VTR1000 vs RSV 1000
 

So...I've found a -really- good offer on a 2004 RSV 1000 R, and the bike is just gorgeous. But I love my 'hawk so much. :( I've been reading around about 'em, but have yet to sit on it and see how it directly compares, anyone ever have experience with them that could comment?

At least it's a v-twin...That's what I keep telling myself, anyhow.

Can you post some pics of the new bike? If you decide to make the leap will you sell me your rearsets? I will send you my stockers.

I had the oppertunity back in 03 to ride a mille factory R. I was quite impressed. It was very smooth, pulled hard and was deceptively fast. Coming out of one of the corners I gave it a little gas, and the front end came up smoothly. The first time that I hit the brakes, I almost sent myself over the handlebars. The brakes compared to the shawks are amazing.

I thought that the prillia felt more refined than the shawk. I do like the personality that the shawk has, I felt that the prillia was a bit too refined. That being said I would own one

The RSV is a nice bike but I have always been less than impressed with the engine's power (especially its torque figures) on the dyno (@ 66 ft-lbs). I am sure, however, that the handling is in another league.....

My 'hawk after the new pipes and rejet was only 67.8 ft-lbs though, so is 66 really something to be unimpressed over?

2004 RSV-R, 2003 RSV-R Mille (for an extra grand), respectively.

Probably my favorite thing about the Superhawk is the inbetween position that allows for not-overly-sore 400 mile days, at least for me. How much different is the position on the RSV?

A bit more racing crouch than the VTR... A bit sharper chassis, a bit more refined engine character... basicly it's a VTR in a business suit... :)

mikstr: I'll up the ante... 82 ft-lbs... that's what I saw a 04 RSV pull on the bench.. And with that setup it's no armani suit... It's definetly monkey business once you throw a supercharger into the mix...:)

I really like the '04. I've always liked their bikes but they are a little like Duc's. I like the idea of somebody building a basic hotrod and I get to personalize it. Exactly what I have done with my Superhawk.

whats the servicing like on these?

ive always been very attracted to this bike, but the service scares me off every time i consider it. is it anything like a duc having to be factory/authorized serviced and whatnot?

No seat time on an RSV but do have some on the Tuono which is basically the same thing sans fairing.

The motor is 60 degree V so it sounds different than the 'hawk. Not quite as sweet but a V none the less. Power, brakes, and chassis are a couple of levels above as it should be since it costs about 5 times more than my used superbling! :) Fit and finish were very, very nice too.

Can't comment on the ride ergos as compared to the VTR since the tuono has a handlebar and no fairing; horrible combo for real world riding IMO.

Marine, that's a sweet bike and they claim 139 hp and 79 ft/lbs torque for 2004, so it should giddy-up! However, unless you're a wrench you will likely have to pay big bucks for service:(

An RC just might fit that niche for you without the increased service costs!

As far as I understand, Aprilia's are the Japalian's of the bike world, a bastard mix between Italian beauty/precision and Japanese reliability. While not the pinnacle of either, they aren't going to spend more time in the shop getting adjusted than on the road, ala Ducati.

I can definitely take care of a bike on my own - I learned all sorts of lessons after rebuilding a '67 289 HiPo for my Cougar - especially since starting Tuesday I won't have this thing called "university" holding me up anymore. Ever. ;)

I have looked into an RC, had a dealership bring one out so I could test ride it. Took it out for about 45 minutes and could tell the ergos were going to be killer on my long-haul sort of days, so that quashed that idea. I guess we'll see how it goes when I can get the Lotus place to pull this out for me come Tuesday or Wednesday.

Good luck Bro...Hope it rocks your world!
Rick C:)

I have two friends with the early Mille's, one of them an R.
They absolutely rave about them. And they're hard to keep up with in the hands of a good rider.

I never really liked the idea of a 60 degree twin with a balance shaft, but they work really well.

As far as ergos, I've put in some very long days with both of them. They seemed perfectly happy and comfortable all day. Ergos are the main reason Dean is letting his RC51 go.

I can't wait to get my RC51 though.

Well, I think most bikes would be hard to keep up with in the hands of a good rider. IE that goldwing or whatever everyone was talking about? Christ.

I've been doing some reasearch on the whole 60degree, balance shaft thing and while I can't say I'm entirely sold on the idea...Like you said, after seeing them in action, they work really well.

Glad to hear about the ergos on them, that's what I'm eager to find out for myself. While I'm sure I'll be a bit sore after a test ride, just from acclimatizing to the difference in position, I'm...well, kinda hoping I like it, cause I'm still not convinced that trading in is what I want to do ;)

great bikes
 

I had a early model mille in england a 1999 model.....it was a great bike ....really nice engine....it has more power than a superhawk.....and I'm the biggest superhawk fan.
Nicest things I liked about the Mille was the awesome brakes...it's a larger bike in size than most crotch rockets...so fits my 6'0" frame real well.....engine is super strong no issues there.....the only problems in the USA is parts?.....can be a little hard to come by than say ducati....
Otherwise it's a great bike I would have one again in a heartbeat.


Is it a better alround bike than a superhawk....I would have to say yes....comfort wise....it's pretty good....and build quality is also really good...if you were to buy it I'm sure you would be happy....good luck...ride safe

its really down to the rc51 versus the RSV-R for me at this point

the practical side of my brain says Honda, but that 'lust' section cant help oogling at the Aprilia...the wheels, brakes, suspension just seem so right

but then you read reviews saying the rc51 is a better all-around bike

I guess it just depends on what someone's definition of "all-around" is, because I highly doubt an RC51 seems fit for long days in the saddle. But that's just my impression of them.

well of course no superbike is going to offer much in the way of touring

but here is one of the reviews that sticks out
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ArticleID=1131

good article/read....just makes me want an RC more.

Definitely a good read, I'm thinking the Mille I saw was just eliminated from the search...Guess we'll find out soon how just the RSV-R does. "Trunk space" isn't much of an issue. lol

I can speak from experience on this issue having owned 3 1000cc Aprilias in the past. 2 SL1000 Falcos and an early model RSV1000.

I will gladly admit I love my Firestorm to bits, but have to say the Aprilias are better bikes in pretty much every department except purchase price. Indeed if my finances weren't so tight right now I'd be riding an RSV instead. The engine is definitely stronger, and need a bit of care in the lower gears. Too much throttle in first will see the top yoke twat you in the face. The sound is slightly different, but it still sounds amazing, especially with a set of aftermarket cans on board.

I put almost 60,000 miles on my aprilias collectively and didn't suffer a single fault, mechanical or electrical. The builld quality was the best I have ever encountered, with only the odd corroded bolt head needing any attention. No different to the VTR in that respect. There are a lot of neat touches such as a little plastic shroud on the bottom yoke to prevent road crap being flung up against the clocks and ignition wiring. The paint quality , especially on my red 2000 model Falco was amazing and stayed beautiful over many miles in the UK and abroad.

As to the comfort, well of course an RSV will be a bit more commited than the VTR, but it's a full on sportsbike so you'd expect that. if you want VTR comfort levels, buy a Falco. The RSV is very comfy for a sportsbike. I did many 500+ mile days on mine with no major aches and pains.

The big issue with Aprilias in the past has been parts availability but that is improving constantly. The best bet when buying is to be guided to a good dealer but current owners. The best dealer of all is AF1 racing in Texas who can supply the vast majority of parts, loads of good technical info, and run a fantastic owners forum with a huge international community.

Edit to add.... One thing to note is that from 04 onwards the RSV lost it's twin spark heads, gained more top end power, but lost a little of it's midrange. If you like the looks of earlier models then I'd recommend going for an 02-03 RSV-R. The bonus is that the R version has proper Ohlins forks and shock as standard, plus OZ forged wheels and a lot of carbon goodies too. Comfort is also a bit better on the earlier bikes.