Motorcycle tryout: Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory

March 30th, 2005 Jesper | View blog reactions

A few days ago I had the chance to take an Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory for a short spin. First thing you notice when shifting from a bike like mine (Honda Hornet 919), to a race oriented bike like the RSV, is the riding position. I must have looked quite stupid when I drove out of the parking lot. The back protector was pushing my head down preventing me from seeing, arms and legs was fluttering about finding the right place to rest, and the visor was all steamy from the commotion.

After a quick stop to get my gear in place and find the right position on the bike, I was off. Aprilia have a different control setup than most other bikes. You can always tell if the rider is not used to riding Aprilia. When he stops for a turn, he beeps the horn, and maybe once again when he takes off. Explanation: the horn and turn signal switch are reversed, compared to most other bikes. Even though I’ve tried Aprilia bikes before, I did it once or twice anyway.

With the riding position and controls all sorted out and the mind switched to “Italian mode” you quickly realise that this bike is a marvellous piece of machinery. If you thought the Falcon was fun, wait till you try this mother. I found the pull incredible, oh such beautiful torque. You soon find yourself looking for stretches of clear road and aggressively roll the gas, just to feel the bike charge the road in front of you. It’s indeed an addictive feeling. Maybe half of the thrill is in the roar of the exhausts. Even with the stock pipes, the rumble is deep and grumpy.

Unfortunately I couldn’t dispose of the bike for very long. Having fun with the acceleration capabilities, I totally forgot to pay attention to the handling of the bike. Except that it seems to be very proud of its front tyre, it repeatedly raised it in the air as to show it off. Other than that I have nothing to notice. That is probably a good thing I guess, it means that it handles so well that you just concentrate on riding.

If you’re into race bikes and have a weak spot for V-engines. You can’t make your decision without having tried this bike. I haven’t tried the Ducati race bikes yet, but it’ll be hard to find anything else that can compete with the Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory

First impression rating: First impression rating 4/5 helmets

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe today by email or RSS.

9 Responses to “Motorcycle tryout: Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory”

Anonymous March 31st
As a ‘00.5 Aprilia RSVR owner, I have successfully made the full transition to the V-twin lifestyle from the past ‘condition’ of inline 4’s on my R1, YZF’s, CBR’s etc. While I’ll never say never, I can’t see me retruning to the inlines any time soon, and since I added an Aprilia Caponord to the stable, I am quite happy with the brand!

angrybob - motorcyclebloggers.com
Jesper April 6th
Thank you for commenting Angrybob.
Yes they do make nice machines. Good luck with your new found lifestyle.
dave November 1st
I saw this 1000 looks really good wish I could aford it though. What do you think?

http://www.motorcycleconnect.com/bike/12/2004_APRILIA_ROAD_RST_1000_FUTURA/
Shahid Ali Khattak December 23rd
i want to buy aprilia RSV 1000 F. Sports size bike so if you provide me this one so a lot thanks for it
i belong to pakistan (NWFP) District Mardan
kindly give me so suggestion that how i gain this one and also tell that through which way i can buy it
thanks
Mongoose June 26th
i Own a RSV 1000 Aprilia, i always get commets on how beautiful the bike is and some people dont even know what kind of bike it is, I think the rsv 1000 is a awesome ride
Jesper June 26th
It is, Mongoose, one of the best 1000cc sport bikes you can get.
bj July 24th
two solid aprilia reviews:

http://www.octanetv.com/?movieID=m400

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSdA0dtMu30
Rafe November 16th
Hell, i just traded my K4 gixer 750 in for a Factory RSV. They told me (all the magazines) that the gixer 750 was the best bike ever - not even close! The Aprilia is so precise and exact through corners, the hard suspension only ‘bumps’ once through bad b roads and no drama, never running wide on the power when exiting the twisty corners, i defy and bike to come close to handling like the Factory. Oh, and the engine, forget sparrow fart spinning like an idiot in-line fours, i dont care how big you make em or how fast you spin em; this is the dogs!
i’m totally converted.
Long live the King, long live Aprilia
Yasin January 10th
Im a owner of a Aprilia
RSV 1000 its a awesome ride

greetings from Holland