Anyone changed from a G/J/A1P Ninja ZX-6R to an Aprilia RSV?

I'm contemplating changing from my J1 ZX-6R to an RSV (probably around 02-04 plate). Just wondering if anyone else has made a similar change and if so any comments/thoughts on it? I'm expecting the fuel economy to be a fair bit worse (!) but I'm also wondering whether the full "sports" riding position is that much worse than the J1?

I went from a ZXR750 (L1 - 93 model) to a 748SP and then one to two RSV's. world never go back to an inline four, and the only advice I would offer is find a couple and test ride them. I'd be very surprised if you don't end up getting one after trying an RSV.

de ja vu. Seen this exact post on the mcnninja site lol.

Philly46 Did exactly this only a year ago. A ZX6R G2 to an 04 RSV-R
I did ZX6E2 to an 04 RSV1000R myself, but your position question needs Phil's input.

ZX-6 r to SP 1 then 02 RSV- R I'm 6'2" 15 stone and use mine for a 120 mile commute to be honest it's all going to depend on how it feels for you, as Mumbo said test ride one ,but again I wouldn't go back to an inline 4 the sp1 was nice, couldn't beat the Honda build quality. I test rode an 08 rsv factory but decided on an older one for my own preference I liked the feel of the older model new rear sets might sort out final tweaks for comfort but most older bikes have had all the mods done already.

G2 to 02 Mille.
Bike is not all cramped or full on sports riding position.
It is a little heavier on the wrists but not ass up head down at all. there is plenty of room onboard as the bike is quite tall really.
Fuel consumption is more. I get about 100 or so miles to the light but the tank is small fill up from light is about 17-18 litres.
The ZX6R was a fast bike for a 600 and the Mille is a totally different beast. It takes some getting used to as at first I thought it was a bit slow but its just different.
Out of the corners you can crack the power on earlier and harder and it pulls like a train from low down in the revs.
Traffic light drag race I recon would be close between the old 6R and the Mille though.
I saw 160 on the 6R and have only cracked about 140 on the Mille so far but is less about the full on thrash and more about riding the massive torque.
In the bends it feels very neutral, holds line like its on rails and feels totally planted, I was scratching roundabouts in the first few weeks no problems at all.

pieman said:

de ja vu. Seen this exact post on the mcnninja site lol.

Click to expand...

LMAO yeah I'm on there too so thought I'd post on both sites and get both sides of the fence, so to speak

I think you'll find a Mille a **** load better than a zx6
No substitute for cubes as our colonial cousins say
It depends how you ride your bike ,with a 600 you can feel like a riding god ,screaming The **** of it everywhere
Bigger bikes ,especially v twins revel in short shfting ,less work for the same speed
See the rev counter on your 6 ? Sometimes takes a long time to go all the way round
On a thou ,you don't need to 6k ish then next gear
It's not for everyone tho , best keep your 6 and buy the Mille

Up up up up, Chúc ch? th?t d?t hÃ*ng

eh cha a ch ? WTF

I went from a 2002 ZX9R to an 2003 RSV, straight line the ZX was faster but the RSV is better in every other way, and gives me alot bigger smile.

I went from a G2 to a TLR and tbh I loved the twin thing but the 600 had its pants down in the twisties. Now so far as I can tell my RSV is a corner and straight line tool. Its less flighty in the bends than my R1 too mind Im sure I was faster on the R1 but that might just be a feeling as its alot lighter. As the others have said test ride one, I bet you fall in love lol

Hi Jim, I went from a G1 zx6r to an 07 factory, riding position took a little getting used too but it's not that bad, I'm 3 months in and wouldn't go back, it continues to surprise me of what is capable in the bends and has made me a smoother rider as a result. On the zxr I would redline every straight, hammer on the brakes for the bends and prey I made it round, on the factory I don't bother on the straights as much as all the fun is to be had in the bends.
Definitely try one before you buy, the throttle seems to be an on or off switch to begin with but I was quite ham fisted to start with and it felt so narrow compared to the ninja. Overall it's taken me 3 months to get to grips with it but don't see me ever going back to il4 again, it's far too much fun and they sound great with a set of cans

Hi. I went from a J1 to a 2008 RSVR in white of course. Amazing power on the Aprilia and all the extras you buy for the Kwaka are standard on the Aprilia. I love the sound, riding position (6'2") and race bike feel. Don't think I will ever go back to Japanese.

I went from an A1P to a Gen 2 RSV-R (2009 model with Ohlins forks)...although I still have the Kwak as it's fun thrashing a 600 once in a while.hehe

The way the two bikes ride, handle, perform, etc. is like comparing chalk and cheese. The Kwak is more frantic and needs to be worked to get the best out of it, as the Aprilia is more lazy with the way it delivers its extra thrust. The Aprilia chassis is far superior, and when combined with the motor, I generally find myself exiting fast sweepers 20mph faster than on the ZX-6R. The brakes, too, are monsters in comparison, being radial Brembo's clamping bigger discs.

On the Kawasaki, the riding position will feel more sports-tourer after the Aprilia, but I prefer the more extreme riding position of the RSV. Fuel economy does suffer, though; I typically get 30mpg compared to 40mpg before, but it's worth it. Tyre wear is also increased, especially if you ride it properly and drive it hard on exits; this bike thrives when attacking corners.

If you are able to adapt to the difference of a V-twin's performance, you will love it!

I bought an 02 Blade the other week - my RSVR is a track bike now and I'm getting pissed off sat in traffic for half of my weekly 500 mile drive to work and back. More comfy than the Aprilia, but that's about it. It's quick, don't know if it's faster than the Aprilia, but handling and brakes don't compare, in my opinion you can't get better than Ohlins and Brembos.
It's not that I don't like the Blade, but I like my Aprilia a helluva lot more - and I'm happy to save using it for trackdays.

Call it a cheesy old cliche, but Italian bikes have a soul, or a personality - Jap bikes have never managed to do that yet.