Aprilia RSV Mille 1000

Ultra-exotic, extremely high performance V-twin motorbike that rocks on the race track but is a handful on the road. The Aprilia RSV Mille 1000 is certainly not for the inexperienced rider. Its looks are distinctive and the state-of-the-art engine sounds like the meanest bike out there. It comes with a reasonable price tag, but its reliability is not so good.

RSV Mille 1000 Review

The Aprilia RSV Mille 1000 has a v-twin engine with a compact 70 degree angle between the cylinders and a dry sump to ensure constant lubrication. Low down torque is plentiful, midrange is muscular and the motorbike's top end rush’s exhilarating – if not quite a match for the four cylinder Japanese rival motorbikes.

The motorbike is tall, slender, quite a handful and works best with a rider who can show it who’s boss. Hard suspension’s a pain on bumpy roads but divine on the track or good road surfaces. The RSV Mille 1000 is more comfy above the speed limit than below it. Slightly heavier than Japanese rival motorbikes but carries it well.

The RSV Mille's comfort is not great. The narrow, tall riding position suits some bikers better than others and tends to put a lot of pressure on the wrists. Pillion accommodation is also poor. The clocks, however, is quite comprehensive. Official extras for the motorbike include an alarm and a range of Aprilia approved exhausts made by Akrapovic.