whatever you choose!

[@majacajat2290]

@@FrontWheelUp thank you for this advice and I will go for Mille R gen 1, cheaper and seems more comfy.

[@DileoFilms]

Should i buy an 01 with 51k miles on it for $3500? I want to race it/ track it. My huge, huge concern is the amount of miles on it, and that i might have a big problem finding parts or mechanics who know how/want to work on it. What do you guys think???

[@FrontWheelUp]

Tricky one....the Rotax engine is a really REALLY solid unit. If there is servie history then I personally wouldn't be too worried. If you go for it, valve clearances on the engine and the suspension link on the swing arm are two things to check, the suspension link in particular has been known to have problems. You could definetly use the mileage as a bargaining tool and get it below 3k. As for parts and mechanics, I'm not sure where you are but here in the UK there is a really good garage who specialise in Aprilia's (AP Performance, Tamworth). Im sure they will be more than happy to ship parts internationally for you. They also have some good instructional videos on their KZbin channel. There will also be a new overhaul series on an 04 RSVR this winter on this channel, although a different generation RSV many parts and procedures are simular. Let us know if you go for it! 👍

[@DileoFilms]

@@FrontWheelUp i have decided to purchase it! Sadly I live in the states lol. $2900 out the door. 50k miles, valve clearance recently adjusted, coolant recently flush, oil recently changed, semi-recently changed battery, slight rip in the seat, slight fading of the clear coat on the carbon fiber pieces, but chain and sprocket still have good life, new rear brake master cylinder on the rear (a Ducati part). I will definitely be using it on the track! Hope to learn all i can from the Haynes repair manual, online forums, and great videos from folks like you all

[@FrontWheelUp]

Glad you went for it, the bike sounds great. Enjoy the track, the RSV will put a big smile on your first for sure!

[@RS4B7BLACK]

I have had one for 6 years but its been sat on my drive for nearly 3 years because I shattered my ankle and haven't had the confidence to get back on it.

[@FrontWheelUp]

That's a sad story! I hope the old girl is under a cover! Perhaps buy something a little tamer to ease back into it?

[@matthewfavour5068]

Love the bike but I don’t have money to get one how can I win this bike

[@FrontWheelUp]

It's an amazing bike! Unfortunately the competition has finished now and the bike was given away, JD Comps who we partnered with aren't running any more competitions for the time being. Many thanks for watching 👍

[@djocharablaikan8601]

bro this bike is like 2000 quid, thats about the price of decent rodong gear, if you dont have that kind of money for the bike, dont even think about it. Do you know how much rubber this thing goes through in a year? nevermind the other maintenance.

[@TUBZ600]

Love these bikes. I think reviews of: K5 gsxr 1000 2004 zx10r Would be great as they both have a cult following

[@FrontWheelUp]

Cheers! 👍 I'll keep my eyes open for an opportunity to review either, sourcing bikes to review can be a bit of a nightmare!

[@carlmayer691]

Don't forget the latter 2002-2007 Triumph Daytona 955i a worthy opponent for any sportbike produced in this era ....add 17/46 sprockets, TOR exhaust, K&N, TuneECU 10181 base MM3 map ...she goes and handles......another MUST OWN !

[@TUBZ600]

@@carlmayer691 yea Ive always liked the look of those, although even a standard K5 1000 would be down the road of were being honnest, 166kg 176bhp out the factory. Don't sound as good as the Triumphs though admittedly and I like that single sided swing arm

[@antonyo7531]

I was gonna buy one of these but it did t go through

[@FrontWheelUp]

Go for it if you get the opportunity, they can be snapped up for a great price now. Truly awesome bike ! 🇮🇪👌

[@user-ju1oy9gu6b]

Когда я увидел этот мотоцикл это была любовь с первого взгляда и спустя несколько лет я его приобрёл. И вот мы вместе больше 15 лет, что продолжает меня радовать. Дружище благодарю за очень хороший обзор этого мотоцикла.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Thank you for your kind words, this was one of my favourite bikes to review. A really, really special machine 👌

[@nigthnite]

How tall are you if I may ask?

[@FrontWheelUp]

I'm around 5"10

[@paulred158]

I’m 5 7 no problems on this bike

[@bigjam8429]

How hot was the bike getting with all that slow riding ?

[@FrontWheelUp]

Haha, the RSV is an amazing bike no matter what you're doing with it...there's only so much you can do on the road- - especially when your filming yourself doing it then putting it on the Internet.

[@bigjam8429]

@@FrontWheelUp 😂 sorry mate I wasn’t having a dig I wanted to know what temperature it was showing around town as mine climbs to about 95°C in traffic

[@FrontWheelUp]

Ahh! 😂 I can't remember to be honest, I didn't notice it getting too high. I own a gen 2 RSV myself (the shape after this one) and it does get hot, 1st / 2nd gear riding in town will have the fan running most of the time.

[@bigjam8429]

@@FrontWheelUp yeah mate they don’t like slow speeds stuck behind traffic love the gen 2 some crack that comes off them flat out 🔥🔥🔥

[@ppaauulloohhaarraa]

Love my rsv

[@FrontWheelUp]

One of my all time favourites!

[@Sr.D]

Dream bike

[@FrontWheelUp]

Yes sir, I really enjoyed spending the day with this one to make the review.

[@TigreBrian]

Couldn't agree more. Love mine, it's a keeper. Dare I say that I prefer it to my Ducati? Yes, I dare! LOL

[@FrontWheelUp]

That's a bold statement! Which Ducati do you have?

[@TigreBrian]

@@FrontWheelUp I have a 1991 851, a 1997 900 SS LE, and a 1958 350 single... And I'd have to say that the RSV is nicer to ride around on the weekend. Don't get me wrong, I love the 851 and the SS, but they are not as nice to tootle around on. :-) It's less "relaxing". The 851 us more "highly strung", and the 900 SS is not as torquey or powerful. Horses for courses.

[@FrontWheelUp]

Oh wow, what a nice collection! I'm absolutely itching to buy myself an old Ducati and have been for some time... So glad your enjoying the RSV, a truly awesome bike!

[@TigreBrian]

@@FrontWheelUp Well, the Dukes are a bit more maintenance intensive (timing belts, etc.) than the RSV. I've got "a few" bikes, but honestly, for every day riding, the one I reach for invariably is the 09 Triumph Street Triple R! It feels as light as a bicycle, handles amazingly, is great around town, or on country roads, and even on the track, and the sound...... (With the very first Yoshimura Carbon Fiber can ever made for a Street Triple R as they used my bike as the pattern) is sublime! Each bike has its place... Touring, Holigan-ing , scratching, posing, Adventure-ing, etc. No one bike does it all. But the closest one to doing almost everything is the Street Triple. And it embarrasses new Panagali's and superbikes in the back country roads!

[@carlosmacedo1700]

easy to neutral.... from 2nd to 1st.... clutch is not hard at all, maybe that one hs some prolem.... need for a silinoid and a lithium battery with 360 amp peak...... low rotation in city is bullshit... need to remain above 4.000 rpm.... the rest of the bike (for me) perfect.....

[@mattcowlard4662]

Hi we have a 2003 r with just 2900 miles on the clock with 2 owners dry stored most of its life in a collection probably the best in the country all original that we might sell if your interested

[@FrontWheelUp]

The 2003 was the beat colour scheme in my opinion. Your bike sounds amazing, sadly I'm not in a position to buy another bike at the moment...not to mention I can't fit anymore in the garage haha. Good luck with the sale if you decide to go for it (don't!)

[@RSV-Mille]

What is the price please?

[@mattcowlard4662]

@@RSV-Mille theres one on ebay in not very nice colours with half the miles but looks tatty for 9k this is showroom condition will let her go for 7k future classic

[@RSV-Mille]

@@mattcowlard4662 What colour is it and where is it located please?

[@mattcowlard4662]

@@RSV-Mille same as the one featured in this video and Swindon Wiltshire

[@jasonmerrifield6342]

The old girl sounds beautiful ❤️

[@SonomaCountyLiving]

I would rather a gen 1 then gen 2. More character

[@FrontWheelUp]

It would be a difficult choice for me, I own a Gen 2 and love it but I've always loved the original RSV.

[@NisseOhlsen]

turn the bike 180 degrees. Then the DJI wouldn't have to feature.

[@darrenjohnson9960]

Asdas fuel no way got to be BP or shell

[@sketchyjoe83]

Can’t believe someone leant you this lively machine and you went and put Asda fuel in it 😂

[@FrontWheelUp]

I would usually only run E5 but would rather E10 than run out!

[@TheRaceEdition]

In USA when I live in NYC, all we can find is e10!

[@paserpase2870]

The exhaust sound trash,

[@TheRaceEdition]

You need to listen to one in person.. they sound amazing..

[@AlienSexGod]

Thanks man..... helps me love my 2002 RSV Mille more. Non R but with a Ohlins shock in the back I am restoring her... had to find a replacement tank as the original plastic tank was destroyed by USA fuel couldn't be repaired and a few other things.