Aprilia RSV

[rac3r]

OK so the other thread failed epically (see the last post) but it sent me to this bike. How would an RSV compare to a 600? something like a C1H? (Hopefully slower )

And also general comments from owners (again)


____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Villers]

I didnt have the C1H but I did have the C6F which was very similar! Ive also currently got an RSVR currently so hopefully Im qualified to help!

What kind of comparison are you after? If speeds a big interest then I can tell you the RSV is only marginally quicker than the 2009 ZX6R, which at first (coming from the hayabusa) was quite disappointing, but the 636 was a very fast bike that shocked me when I first tried out!

Physically the kawasaki is like a small cholds toy in comparison but its an overall smooth well put together bike. The riding position is like a torture rack as you would expect and the engine is as sweet as a nut. The engine was a bit of a downfall for me sometimes, especially when it would be screaming its tits off and I was just trying to get to work!

The RSV is taller and te weight is far different. Despite the ohlins and brembos its quite no frills. Theres no fancy clock surrounds or fairing infills. The less than legendary build quality is apparent here and there but its solid where it counts. The engine is stonking, simple as that and works better for me as an all round package. It doesnt have the epic torque everywhere like some would have you believe but what it does have is very useful.

Handling is a difficult one as Im still getting used to the RSV. The kwack was very light footed and could out handle me and my expectations at times. Sometimes it seemed like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut though, as if I was taking a track car down a farm track. Arse off the seat was common but a set up would have helped. The Aprillia has more weight in the corners and feels more planted but I need more time to get used to it.

Just my opinions but if you want to ask anything else feel free!
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[rac3r]

Perfect! Yeah you've got the comparison there, power and weight. I want the slower out of the 2

I'm not sure if I'd like an IL4 because I love the way the V twin is and that sound! but if the RSV is a bit of a handful the 6r is what I would choose. Oddly enough the insurance is now the same between the two as well.

In my position being relatively new what would you choose?
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Villers]

With the amout of power both have either can be a handful. My biggest concern around the RSV and a new rider would be the height and weight of it as opposed to the shortie lighweight six.

Dont get hung up on the speed of them though. Neither will have you accidentally cracking the ton or anything daft. They both still have to be worked to go fast. Neither are going to rip your arms out of their sockets (contrary to the impressions you will get from the first ride) or pull you off the back.

The RSV, being the lumpy twin, will need a bit more control at lower speeds than the IL4 would. The common sprocket mods will help with this.

Thing is theres for and against for both. I definately think that RSV is more difficult to ride slow and manouvre at a standstill. However the power spread can mean you can travel at realistic speeds without kicking its head in. Ive always found this much more pleasurable than wringing an IL4's neck or listening to it droning on at 85mph. For the IL4 the 636 is good and it will feel pretty quick throughout the bottom range at first and if you dont know any different or better then you won't be bothered.

Other things to consider with the big V-Twin is that it will lock up the rear on the downshift fairly easily, although there is some kind of back torque limiting device I don't believe it works very well. It would be easy for an inexperienced rider to do this, although to be fair you could do the same on a SV650 if you were careless. There are other niggles with the RSV such as the clutch problems and the rear brake issue but nether are bothering me at the moment.

For me you would have to take the RSV a bit more seriously at first than the ZX6. Whilst the kawasaki is a fantastic bike with great performance im inclined to say it has a lot more point and squirt potential than the Ape. Ultimtaely, for me, that makes the italian a more rewarding experience.

Lastly, and Ive put this last because its purely tart factor, is the desireability. They both have some good toys. The Kawa has the digital dash, programmable shift light and slipper clutch. The visiual appearance of the dash and yokes is very racy. The RSV is very similar although it has a more unfinished minimalistic look to the dash. It has the same shift light etc as well as a few on board computer settings and a supposed back torque limiter (which I will be grilling some memmbers of RSVzone later about!) but it also has the brembos, hydraulic clutch, ohlins and that amazing V-twin sound. To put it simply the RSV sits in the carpark at work with all sorts of bikes, there can be 30 at a time in there ranging from brand new to one thats 30 years old. From where I sit a lot more people are drawn to my RSV and the tuono that parks there. The fact being that they are seemingly rarer and probably seen as a bit more exotic. Out and about it gets lots of looks and attention. None of that is important but has been a good side effect for me so far.

Lastly, the RSV had been a bit of a dream of mine since I owned the RS125 and its something I thought I woudl never get. I have different criteria for bikes than some of the purists in that it has to grab my heart before I even find out the details of what it is and what it does. Ive been pleasantly suprised by my RSV and I understand that they are not universally liked by the litre IL4 riders as they dont reach the bar on the outright performance but as a compromise between the two I like mine.

I think Im starting to ramble!
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[rac3r]

My monster has a slipper clutch so I haven't experienced the lock up thing. I completely agree on your last point as well I don't want to get the Rsv and have to tip toe every where because i'm scared it's going to spit me off. Size wise the 636 is perfect as is the weight which is less than my duc. I need to find an Rsv to have a sit on

It's your last point that kind of has me hanging on to the Rsv, maybe I should let it go
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Villers]

I dont know if the RSV is more likely to spit you off or not to be fair. Like I said though, don't get hung up on the power side of it as both have enough to cause problems.

Ok, downsides (from my perspective)

RSV:

Physical size can be awkward
Needs to be kept on top of with electrics and cleaning
Not overly impressive MPG
Dubious finish

Ninja:

Back breaking, wrist aching position (worse than the aprilia!!)
Shrill noisy engine
Usual 600 low down performance (with a slight improvement)
Kawasaki
Very lightweight, feels a bit plasticcy

Neither bike is perfect. For me both have stonking performance that put a big smile on my face. Both are absolutely gorgeous. Both are good value for what they are.

Its up to you mate, I like them both. For me right now I like my RSV more than I liked my 636 as it feels more substantial to ride. others might find that a reason not to like it. I loved being a hooligan on the 636 too. As bikes are an individual choice I don't believe one can be better than the other but the Aprilia is perhaps the least sensible choice owing to potential issues. I might be different to others in that I knew the risks, knew it wouldnt measure up to the IL4 thousands in the power stakes but knew that it was the only bike I wanted that I could afford.

The choice is yours bud!

https://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/villersCBR/rsv.jpg
https://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/villersCBR/01092010124.jpg
https://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/villersCBR/RSVC.jpg
https://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/villersCBR/RSVA.jpg
https://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/villersCBR/silverninja.jpg
https://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c186/villersCBR/bars636.jpg
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[rac3r]

Arrgghh my head is going to explode!

The RSV is a fair bit cheaper to buy as well, the niggles aren't a problem as long as they aren't major (I am coming from a Ducati after all)

I'll just have to go and have a sit on both and see which I feel comfortable on. Being a little match stick man doesn't help on the RSV front

Thanks for the help
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Villers]

Im not exactly massive myself though. Im about 5'8 ish and knocking on 11.5-12 stone!
____________________
RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[MarkJ]

What year of RSV are you looking at? Villers' is the 2004- model, the cheaper ones are the 98-03. I can give you some info on the earlier models if you like (I have an 02), but if you're looking at the 04- I'll keep quiet

[MinhDinh]

I have always wanted the RSV too.

Having the RS125, I use to see it in the Aprillia Centre. It is huge but it does have a sense of 'not just another bike' feeling for me.

You know I have just got the 636 (BIH), and it is very nippy. I am faster than my friend who has a 2010 GSXR 600. It is the right size for me, and I am 5 foot 8. The bike is easy to filter once you get use to it, and not so easy to corner at first, but now I am very use to it.

The paint is easy to scratch on the tank, but you can just be extra careful I guess.

The gearbox is a little clunky, but everything else is very nice for me.

As for the seat cowl racer, can I think about it. Cheer mate
____________________
Hit the G spot.

[rac3r]

[MarkJ]

Spit-fire off here asked for info through a PM a while ago, so this is pretty much regurgitated from the PM I sent:

The 98-03 RSVs had a Rotax engine, as opposed to Villers' model which had an engine made by aprilia. The 98-03's engine is (apparently) less peaky than the 04-. The only problem with the 98-03 is you get a judder from idle to 3k due to the poor fuelling they have. I have a 2002 'R' so has all the ohlins gubbins, which to be honest I find a little OTT for the road, although I do think I have it set up a bit too hard. I think the 98-00 made a bit less power than the 01-03.

It has a reasonably tall seat height which I find good (6'1"). I do find that it puts a lot of weight on your wrists, and is only really comfortable above 40mph. I find that it's an absolute pig round town due to the high gearing, and heavy clutch. Also, indicating off of roundabouts is a real pain, as you have to feather it round in first due to the high gearing, but the indicator switch is below the horn, so you can't reach it whilst using the clutch!

Last year I probably used it more on track than the road and it all makes perfect sense there. The brakes on them (Brembo) are razor sharp and have so much feel, and the Ohlins is perfect for track work. And it absolutely loves being thrashed it's just a pain on the road because it makes double the NSL speedlimit seem so effortless.

Also, insurance is a lot cheaper than other litre sportsbikes.

[rac3r]

Thanks Markj!

The stutter below 3k and crap gearing is exactly the same as the Ducs so hopefully I'm used to that, it's just the size and weight now so I have to go and see one.

What is servicing like?
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[MarkJ]

Major service is roughly every 10k (I can't remember the exact miles off the top of my head) which isn't brilliant tbh. The major one is valve clearances, throttle body balance and carbon monoxide levels check (I don't know how to do the CO levels, not sure if this is actually part of the throttle body set up). My service indicator on the dash is on and I've been putting it off for a while.

I've not owned a Japanese super duper sports bike before, so don't know if this sort of service interval is the norm. I assume it's a bit more frequent than a Jap bike.

[rac3r]

I've never owned a jap bike either but again the interval is better than what I have now

But after Seb's recommendation I think the Falco is perfect for me so that's where I'm heading hopefully!
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[G]

Expect valves to be at least 15/16k on a jap sports 4 generally I believe; in some cases more than that.

I think some test rides are definitely in order, though of course it doesn't tell the whole picture - for instance you might not like the revvy 600 when you first ride it, then over time come to like it as you get used to it.

[MarkJ]

I've managed to find the manual on the internet. Valve clearances are every 9375 miles (15,000km) and 'cylinder synchronisation' is every 4687 miles (7,500km). They're the only big things in there really, all the rest is check bearings, replace brake fluid, tighten nuts (ouch) etc etc.

[L4Isoside]

rac3r you know I'm looking at the C1h now your also making me look at the Aprillia

Just to give my stance/opinion on things, i think that maybe its a better idea to stick with the 600 for now, then if you ever want to change or upgrade atleast you still have the RSV if you want it, where as if you go to the RSV and want to change, going to the kawak may feel like a bit of a downgrade or let down etc.

[rac3r]

Thanks again MarkJ!

G you're right but someone on a restricted licence who looks about 12 is barely allowed to sit on a bike let alone test ride one

Once mine is sold I'll go and take a look at them all
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[rac3r]

[St0rmer66]

Falco has the exact same engine as the RSV, but slightly lower tuned (you can get it back to the same with some easy-ish mods). The RSV swingarm also fits, the ohlins rear shock from an RSVR also goes straight in so you can get it like a comfortable RSV pretty easily...

That said, I love my RSV-R. Some photos in my sig (bit outdated now). I've put an open airbox, race can (Akrapovic), eprom (chip on ECU, modified the exhaust headers (extra balance pipe) and put the 57mm (up from 51mm) throttle bodies from the later bike on it. Then got it remapped!

Here's a video of it on the Dyno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyPzKefGAGU

In short, I love this bike. Puts a smile on my face every time. It's not the most comfortable bike on the wrists but it makes up for that by having plenty of room everywhere else (legs don't feel cramped etc). It handles brilliantly (especially with the R model Ohlins) and looks special .

Simple fix for the low down fuelling is a smaller front sprocket (I went from 17t to 16t) but some people go as far as 15t on the front or 16t and then up on the rear! Makes it much smoother and picks up better all through the gears.

I went from an SV650S (65bhp) to this and it felt "right" .
____________________
:: Honda XR 125 L ('53) => Kawasaki GPZ 500S ('02) => Suzuki SV650S ('00) => Aprilia RSV-R ('51) ::

[rac3r]

You're the dude from the other forum right?

I will have to go and see both and see which one fits! The RSV definitely looks better but the Falco might be more 'practical'...

I'm confused all over again
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[G]

[rac3r]

I'll give it go, I wish we had the ones I wanted at work. it would make life a bit easier
____________________
Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Misc]

Why are the early 2000> RSVR's so cheap then? Seems you can pick one up for the same price as a first gen R6. Especially when the Aprillia comes with all the bling & not very common.