Despite "the other" Italian motorcycle that tends to be as cantankerous as it is fast, Aprilia proved that a reliable, easy-to-live with Italian steed wasn't an oxymoron.
This myth buster came in the form of the Aprilia RSV Mille and sported a Rotax-built, 60-degree, 998cc, V-twin engine wrapped by a high-tech aluminum chassis. In late 2000 Aprilia introduced the now legendary R-model that featured carbon bits, OZ forged aluminum wheels, Öhlins suspension and other top-rate components. This trend of "R" bikes still continues with the current RSV-4.
In 2001 Aprilia tweaked its top-level racer with new bodywork and a repositioned motor with internal upgrades for more power. Little changed with the Rotax rocket over the next few years, but owners who wanted an exotic without riding red could turn to the other Italian meat for a mighty 1000 that was known for its rock-steady chassis and brutish V-twin power delivery.
Instead of sipping lattes at the local coffee shops these riders are enjoying their Italian stallions where they were meant to be flogged; on the track and in the canyons. Here's to one of Italy's finest.
Mark Evry
Model Year: 2000
Miles Done: 32,000
Favorite Aspect:
"The bike still runs like new and the handling is very stable. For an Italian bike it's very
reliable."
Richard Harrison
Model Year: 2000.5 Mille R
Favorite Aspect: "Torque at almost any RPM, and it wheelies off the throttle!"
Vickie Behmer
Year: 2000 Mille R
Miles Done: 38,402 miles
Mods: Harris titanium full exhaust, Eprom chip, Galfer Wave rotors, CRG gold levers, integrated taillight, frame sliders, Zero Gravity windscreen, LED blinkers, 520 Gearing (-1/+3), lowered suspension, modified seat
Favorite Aspect:
"The V-Twin motor allows me to keep the guys in my mirrors. I love having the most exotic bike in my motorcycle club."
Chris Onwiler
Model Year: 2003 Mille
Favorite Aspect: "Its racetrack ability. The R is truly a racebike with lights."
Chris Bartholow
Model Year: 2003 Mille R
Mods: Brembo full-floating front rotors, Aprilia Racing double slip-ons, Evoluzione custom header, Eprom chip, race airbox and air filter, Power Commander III, 1.0 kg/mm fork springs, SharkSkinz bodywork for the track, Zero Gravity windscreen, 520 conversion kit with 16/44 sprockets, TCM adjustable rearsets, axle- and frame-sliders
Favorite Aspect:
"The Öhlins suspension and OZ forged aluminum wheels!"
Mike Boose
Model Year: 2002 Mille
Favorite Aspect: "There is nothing better than the V-twin at full RPM."
C. Bartholow
Model Year: 2002 Mille
Favorite Aspect:
"The beautiful Rotax V-twin sound."
Ryan Smith
Model Year: 2000
Mods: Akrapovic titanium/carbon fiber race exhaust, Aprilia Racing Eprom and carbon fiber tail section/side panels, Evoluzione velocity stacks and clutch slave cylinder, Öhlins suspension professionally dialed, CRG Levers, Woodcraft clip-ons, Sato rearsets, EK Extreme chain, Barnett clutch, Puig windscreen, EBC full floating iron brake rotors, stainless steel brake lines, HID headlight bulb, Dunlop Sportmax GP-A tires, RG-Racing sliders, AF1 Racing brake/clutch reservoir socks, Repsol synthetic oil
Favorite Aspect:
"The Rotax twin pulls so hard off the bottom end that you have to be careful with the throttle."
Coming soon...
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