Endurance test balance Aprilia RSV 1000 R

Endurance test results Aprilia RSV 1000 R

Braked joy

After more than 14,000 kilometers in tough everyday life with the 2004 model of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R, an ambivalent impression remains. This also applies to the braking system. Hui in front, ugh in the back.

Tire test with the RSV 1000 R, sometime last summer in Hockenheim. The black and silver Aprilia comes roaring wildly into the Motodrom. At the exit of the right-hand bend, not only the curbs, but also the small access road are integrated into the ideal line. No problem with the extremely stable chassis of the RSV. Briefly shifted up a gear, and then the Mille with the very good decelerating and finely responsive front wheel brake collapsed extremely before the Sachs curve. Maximum lean angle, low speed, but the pilot chases them out early on the gas
the Sachs curve out. So does super athlete? and the Aprilia R.SV 1000 R ?? drive the most fun.
The fact that everyday life does not only consist of Hockenheim and sunshine is clearly reflected in the logbook after a good 14,000 kilometers with the Aprilia. Why did the RSV 1000 R not unwind the full endurance test distance of 50,000 kilometers? Quite simply because in 2000 a 1999 model had covered the usual distance and the engine was already able to prove its stability (MOTORRAD 25/2000). So it is not surprising that the two-cylinder engine gave no cause for complaint in the chassis that was changed in 2004. At least not in terms of reliability.
On the other hand, many complained about the V2’s excellent performance characteristics. Clearly noticeable performance drops at 3500 and 6000 revolutions were annoying
in everyday operation as well as the ruppi-
ge response behavior in the lower speed range. And the idle search before
the red light often turned out
as a nerve-wracking game of chance. The reason: The hydraulics of the clutch had to be vented again and again so
these properly separated. But even with a perfectly functioning clutch, one thing is certain: the RSV 1000 R is clearly not made for city traffic and strolls.
But that was certainly not the intention of the Aprilia engineers. In contrast, the task of a rear brake is obvious. It should delay, and best with vehemence and well
dosable. That they just do this job
in exceptional cases to the satisfaction of the driver is also documented in the driver’s log. There is often talk of the rear stopper having little effect or total failure. The cause
for the brake collapse was quickly found. Ace with the clutch, air in the hydraulic system prevents an effective pressure build-up and thus prevents gripping
the toppings. The brake alone had to be bled seven times.
Like the air, however, in the system
is still unclear. Even
the RSV 1000 project manager, Mariano Fioravanzo, has not yet been able to explain this. There is therefore no definitive solution. For now it is on guarantee
the brake caliper is provided with an additional ventilation valve, which should only make ventilation necessary after several thousand kilometers. It remains to be seen whether this measure will help and how accommodating the solution will be for any other types of models that may be affected.
Relevant forums on the Internet confirm that this is not an isolated case. In the forum at www. italobike.de have already contacted the
50 Thousand drivers and some Tuono owners reported having the same problem
complain. And not only with the current RSV 1000 R, but also with the previous model built from 2000 onwards. The first statement from Aprilia that they had not known anything about this safety-relevant topic is astonishing. Only now, at the insistence of MOTORRAD and the German agency, are the Italians taking action.
A modified hydraulic cylinder of the clutch is supposed to solve the "air" problem in the 2005 RSV 1000 R. The components are exchanged on the affected machines under guarantee. It is to be hoped that the two deficiencies are actually eliminated and that the owners of older models are offered a satisfactory solution on a goodwill basis.
The arrangement of the indicator and horn button (indicator below, horn above), which takes some getting used to, which ensures that you horn more often when turning instead of flashing, is not a serious nuisance. Otherwise, the ergonomics on the Aprilia fit perfectly. Regardless of whether the driver measures 1.60 meters or just under two meters, the seating position is correct. The high windshield is particularly pleasing. Even longer stretches of motorway with
high speed thanks to the good wind protection and the stable chassis
possible. AT source of joy is the
incomparable sound of the two-cylinder, powerful in the upper speed range. The moderate consumption of between 6.3 and 7.5 liters is also okay for fast stages. Anyone who blows at full throttle across the motorway in the Aprilia will hardly notice the rear-view mirrors, in which you can see little apart from your own forearms. The lack of consideration on country roads or in city traffic is really annoying.
The rearview mirrors on the racetrack are completely superfluous. Which brings us back to the aforementioned drawn test in Hockenheim. In the Motodrom the hour of Michelin Pilot Power strikes (see tire recommendation on page 64), and all the annoyance about air in the rear brake,
hooked transmission, the desperate search for idling and the inharmonious power delivery in the lower speed-
area dissolves into pure driving pleasure.
A great motorcycle ?? until the journey home through the heavy rush hour traffic.

Endurance test balance Aprilia RSV 1000 R

Braked joy

Recommended tire: Bridgestone BT 014

The Bridgestone pairing harmonizes despite good grip and own-
The RSV 1000 R does not dampen properly. This is primarily due to the front tire. On the one hand, it worsens the handling, and on the other hand, there is a lack of clear feedback to build the necessary trust in the tire. While the rear tire good-naturedly heralds the limit, the front tire leaves the driver in the dark as to how far he can go. Slippery ground in the form of moisture makes the discomfort even worse. With this performance, the Bridgestone BT 014 can only be recommended for vacation tours.

Recommended tire: Continental Force Max

During the last drawn test in MOTORRAD 11/2004 the Conti
Force Max did very well in size 120/70 and 180/55, the wider 190 rear tire is not consistently convincing. The good one
Self-damping is offset by a clear pitching moment when braking and worse handling than with the Michelin pairing. Except-
The rear tire this starts, especially under heavy loads on the racetrack, over the flank
to work hard. The result is an increased temperature and thus a loss of grip. On the positive side: the good-natured behavior at the limit. Conclusion: comfortable, suitable for a leisurely tour.

Recommended tire: Dunlop D 207 RR

The orientation of the Dunlop D 207 RR is similar to the Michelin
Pilot power. The pointed contour of the front tire gives a great-
Handy, almost wobbly driving behavior and offers very good feedback in an inclined position. Disadvantages of this tire combination, which are in
first and foremost noticeable on the country road are the high altitude-
torque when braking and the poor self-damping. The wide border area of ​​the rear tire and the real front tire, on the other hand, are a good combination for the racetrack. In the sum-
In terms of properties, however, the Dunlop lags behind the Michelin Pilot Power.

Recommended tire: Michelin Pilot Power

The Pilot Power lives up to its name. Feels most comfortable
the Aprilia with this tire combination on the racetrack. Here the Michelins can combine their high level of grip with the
The best way to exploit good feedback in an inclined position and put the competition in their place. The great handling with the French
Rubbers could almost be described as nervous; however, it doesn’t bother on the slopes any more than the low level of comfort due to poor self-absorption. Conclusion: perfect for the racetrack, small loss of comfort in everyday life. The high level of grip and the confidence-building feedback are very good in wet conditions.

Pirelli Diablo

The Pirelli Diablo is a real all-rounder and the recommendation for the Aprilia RSV 1000 R. With its good self-damping, the stable driving behavior and the low pitching tendency when braking, you are not only very comfortable, but also very fast. On the racetrack as well as on country roads, the Diablo scores with its good grip and high steering precision. Disadvantage: In direct comparison to the competition, the Diablo loses-
Aprilia frosted something of her superb handiness. In addition, even a few fast laps in Hockenheim are clearly visible in the running image, which does not speak for a long service life in racing.

Aprilia takes a position

…to the problem with the rear brake:
We are aware of the problem, but it occurs
only in a very small percentage of the RSV models. In these cases
the entry of air into the brake cylinder leads to a reduction in the braking force. After we became aware of the first case, we immediately investigated and, of course, tried,
to recreate the problem. However, the effect did not occur on our test vehicles.
Nevertheless, the customers concerned are of course right to complain.

…to solve this problem:
Together with our supplier Brembo, we have developed a short-term solution: An additional vent valve on the brake pump makes it more effective
Venting enabled. So is the problem? if any ?? occur only after several thousand kilometers. The additional valve is now part of the ongoing series production. In the case of customer motorcycles of the type »ZD4RR« on which the problem occurs, it goes without saying
Retrofitting warranty. We will inform our entire dealer network about the measure by the end of March at the latest, but at the same time we will continue to follow the phenomenon.

…on the question of goodwill with older models:
We will try to be concerned
Models, also of the Tuono and Falco types,
for which the warranty period has already expired, an accommodating and for the customer be-
to find a peaceful solution.

…to the difficulties with the clutch:
The 2005 model year of the RSV already got a new pump, which the
automatic venting facilitated. The component will be used on affected customer motorcycles (note: only type "ZD4RR")
exchanged on guarantee.

Related articles

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *