Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Motorcycles
In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Jul 26th 2008 at 1:02PM 
Click above for more high-res images of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R
When the sportbike discussion inevitably turns to outright performance, the Aprilia RSV 1000R is usually left out of the equation. It is true that the Italian bike is down on horsepower when compared with its racier relatives from Ducati and especially against the inline four machines from the Japanese manufacturers. While the Big Four from Japan continuously improve their unique (but very similar) breed of liter-class sportbikes with completely new designs every few years, Aprilia has sat back and made very small and incremental changes to its V-Twin contestant, and though its acceleration is surely a tick or two behind the leaders, it is important to consider the fact that everything is relative in the world of liter-bikes. Remember, barring something truly special, any liter-class sportbike from the last decade is sure to be the quickest vehicle on any given road. So, what does the Aprilia offer to make up for its apparent lack of horsepower? Read on.
Gallery: Aprilia RSV 1000 R
All photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.
Let's start with the engine, as it's easily the most identifiable part of the RSVR. Aprilia has been using Rotax-designed and built sixty-degree V-Twin engines for as long as it's been making sportbikes, and the mill has seen countless revisions since its inception in the late nineties. When it was first introduced, the original Mille was quite a machine and had little problem keeping up with its closest competition. Today, though, the V60 Magnesium engine is down by at least twenty-five horsepower to its main rivals, which is likely enough to keep it entirely out of contention for many. Indeed, those concerned only with outright acceleration may as well stop reading here.
Those who realize that a buck-twenty-five is still lots of power at the rear wheel will be rewarded with a powerplant that's quite refined. Right from idle, the fueling works well, though there is plenty of noise emanating from the crankcases at low RPMs. Unlike some inline fours, power builds in a mostly linear manner right on up to around 10,000 RPM, and there are more than enough ponies on tap to keep things very interesting on the street. There's not much need to rev past that power peak unless you see a corner coming up real quick and need the thousand RPM left for over-rev.
The chassis of the Aprilia truly shines and is never outdone by the powerplant. Grippy seventeen-inch tires are spooned on cast alloy rims. Step up to the Factory model for forged hoops along with many other niceties. Aprilia has nailed the RSV's handling dynamics and the it has classic sportbike geometry. Low bars and high-set pegs conspire to make the bike highly uncomfortable when running errands or commuting to work. Of course, that's not where any sporty liter bike is meant to play. When the roads turn twisty, the Aprilia comes into its own. Cornering clearance is plentiful and we never felt any hard parts touch down despite our best efforts to meet the limits.
High-quality components abound. The Öhlins fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping and preload, features TiN (Titanium Nitride) coated stanchions. That high-spec bit hanging off the frame both looks racy and works very well. The rear shock is adjustable for preload, compression and rebound. The rear end is actually height-adjustable, though we set it at the highest setting and left it for the duration of our testing. Brembo Triple Bridge radial front brake calipers clamp down hard on the dual 320 mm floating steel discs and make up for a very dead-feeling rear brake. We just forgot the rear brake existed completely unless we needed to make a correction mid-turn and didn't want to stand the bike back up.
We received plenty of compliments from casual passers-by, which proves that the Aprilia is still a looker. As increasingly complex shapes come from motorcycle styling departments, the Aprilia's classic good looks stand out. The most controversial view of the bike is from the front. Blocky, angular headlights bookend the gaping air scoop, which is ducted back to the large 10.3-liter airbox. While that ram air passageway may dominate the front view, its placement is dictated by the available high air pressure at the leading point of the bike.
We very much enjoyed the time we spent with the RSV 1000 R. Once the rider comes to grips with the fact that he's not riding the fastest bike on the street, there really is nothing not to like. Those who demand class-competitive power, however, should consider holding out for the Italian manufacturer's forthcoming V4-powered superbike. Now that Aprilia is flush with cash from its Piaggio takeover, the relative newcomer should have the cash on hand to match wits with the best from Ducati and Japan Inc. Considering the quality piece that the current RSV 1000 R is, we truly look forward to what comes next.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
hydrogenvodka 1:43PM (7/26/2008)
Its not THAT bad to hear from motorbikes on Autoblog. This is maybe too much detail... but well, we'll have to cope.
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Dave 3:01PM (7/26/2008)
I like it. I bet it's not cheap $$$.
Matt 3:01PM (7/26/2008)
I absolutely love the AB (and recently the ABG) reviews, however I have to say that this review kind've feels forced - like you guys wanted to try something new, weren't entirely certain how to make it come out, and when they finally got something, they weren't properly able to emphasize the bike's high-points versus the fact that it isn't at all competitive in the upper end of the market.
I realize I know little about bikes, so perhaps my opinion is skewed, but I figured I'd share.
Otherwise, great writing all-around, and absolutely love the reviews, AND the fact that manufacturers and the community in general seems to be giving Autoblog so much more credibility, which I'm assuming is why there's a new First Drive/AB Garage every couple days (which makes work SO much more entertaining by the way!) :)
Chris 2:38PM (7/26/2008)
I love it when there are motorcycle posts, I don't know any good motorcycle blogs so quality posts like this are great, even though this is supposed to a blog about cars. Anyone know a good motorcycle specific blog?
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easyrider425 3:49PM (7/26/2008)
Thekneeslider.com is about as good as it gets. motorcycledaily.com isn't bad though. I've got an upstart motocyclopedia.com
and p.s. autoblog this bike's been for-ever-er
easyrider425 3:51PM (7/26/2008)
*been around* that is
dave 1:44PM (7/27/2008)
The Kneeslider is pretty cool, but it's not really good for daily posts, also he's too heavy on ugly custom cruisers and freshman design projects for my taste. He still posts good stuff occasionally though. If you like your news a little more regular with less Harley stuff you should also check hellforleathermagazine.com. They're my morning news.
dave 1:50PM (7/27/2008)
The Kneeslider is pretty cool, but it's not really good for daily posts, also he's too heavy on ugly custom cruisers and freshman design projects for my taste. He still posts good stuff occasionally though. If you like your news a little more regular with less Harley stuff you should also check hellforleathermagazine.com. They're my morning news.
dux 2:44PM (7/26/2008)
Don't be a hater, bikes are great too! This review was a pleasant surprise.
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TTR 2:46PM (7/26/2008)
i made an account just to reply hydrogenvodka's post...no one is forcing you to read this post. its great that autoblog posts motorcycle news, they're usually of great quality and contain cool photos. if you don't like it or think that "it is too much detail", guess what? you dont HAVE to read it. but nooo, instead you post negative comments for god knows what reason...
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Matt 3:04PM (7/26/2008)
TTR:
I JUST posted a comment similar to the first guy's (the one you're replying to) post, and I have to say that... I read this TO give something new a chance, and personally I'm not trying to attack them or anything. Just figured I'd clarify in the event my post is taken out of context. :)
Sharone 2:46PM (7/26/2008)
Thank you for a bike post!
The biggest issue with Aprilia is it still needs more maintenance than J4 bikes. Also, the services tend to be costlier. Finally there's the price that is difficult to justify as Aprilia does not have the charm of a Ducati or even Kawasaki.
Aprilia should seriously consider the final assembly to India (to protect IP vs China) while retaining the engineering side to Italy. That's the only way they'll grow up to compete. The company has great potential but they need volumes desperately.
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TTR 2:49PM (7/26/2008)
i made an account just to reply hydrogenvodka's post...no one is forcing you to read this post. its great that autoblog posts motorcycle news, they're usually of great quality and contain cool photos. if you don't like it or think that "it is too much detail", guess what? you dont HAVE to read it. but nooo, instead you post negative comments for god knows what reason... i just cant understand why youd have a problem with the review being too detailed...its seems so stupid
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Rob 2:50PM (7/26/2008)
Price wise you might as well save $5-6000 (if you were to go for the Factory) and buy a literbike from one of the japanese. More for less. That being said I prefer the performance of the twins. I find them far easier to live with on the street and just as much or more fun on back roads. I'd take something like this or a used RC51 over the liter 4 pots. I'm glad Aprilia is sticking with twins for now. I also like the fact that unlike something like NASCAR, bike manufacturers still have a 'win on Sunday, sell on Monday' mentality for thier products.
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Tim 1:25AM (7/27/2008)
The sad truth for Aprilia, but the great news for us, is that they just don't sell that many bikes, so consequently they usually have tons of last years models left over, which means screaming deals for us.
One local Aprilia dealer centers his business around this fact. Sure, if you have to have a current model, he'll gladly sell you an RSV1000R Factory for $17,999, but if you can live with a brand new '07, you can get one for $12,999. That's a really good deal for a hell of a good bike.
Same deal with the Tuono, which is essentially an RSVR without a fairing and with tubular handlbars.
viceroy_fizzlebodum 3:18PM (7/26/2008)
I know a few friends who have owned Aprilias, and the consensus seems to be they are great bikes until you need replacement parts, which seem to be few and far between.
Aprilia needs to increase its dealer network if it wants to compete with the likes of Ducati and the Japanese manufacturers
It is also a shame that Aprilia doesn't sell a 250 anymore. We are in desperate need of more smaller bikes in the U.S. Right now I think Kawasaki is the only manufacturer that sells a 250 in the U.S. and its a perfect daily commuter/first motorcycle.
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 3:33PM (7/26/2008)
VF - great name by the way...
Aprilia just introduced a new 125cc 2 stroke bike to the market. Unfortunately, it is not street legal. How long till we start seeing them on the roads anyway?
JK
Michael 3:42PM (7/26/2008)
I still feel that Aprilia's v twin is the best sounding v twin in the world. Go to youtube and listen, their twins sound soooo good. Just type in "aprilia rsv exhaust" or something like that. And of course these recordings don't even do them justice.
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arturo 5:17PM (7/26/2008)
nice post. it is true that aprilla is a bit behind in performance in comparison to other manufacturers but it still if fast as hell. i own a zx6r and let me tell you that it gives me all the power i want, and it sounds great at higher rpms. i still love the vtwin sound in a sports motorcycle it just sounds nice.
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Russell 5:47PM (7/26/2008)
More Bikes Please....
Anything fun with a motor really...I dont want this to dissolve into a angry thread, but it really stands to reason that if you love cars, bikes are a point of common interest that many readers wold find interesting.
I even think that those euro only treats (ala KTM XBow...) would be appreciated by the bulk of readers.
going into hi-perf Jeeps and other off roaders is really the same thing.
And many car / bike enthusiasts love guitars too...but a review of that new Martin or Gibson would probably send some over the edge.
"in the midnight hour..."
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