Thinking about a rsv, advice please.

[EVILSON]

Hi all, thinking about a 2004 rsv maybe a Millie, what sort of issues do they have with them? What to look for when buying? I've heard about cracked swing arms, sprag, what about reliability issues ect
As in depth as possible if you can, major problems to the tinniest, cost of maintance.
Just fancy a big twin again but the jap ones just don't do it for me.
Thanks all.
Mark

[Elapid]

They are ok but if you are used to an inline 4 litre bike like I was it seems like there is sod all power. Handling is spot on once set up properly though. I'd still swap for an inline 4 if I could though. Compared to my old fireblade the brakes feel very soft too even with new pads no matter how much I bleed them but that could be psychological.

The standard clutch slave cylinder is crap but an after market one can be fitted in 10 minutes and solves the problems.


Another common problem is the fuel tank are made of nylon so modern fuel with the bio crap causes them to warp and stops the tank sealing around the fuel pump. I remade and flattened the bottom of my tank with chemical metal and solved the problem.

The biggest issue is parts. Every time I've needed something I've phoned a different parts dealer and been promised it was in stock only to wait 3 weeks while they got it sent it over from Italy. I made the mistake of ordering a part and realising I needed something else once it arrived and missing out on the best 6 weeks weather mid summer.

Reliability it has been great as long as I ride it at least a few times a week otherwise the battery dies. That is easily fixed with the common rectifier mod and a battery tender if you have a garage. The main issue I had was the starter solenoids dying constantly. Went through 3 in 3 weeks until I put one in meant for a scooter and not had an issue since.

They are decent enough bikes it just wasn't what I wanted but was all I could afford at the time.

[scorcher]

The biggest issue is parts. Every time I've needed something I've phoned a different parts dealer and been promised it was in stock only to wait 3 weeks while they got it sent it over from Italy. I made the mistake of ordering a part and realising I needed something else once it arrived and missing out on the best 6 weeks weather mid summer.

That's what puts me off having a new Tuono. I've read of people waiting for 6 months or more for parts for Aprilias. Can't be arsed with that in the middle of a dry spell!

[goatpants]

Why do you need to buy new? Fleabay is your friend.

[AIS]

Its an Aprilia, so dont

[scorcher]

Why do you need to buy new? Fleabay is your friend.

Not new, new. Just the newer model that would be new to me. But then you knew that didn't you!

[Rsv4Col]

I've had the gen 2 Rsv & an Rsv4 from new and never once had an issue with either

[rsv_man]

I have had many RSV'S & apart from back brakes not working (easy fix) I have never had any issues.
Nothing wrong with the front brakes as you don't need to use them that hard (use the engine breaking).
I also had an 03 mille track bike, fantastic bit of kit......fast group every time but nowadays they lose out on top end with the modern superbikes. But you still get them back on the bends.
Ive had 2001 RSVR, 2002 Haga rep, 2003 RSVR, 2005 Factory. The best one was the 2003 RSVR in my opinion.