Cult bike Aprilia RSV Mille

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Cult bike Aprilia RSV Mille

Cult bike Aprilia RSV Mille

Aprilia RSV mille

We want to play in the superbikes, announced Aprilia in the mid-1990s. Yes, yes, everyone smiled indulgently. In 1998 the Aprilia RSV Mille came to us. Nobody smiled anymore.

L.After all, you are afraid that you have got used to upgraded giant enduros or luxury tourers and have to acknowledge that there is a lot of engineering in these ships. Around 20 years ago, the supreme discipline of motorcycle construction was clearly called: Superbike, ie athletes from 750 cc. In this segment there were only big names – Fireblade, R1, GSX-R 750 and ZX 9 and – as exotic – Ducati’s epoch-making 916.

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Cult bike Aprilia RSV Mille

Cult bike Aprilia RSV Mille
Aprilia RSV mille

Aprilia took heart and wanted admission to this illustrious circle. That was very, very brave. And very, very justified: At the 1997 Milan trade fair, the northern Italians showed their Aprilia RSV Mille, which had cost millions.

Cylinder spread only 60 degrees

The 916 had already proven that two cylinders are sufficient for proper performance even in this class, and just like Suzuki with the TL 1000 R, Aprilia is now following this line. A very special collaboration with the Austrian engine manufacturer Rotax had already proven its worth with the Enduro Pegaso and many smaller models: the engines were designed and built in Gunskirchen according to specifications from Noale. Together they had agreed on a rather compact V2 – and therefore the cylinders were only spread by 60 degrees.

The throttle valve bodies of the injection system from top Japanese specialist Nippon Denso just fit into the V-neck, and two balance shafts take care of any vibrations. The Rotax people were also able to keep the cylinder heads, which are typically equipped with four valves and two camshafts, fairly flat, and thanks to dry sump lubrication, the Aprilia RSV Mille’s engine remains pretty slim at the bottom. It almost disappears into the massive aluminum bridge frame, which stretches in a bold swing from the stiff steering head to the mounting of the equally powerful, almost sculpturally shaped swing arm. Delicious welding seams, adjustable foot levers or forged chain tensioners are just as flattering to the customer’s eye.

The design philosophy followed Japanese models

In contrast to Ducati, Aprilia’s design philosophy tended to follow Japanese models, only the triangular headlight is remembered as a characteristic. The life story of Aprilia RSV Mille shows how much that counts. It impressed from the start in all possible tests, and in particular took the Ducati off the hook. An unbelievably mature overall package to which the technicians had not only added a lot of suitability for everyday use, but also racing spirit, temperament and security.

The engine inspires with equally harmonious and powerful power delivery, only shortly before 10,000 rpm does it gradually run out of temper. The chassis plays along steadfastly, shining with crystal-clear feedback and almost digital steering precision. All in all, a direct hit, and that with the first try. Later it turned out that the processing quality of the Aprilia RSV Mille is well above the Italian, yes European average, but what use is it? The nicer motorcycle sold better, and one day we will also see many 916s and a few million in museums. Nothing is so hard as man’s ingratitude.

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