Are Older Bikes "Better"? Aprilia RSV Mille R

[@drjonkoe]

Can you do a video on the entire bike collection? After all these years, I am wondering which bikes you kept.

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Im going to do a video on each of them before I sell them :)

[@roelfkromhout]

I second this request.

[@TinyPaperClip]

i third this request

[@Flippinloon]

I quest

[@tonnynijholt7090]

This was my question

[@sergeyd.4733]

totally agree with the statement! older bikes just somehow have more soul to them!👍

[@BaronVonGrumble]

well its a question rather than a statement but I get what you mean! ha

[@JamesChurchill3]

I can't speak for bikes but modern cars are just so numb and clinical, there's no 'experience' to them now I think. I'd guess bikes are the same way.

[@CrazyPanda688]

@@JamesChurchill3 the different types of engine configurations help to keep modern bikes at least somewhat interesting For example I have ridden a MT-07, MT-09 and MT-10, all modern bikes, but each one has character in their own unique way even for modern machines. The MT-10 is just stupid fun and the 09 triple sounds so good But I have also ridden a TL1000S and the feeling I got from that bike was unlike any of the modern Yamaha’s. Totally raw experience, zero electronics, torque tor days. I felt way safer on the modern bikes, but thankfully they are by no means dull like modern cars are

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

Haha agreed! Although sometimes that soul is that of a grumpy old bastard that just wants to cause problems for you, but yeah there’s so much more character to them. I do disagree with some though - I don’t think modern superbikes are boring, or numb or anything silly, I think they’re just too good. Well too good for me and my handful of track days a year skills and opportunities lol. With sport bikes I can’t really be going back to the 90’s or earlier though. They look the best, but they weren’t really refined yet, parts are hard to find, etc, etc. my sweet spot like most I think is 00’s sport bikes. I actually discovered it by accident, just buying a then 10 year old gixxer to be my first track bike because that’s just what you do. It was an ‘06 and not race prepped and whilst I waited for fairings and gubbins I though it had an MOT, why not ride it? And I rode it about thinking ‘this isn’t slow, and it doesn’t handle a bit dangerously… it stops.. I’m not getting my legs/arse/balls roasted… what exactly is the downside?’ It was SO much cheaper than the bike I was riding at the time but just as fun in my unskilled hands. Then went on a bit of a bender and at one point I had 4 mid 00’s Superbikes sitting in my garage for less than the cost of one new one out the door. That lasted one glorious summer before all the keeping a bike on the road costs came due on three of them around the same time and I decided it was too expensive to have so many pets lol. But yeah never had Baron levels of cash to buy the exotics! I’d like to say that for me half the fun is that the old bikes are cheap and brilliant… but I wouldn’t mind a fancy pants one too lol

[@leduaracosta1569]

Older bikes have more soul than the new ones and I am getting my mille back since I sold the one I had and I realized that I made a mistake

[@sem2504]

Can I tell you I love the 44teeth stuff, but I have to be honest I have missed these vlogs. It is a mental breath of fresh air, I don't know how you feel making the vids, but it is so good for my mental state watching these vids again, just the Baron theme tune puts a big smile on my face. People say good times but these vids feel no different to how they did all them years ago. I still feel there is a place for this and to be honest the views already show there is a demand. Thanks Baron you have made my day, I hope it was as enjoyable for you making the vids. Thanks

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Thank you 😊

[@SilverfoxJB]

Agree 100%

[@problins]

A-bloody-men to that. So good to see you back Baron.

[@ukmitch86]

Ditto

[@JLchevz]

I couldn't agree more

[@HeroRR]

Older bikes will always have a special place in my heart, I'd love to try out a Mille one day! Great video!

[@Matt-ud9op]

@HeroRR Nice to see you in the comment section of another video

[@Dudsy907]

You're still around ! Hope life is treating you well.

[@esprokr99]

@HeroRR your RC51 is one of my dream bikes. Hope all is well, I’m off to catch up on your channel.

[@nocturnalcadence1676]

Nice to see you here, rebuilding a couple 929's on my channel, inspired by your channel. Thanks dude!

[@chickenchaser3213]

With a few known engine mods and a sprocket change these bikes are phenomenal! They lose top end with a stubby so keep a proper sized can on and there amazing machines I’ve had 2 now👌

[@Skerns11]

I am an original owner of a 2001RSV. Raced it for 8yrs. Put the street fairings back on it and ride on the street and for track days. Super reliable and I love it. Thanks for doing this video!

[@nickhanscome]

You sound like your in much better spirits here. Really happy to see it, thanks for the content Baron.

[@TCW_Racing]

Good to hear that intro tune again

[@chuckyboy6977]

I have a 02 RSV-R Mille Factory, I pick it up my bike from the showroom on the 24/12/04 as an Xmas gift to myself. I’ve had the bike ever since, it sits in my living room over winter. The sound of the twin and the torque is sublime, never selling it.

[@TR1CK3D]

Love the older bikes, especially the twins. Have a gen 2 Tuono myself. Couldn't agree more that these types of bikes just bring smiles for miles. And as a bonus they also seem to attract a lot attention when parked up. Which really surprised me. No rider aids and and computers, just your confidence and skill and so far have to say it keeps up and most cases surpasses most modern bikes on the twisties.

[@MianCowell]

I so regret selling my 08 Tuono. Was a beast of a bike.

[@TheSd1cko]

Recently bought my 08 Tuono!! First bike in 14 year's. I've given her some TLC and I love it.

[@MianCowell]

@@TheSd1cko get her on track and give her the beans!

[@TheSd1cko]

@@MianCowell maybe once I've got some more milage under my belt. 14 years is a long time away 😁 I just need to get map2 sorted and a rolling road set up done. I've already fit a PC3 and some carbon Mivvs and replaced the radiator hoses that were seeping.

[@conrod4910]

Love a tuono, great bike 👍🏻

[@Real_MisterSir]

I just absolutely love the powerband of these Aprillia Milles, they're big twins so they pull very well down low, but even then when you reach around 6k rpm it's like having turbos that spool up because the power bump comes so immediately, and they just kick you back and make you thankful for that rear stopper supporting your behind. It feels so mechanical, not artificial, and in my opinion it is the absolute sweetspot between older carburated fully mechanical horses, and then the new electric gizmo machines of today. Early-mid 2000s were imo nirvana for sports bikes. My Mille (not R, but it's factory red so that counts for +10 whp) has around 30k miles (oe 47k km) and it rides absolutely like a charm. Had it for nearly a year now, no issues at all. The imitating choker does wonders on cold starts, and it handles like a dream. You can feel that these were bred for fast pace riding even if they're 20 ish years old now, they still carry that soul.

[@DrHayfever]

So true.. I've had an RSV 2002 model. So brutal, so raw, so much fun and they need to be respected 🔥🔞

[@pauln6803]

If you think the Rotax V60 is a great power plant, try and blag a ride on a '97 TL-S - it's pure hooliganism! Having said that, I'd happily own another Mille but not a TL. I'm not fond of broken bones...

[@Reggie_Kray69]

That bump in power is the well documented "flat spot" its around 4-5k rpm, mine used to do the same thing and I described it the exact same way its like a turbo or vtech lol, modded collector, open air box and the eprom chip fixed the flat spot almost entirely, just need a custom map to get the most out of everything. Should be around the high 120's whp 🤞

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@Reggie_Kray69 I'm sure a custom setup could change the dynamic of power delivery, although it is (at least with mine) not a flat spot as the bike has linear pull from idle to 6k with no dropoff or flattening torque curve, it just spikes even further at 6-7k. Have full Akra exhaust didn't get that dyno'd but I do believe it further emphasizes the top end pull (at least that's what I can directly feel). I just love the way it delivers its power its so enjoyable just preparing for that extra punch to kick in. Yours with 120whp sounds sick though I have no idea if I'm getting close to that

[@liamblakeley1866]

I have a 2002 sv650 naked and I absolutely love it. The experience is visceral, engaging, it's bright yellow and has 65k on the clock. I get loads of compliments on its sound, looks and it still goes really well.

[@J2I3H]

Awesome bike! Had one years ago.. super lightweight, enough power to enjoy it in real life. The gen 1 is still the best looking and best built one in my opinion.

[@scaramouchew]

I had a 2006 sv650 because I like the square frame a lil more but yeah dam sv’s are awesome bikes. Easy to learn on, fast enough, light enough to throw around like mad .. it’s a great all rounder with beautiful exhaust notes

[@kebmel8668]

I bought a 2009 last year with 3000 kms on it from new and I just did a 2000k ride around the South Island of NZ and loved every minute. I’m 62 and the old knees got a bit sore after 6 hours

[@Worther12]

​@@J2I3HI've got a Suzuki SV650S '99 model. I've had all sorts of 'performance bikes' back in the day, but having come back to biking after health induced lay off I love my SV650S (completely standard, Inc exhaust). Enough power for the street, comfortable, handles great. It's a much under rated bike in my opinion.

[@J2I3H]

@@kebmel8668 one of my dreams to ride the south island of nz, Ive been there but didnt have my licence yet😔

[@luca-cy6ju]

Just bought the gen 2 RSV Factory and I'm so happy with the bike! No other bike has gotten me this many thumbs up lol

[@weaselman24]

I've got a 2022 zx10r and I love it. It's awesome to ride fast and has all the tech. I also have a restored 97 cbr900rr sc33 and it's the bike that turns heads. It feels more special to take that out than the 10r for the simple reason it's survived this long. It's also comfy.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Awesome video which brought back some great memories. As an ex Australian Superbike racer from the 90’s (when WSB was 4 cylinder Japanese 750 CC’s and the Ducati 916), as I still ride today I honestly think the Superbikes peaked in the late naughties for pure grin factor. Yes, I also own a newer ones, however I still like that ABS was two fingers on your right wrist, same hand for traction control.

[@jakeellens5566]

So good to have you back baron

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Thanks Jake!

[@sleepindragon179]

Great to see these notifications dropping more often. You seem like your on top of things right now. Long may it continue for you Chris. When you're on form mate you are very entertaining. Old skool bikes and old skool vlogs! There's the real title!

[@MrPmunson123]

Love my 04 Falco, a very underrated bike , out drags my mates TLR, you can’t beat a V twin afternoon😆 , got handlebar conversion kit on it (I am 60!) , and no baffles in 😬😬👌 Also got a ZH2 love that as well 😬

[@MrSimonfoz]

Definitely agree, just sold my Ducati and gone back to an analogue ZZR1400 love it definitely a bike for the over 40s !

[@dancarlos1216]

Which Ducati?

[@ninja1970fin]

Ive got '08 GTR1400 and it is awesome. Ive run modern bikes (>2020) including zx6r, ninja 650, h2 sx, z900rs, but GTR is just more.. weird??

[@pruplebug]

More character in an older bike. Currently in the process of getting a ‘95 CBR900RR, looking forward to riding it.

[@apexslider1]

Have had three 900RR’s, regret crashing the first two and selling the third. Such fun bikes.

[@montoya197803]

I couldnt agree more. Ive got a 2002 998 that Ive had for three years now. It has 45000 miles on it and still going. Ive only been riding for about four years and I have learned so much from the bike. Keep up the good work!

[@bigmac..]

Hope you're well too pal, Believe it or not I can hear it in your voice your on route to a better place.cheers

[@BaronVonGrumble]

cheers Big Mac

[@Tony-ug1mv]

Excellent video regarding older bikes. I’ve owned my 1999 RS250 from new, I’ve done various upgrades over the years, she takes a lot of looking after, but still puts a smile on my face 😁

[@AjackLee4]

That's the 2 stroker street bike I need. Aren't they close to 100HP with mods? In a light bike that's nothing to scoff at.

[@Tony-ug1mv]

@@AjackLee4 Probably realistically 60-65bph with mods.

[@ianfoster1]

Chris you’ve just come out the other side of “been there, got the tee-shirt” having the latest kit is part of the journey, but you get to an age where you know what makes you 😊

[@vytas5584]

Hi Baron, I started walking too. It’s really helped me deal with a new but challenging relationship. At the end of each walk I sit and process any troubling emotion for 10 minutes. It frees my mind for the day.

[@MAK9246]

Yes. I had a CBR600F as my first bike and absolutely loved it. That was until a head on collision put an end to that! One positive is I'm climbing Snowdon to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance, so that's good!

[@vytas5584]

I loved my CBR600F too

[@stevecade857]

I had an XBR500 as my first big bike but 8 months later Honda launched the original CBR600 and I had to have one for £3.5k. I still reflect very fondly about that bike. I'm sure it could hold its own today as well.

[@the1and0wnly1]

I road my father in laws 1972 Z1 and it put the biggest smile on my face, more than any other bike I've ridden

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

3 or 4 Separate times, I've ALMOST gotten my hands on either a SL Falco, or Mille, but EVERY damn time I call/inquire about them, "sorry, just sold". Glad to see you back!

[@chrisstevens3801]

Just bought a Mille for $600 XD Arizona's bike market is nuts. Love the turbo builds man.

[@bencottam7798]

I loved my falco it was a fantastic machine.

[@aidans6274]

@@bencottam7798 I had a Falco. Did all the mods - RS125 mirrors, Firestorm side-stand. Loved it. Some myopic old lady pulled out on me and it was written off. So sad.

[@esetter86]

It's nice to see you back making videos again. I've been subscribed to this channel for years and years now and have always enjoyed your content.. And I don't even own any bikes and never have haha.

[@Lowfliers]

Great to have you back! Couldn't agree more on the value of classic, "analogue" bikes. They offer a riding experience that is more "real" than what modern bikes can offer.

[@n22pdf]

Great to see you back :) your vid on anxiety and depression really struck a cord with me and made me feel i'm not alone and we can all work through our issues :) I turned to cycling and walking to help and it really does change how you feel

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

Weirdly the bike that gets the most attention for me is my Africa Twin, I've had lairy sportsbikes with mega loud exhaust and crazy paint schemes... Nobody cared. My Africa Twin Adventure Sports has someone talk to me literally everywhere I go, the amount of old dudes that talk about the Paris Dakar is unreal 😂 I'm probably the youngest AT owner at 28 lol

[@ThatNoblegunnerNL]

True, same for me! With my previous bike nobody cared. I'm the youngest AT owner! I'm 26. 😁

[@wheelmindedivan6182]

24 years old with a Ténéré 700!! Without fail someone WILL come up and talk to me about it pretty much anywhere hahaha

[@dazzz4real]

You young sausages, how happy people under 30 are that somebody talks with them 😅😅😅

[@Porkycheun]

NO!!! I AM ZE youngest AT owner at the age of 8 years old! Sorry, I thought it was a contest… 😝

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

@@ThatNoblegunnerNL Ah fuck, I was honestly convinced I'm the youngest owner 😂

[@mammocas]

Had a 2001 Aprilia Falco, with ohlins rear shock, Mille wheels and swingarm, and carbon racing exhaust. It was amazing, I miss it dearly.

[@WeAreTheTrueMedia]

I'm still trying to figure out how to get into the habit of going for morning walks without making millions of excuses. Bike wise, I've recently bought a 2015 S1000RR and I'm still sure I had more fun on my 2007 GSXR750 but that could just be how negative I'm feeling.

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Just don't think... just go. 10 mins...

[@beerdedwanderer]

Buy a dog

[@vytas5584]

True. Personally I find it mentally a lot more pleasant to climb aboard a naked bike nowadays. Last thing I want to do is crouch into a tuck and ride.

[@peterhird3542]

Hi Chris, I used to sell Aprilias back in the day and they were ground breaking machines. Very exotic for down here in Australia. Disappointing that no one spoke to you at your local bike cafe. It’s not a matter of your profile or not. It’s simply the camaraderie between motorcyclists. This series of you commentating on life and your bike collection is very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for bring the Baron back 👍🏍

[@ady1397]

I still see my 2000 ZX9R as a modern bike and up until very recently it was the newest bike I've had. It's faster than me and I'm not interested in having the latest superbike and colour matched leathers etc but each to their own. Be pretty boring if we all liked the same things.

[@mikejames4271]

I've a 2001 e2 which ive owned for 11 years. It frightens my newer bike mates to death.

[@conrod4910]

I’ve had 3 of those, got one as my first big bike when it was a couple of years old, and just kept going back, awesome bit of kit

[@postmortemspasm]

I bought a CBR929 for cheap for track days. Its so fun to ride. 179kg on my scales which is lighter than a new 600rr and more power. Its old enough that theres no electronic aids whatsoever but new enough that it has fuel injection and USD forks. It performs really well. I couldnt imagine anything more fun for so cheap

[@carlinpenner]

A new Baron video with a massive bottom and mention of a double bloody decker?! Christmas came early this year.

[@BaronVonGrumble]

😂

[@woooster17]

Big older bike fan, I've filled my garage with various 90s/00s machines.. 04 Gen2 Factory RSV, '04 ZX12R, '98 750 SRAD, '99 Fireblade.. & my favourite bike, 1990 ZXR750H2. My problem is there are so many bikes I want, & I want them all 🤗

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Thanks for welcoming me back here - means a lot! The bike is actually on ebay now if anyone is interested 👍 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275318998800?hash=item401a4a8710:g:CgcAAOSw211ih42u

[@CMX70]

Chris, you're a national treasure. You articulate so well what others are thinking and feeling but struggle to put into words.

[@mooncat.787]

Fella please tell me your joking ? A national treasure ?

[@paulhockey5]

"If it starts raining just ride slower, just don't be a knob" It seems simple, but common sense isn't so common.

[@oldman748]

Totally agree Chris gave up on the modern stuff now have a zx7r and a 97 Ducati 748 both put a smile on my face every ride out

[@Bosstrad]

I'm too afraid to ride bikes without abs.

[@BaronVonGrumble]

interesting.. 🤔 out of interest do you often activate the ABS?

[@HalfdeadRider]

Do a few sit-ups a day and you'll be sorted 😁

[@Bosstrad]

​@@BaronVonGrumble I don't think so no , but I think i've got so used to having it, that if I go back I will forget I don't have it anymore. It's probably just a cofidence thing.

[@nothanks9050]

I don't know whether that makes me feel old, poor or fat. Never had abs or a bike with abs. Ah shit, its all 3!

[@TheSd1cko]

I've never ridden a bike with ABS and cannot understand why we even need it to be honest? Although I can understand that if you became complacent and reliant on it then that's a problem. Having said that, I've never had a bike that's even been fancy enough to even have a petrol gauge 😁

[@ChristopherD-M]

Great to have these vids back!! Love the lightening bolt in the thumbnail. Chris

[@SmittyAZ]

I still have my 1 owner '02 Silver RSV non-R Mille. Akro s/o, power commander and I've added a lot of carbon fiber. It has stayed with me through probably 20 motorcycle changes. I still love to ride it. Also, it's the bike I wanted to ride across Nevada Hwy 50 - I did a 1200 mile 3 day tour with it when I had a busa, zx12 and some others in the garage. Earlier on the the USA, used Apes were dirt cheap since people didn't know what an Aprilia was.

[@FancyAnimal]

That’s the best Austrian bike the Italians ever helped the Swedish build.

[@johnvanoevelen2]

Ive been riding my 94 VFR for 5 years now, and it did 100.000km. And it puts a bigger smile on my face then looking or sitting on a new Ducati or Honda. Old bikes just have that character tgat those new bikes are missing.

[@TheSteinbitt]

This made me nostalgic and happy, you pulled out all the stops this time! A fast bike, a little hooliganism, shopping with a helmet at the mall, double bloody deckers, and solid banter with signature BvG style, welcome back! I’ll buy an old aprilia now lol

[@renevanderkraats224]

Thanks for this video Baron, appreciate it...brings back good memories of my '99 (1st gen) RSV Mille. I owned a grey/silver/black one from new for 20 years. Only change was the Aprilia Racing Department slip-on (the stacked exhausts version) and the accompanying chip. Bombproof that thing. Italian styling combined with Japanese reliability. It never missed a beat, needed only the regular maintenance except for a dried-out rubber overfill hose inside the tank that needed replacement. After 20 years, being a bit older and a dad, and looking ahead to the next 20 years I wanted to switch to something less racy...but I still sometimes miss that Italian beauty from Noale.

[@Paramoto959]

It's was 2013. I had just signed up for my basic rider course. My motorcycle gear just came in the mail and I sat there and watched all your videos wearing my Icon Contra Jacket. Fast forward to today I ride a Ducati and have my own channel. You're brilliant and for as long as you are uploading videos I'll be enjoying it!

[@jtownmassacre7881]

Great style and approach to your videos I’m so glad your back !

[@Jdjdjendhdjdjebdhjd]

Such a blast from the past hearing you mention the double bloody decker

[@brianperry]

How many times have we all said...'wish I'd never sold it''... I've been lucky enough to have owned a Guzzi LeMans 850 ( first incarnation) and a bevel drive Ducati 900SS...Yep! I've uttered those words... hindsight is wonderful..Glad to see you back Baron

[@jonbriddon1566]

I live in Australia and I love chilling out on the couch watching your videos and laughing at your spiel - love it

[@lizanson2996]

My bf and I went out on his Dad's old 70's Laverda last year, he can't ride anymore so my bf has been taking it out to keep it running and honestly everywhere we stopped it drew a crowd! We couldn't get away from people wanting to talk or take pics! Was lovely that people liked it so much bit frustrating as we wanted to get places! Lol!

[@Rendaro]

In this weeks episode of Chris goes to Sainsburys.... Thanks for the great content as always. Such a nice bike too, with you on the older stuff being that little more special on the road.

[@BrianWest58]

Had my 09 Sprint for about 7yr now. No abs, not even heated grips. Just pure joy to ride.

[@jasonminton9681]

Great review of a great older bike. Had mine for 12 years now, decide to swap it for a newer bike every winter, change my mind every spring. Just a fkn gem! The noise on the over run when going down the box is so addictive.

[@edjhutchinson]

I love the bikes from the late 90s early 00s, proper big chunky bikes. I've owned an SP1 for 11 years and it never fails to light me up every time I take it out, exactly like you say you can just cruise along enjoying the analogue experience.

[@karlfawdrey5183]

Had 4 rsv, currently gen 2 and I would not sell it ever, I agree that era is more fun fun fun

[@SticklesMickles]

Agree with all of this, i still think my 2000 ZX9R is the perfect road bike for me, owned it 9 years and it still feels fast enough on the road to ride with groups of mates on new machinery.

[@EeZ3-808]

I’m still riding my first street bike I’ve ever bought. I was a senior in High School in 1989. She’s is a 1989 Yamaha FZR400 and I ride her at least once a month. Love the content! Aloha from Hawaii 🤙🏽

[@Jeez726]

Miss my red standard 03 Tuono with the weird beige gold frame. A great looking bike. Some things I remember. It revved quite high for a twin at the time. Loved the rear lights not the front so much, the comfort, decent wind protection, fast idle on left bar, it had a stand to hold up the fuel tank for access instead of using a screw driver, great sound with the official Aprilia race exhaust. The fact that it wasn’t another Ducati. Sound and comfort probably better than my 16 Tuono Factory especially at slower speeds. White analogue clock though much nicer than all models.

[@marioturkalj1239]

Bought RSV Mille 01 two months ago.Mat black colour,full stock.Best thing I've ever bought.My first liter bike.I like it alot.😎💪

[@jbird330]

Great video and never a truer word spoken about the joy of riding older bikes.

[@Wut3225]

Grateful for the recent videos, always enjoyed this channel

[@thefishthefish]

Great to have you back in the youtube feed. Love the Aprilia RSV Mille R

[@frebuton2016]

Couldn’t agree with you more! I still own and love my ‘99 Ducati M900 (47K miles). Bought it new and had several other bikes since. I also love my ‘06 999. I currently find myself “un-modifying” them. It is getting harder to find new OEM parts for them though. Had a fun time watching your MV vs. 999 tour to Italy a while ago. Keep up the fun content!

[@zewmxsr]

Happy to see a bvg motovlog back on my feed. I watched you well before I had any interest in riding, great to hear your voice on a bike again!

[@intensegamer7559]

Bought my red 2003 Tuono a couple of months ago for 3600€ with 21k miles on it. I'll always remember my first ride on it after picking it up from the dealership. Thought it would kill me. Put around 3k miles on it since then and I've come to love it!

[@justjono9638]

Yeah I totally agree as a child I grew up dreaming of a CBR900 (919) and even now if i could get my hands on one I would totally snatch it up

[@deanodrives4966]

Having owned a new bike and going back to a k2 gsxr600, I can honestly say on the road it is much more enjoyable due to the rawness and usable power

[@ZaPpaul]

Yeah, I now have a K3 GSXR 600. It's a lovely ride, super reliable and has done over 60k. I have owned a few newer including a 2018 Aprilia RSV4, but I dont know why I never love them.

[@jde9095]

So happy to see another post from yourself, so thoroughly enjoyed as is your Instagram walking channel. Your walks actually got my old butt out for a few myself, thank you for that. As for old or new I find that we all have a soft spot for bikes from the times we got into riding. I prefer to find myself on anything from my late teen years (mid 80s) over what's available today and that may be just a comfort zone thing.

[@chrisobrien3574]

I had the same bike, this brought back good memories, I agree totally with the old bikes thing, I love my F2 ZX9R keeper and ride it regularly, often in preference to my new bikes.

[@andrewwiltse8882]

Thanks Baron, glad you’re back at it! We can all use a peaceful ride with friends.✌️🍻

[@paulred158]

Love mine totally agree with your observations. Great to see you posting and out in the sun having a top day.

[@RedlineRossi]

I know what you mean about getting anxious when going to bike meets & cafes. I remember once taking a trip to loomies, which is about an hour from my home. As I rode up to the cafe I noticed that there were a lot of bikes, and with that I suddenly got the jitters and in a half second crazily decided that there was not enough room for one more bike and nobody would want to talk to me anyway, so I rode on past and headed home. Cool story, I know 🥱 So happy you're doing these vids BVG, please keep them going 🙏🏻

[@lllzooklll]

Totally agree, I've got a TL1000R and love it to bits. Replaced the dodgy rear shock and its a dream to ride. Plus, like you mentioned, gets loads of attention from other bikers. Doubt I'll ever sell it.

[@pauln6803]

A lot of people bang on about the Aprilia/Rotax V60 having so much character but the TL engine has it beat hands down on that front. The handling and brakes however... I know binning the rotary damper and re-springing the forks helps no end but both the TL-S and R don't carry their weight particularly well.

[@lllzooklll]

@@pauln6803 I've not had the chance to ride the Aprilia but do love the personality of the TL's engine. Mines git an Ohlins rear which helps a lot but you're not wrong about the brakes, they're terrible 🤣 will be switching them out for a set of 4 pots at some stage

[@pauln6803]

@@lllzooklll I had a '97 TL-S with the four pot Tokico calipers... Your not missing anything there. The RSV steers quicker and lighter but is still super stable and planted when leaned over and the Brembo pad per piston setup (often mistaken for monoblocs) is miles ahead in power and resistance to fade. The Rotax V60 is a bit smoother, perhaps spins up a bit quicker but lacks the induction growl of the TL lump. My KTM RC8R is lighter and sharper again but it's highly sensitive to rider input. There's never any threat of a tank slapper but if you move, it moves.

[@alanfrazer3291]

Couldn’t agree more, just picked up a Triumph Sprint ST, it’s 22years old and bloody good fun !

[@thegrumpybiker3563]

I have a 08 VFR800 and I love it. It does everything and sounds amazing with loud pipes.

[@jamsxr]

Totally board of KZbin, but seeing uploads from The Baron will always bring me back. I had the following model with the gold OZ rims 🤤

[@barrydurkin9035]

got a rsv factory 06 in black n gold just makes me smile every time go out on it ,an that's what riding is about

[@ceeddric97]

I've got exactly the same bike. It always give me a big smile when I roll the throttle. Steady bike and plenty of power for me. The reliable Italien bike 👌🏼

[@TheSd1cko]

I completely bloody agree! I've returned to biking after a 14 year break and was looking at all sorts. In the end, I decided to return to what I intended to be my next set of wheels 14 years ago and got a gen 2 Tuono. Spent a little more for full service history. 18k miles on the clocks. Needed a few bits doing such as radiator hoses which I did myself (another bonus to older bikes - they're easier and less scary to DIY) and I absolutely love it. I've fit a PC3 and some carbon cans and now just need to get her set up on a rolling road and my bank balance and my happiness thanks me. Plus: I feel unique. Most people (read idiots) are riding around on new machines on PCP that they'll never own and are all riding the same things. 👍

[@AddictedtoProjects]

I used to own an Aprilia Caponord, based on the Mille, with a slightly detuned engine. Absolutely LOVED it. Went to Norway and did 4,000 miles in one trip without any issues whatsoever. As you mentioned; only thing that lets them down is electrics. Specifically coils and rectifiers. Once you swap those, you've off to the races :)

[@garrybayford5734]

Great video and I'm just about to get my 2002 RSVR back on the road after a layoff of 16 years. Can't wait.

[@HerbertLongrod]

So entertaining after following you for years.. I come along on your rides because i can't..i hit 54 this year and felt i should remove my Jizz machine sticker from my rear window.. But kept the BVG one.. Keep this motivation..You make people happy buddy

[@rickphillips2900]

Agree 100%, I am loving my 1996 CBR600F3 at the moment. I've had the suspension upgraded, and it now rides superbly and surprises a few megabucks bikes!

[@JamJam48484]

Money has always been tight, but I absolutely adore my rsv mille and 600 srad, the early 00's look and feel is just so... Nice

[@woooster17]

Agree

[@jasonjamesknight]

Many thanks for and this baron. Awesome to have you doing videos again I really do miss content from you on this channel but of course still enjoy 44 teeth. Hope you are feeling better x

[@bencatt6246]

Completely agree on the opinion of the older machine. I ride a 2005 ktm 950sm,the old carbed version and absolutely love it . No faffery, just get out and ride it. Brings a lot of smiles and to me that’s what it’s all about. Great content, let’s see more of the collection 👍🏻

[@EastsideMartin]

I have a 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 R with all the carbon factory bits on it and some other mods, practically my first bike, I love it.

[@michaelhart5886]

Love my 2010 speed triple se. Has character, comfy and its hardly slow. I've owned 4 vfr800's also, all 5th generation last of the gear driven camshaft models and they're another brilliant older bike with an amazing sound

[@neilwiddison6529]

Still got my 97 vfr750 and love it.

[@richardscarr5104]

So right. I used to commute on my Aprilia and the only issues were my fault when things let me down (although parts were a pain to get). I’ve got a “veteran” fireblade now and love it. I’m not in competition on the road. I want to enjoy the experience, I thought that’s why we were all here.

[@JayBe79]

Great to have you back regularly Chris, keep strong mate 👍🏻

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Thanks John 😊

[@petereeves1354]

Good to be back x couldn't agree with you more 07 990 Super Duke 32,000kms all done in the Italian Apennines, & rocks my 'old' boat, track day next week, peace & love, & lay off the fast food!

[@kuzranada2909]

Still in love with my rsv1000r 2005 factory 68000 kilometers on it and still going strong

[@jaybloggs929]

great video, got to admit I wasn't sure on your channel when I see you take a GSXR off road but.. you have redeemed yourself with this one 👍🏻 real talk from the ❤, say it how it is, I like it. will be subscribing to hopefully see more content like this. I currently have a Tuono G2 & a 1299 panigale, I get far more enjoyment on the road riding the Tuono in all honesty, perfect blend of power and torque + no rider aids.

[@alexmiller2329]

Great to see you posting again, been watching for years… you have to flex the rest of the collection soon.

[@markashd2680]

I havent ridden a newer bike yet properly but my first few bikes have been oldies that need a bit of work and I love the simplicity of them