Confusion reigns

Ok, so I have recently bought a 2003 (on a Jan 04 reg) Mille R after doing a fair bit of homework on the usual, what's good, what's not etc etc etc. So far I'm impressed though I haven't had much time in the saddle yet due to weather mostly. Bit wet here. I decided I would start giving it a bit of a check over and deal with fluid changes, filters, plugs and the like as it hasn't seen much use in the last 3 years. This led to some interesting observations based on my, granted limited, knowledge of these bikes. Cue hours of trawling the internet for clues. TBH, this has raised more questions than answers.

I was of the belief that the gen1 Milles had twin spark heads? Correct? Not mine. It has single spark heads which made me wonder if it had been changes to a gen2 lump but the engine number matches the VIN. Also it is the NG as expected but there is also an RR prefix which if I am right refers to the "magnesium" engine of the RSVRs yes? only I don't have the mag bits ha ha. Incidentally the rear spark plug is a bit white and dusty. Lean? Front Is spot on. Is this just a throttle body balance issue?

As it has a Remus slip on and BMC filter I thought I would see if it has a PC3 fitted (nope) or a suitable EPROM. Well...The ECU case is marked "Colin Edwards" and the EPROM has a yellow sticker with EDWARDS printed on it. Is this suitable? Or at least safe for the engine?

This is my 1st Aprilia having come from the usual Japanese sportsbike background so my knowledge of their production is limited. Similar to Ducati's "We have this frame, this engine and these electronics on the shelves, let's put them together" approach or more likely to be a case of previous owners messing?

Apart from that, It's yellow, epic and has a slightly clunky gearbox with a draggy clutch and a near impossible to find neutral. all normal there ha ha. Those fixes I have found answers to. as for the above?...help?

Thanks.

Can't help with the more technical questions, but as for clunky gearbox and impossible to find neutral. Definatly NOT the norm, unless I have the exception to prove the rule.
Never had a problem finding neutral first time every time. And I've had a lot more clunks from japanesse and english gearboxes.

Jeff

xtriple said:

Can't help with the more technical questions, but as for clunky gearbox and impossible to find neutral. Definatly NOT the norm, unless I have the exception to prove the rule.
Never had a problem finding neutral first time every time. And I've had a lot more clunks from japanesse and english gearboxes.

Jeff

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in my experience clutch drag DEFINITELY causes problems finding neutral. Gearboxes are only normally clunky at low speeds, but are not as slick as jap bikes in my opinion

Miff

Twin spark heads have 3 hole exhaust flanges and gen2 have 4 hole

Edwards chip won't hurt ..you may have 57mm throttle bodies to suit as that's what they came with.

Get the throttle bodies and co levels set by someone who knows what they are doing...not a probe up the exhaust can but the proper kit that screws into the bungs on the downpipes.

There is a chuckle list for engine numbers somewhere but if its Amgen 2 engine in a gen1 bike you should have a gen1 rocker cover on the front pot and a gen2 on the rear as part of the conversion so probably different colours.

Get some pics up,someone may know the bike and have all the answers

redratbike said:

Twin spark heads have 3 hole exhaust flanges and gen2 have 4 hole

Edwards chip won't hurt ..you may have 57mm throttle bodies to suit as that's what they came with.

Get the throttle bodies and co levels set by someone who knows what they are doing...not a probe up the exhaust can but the proper kit that screws into the bungs on the downpipes.

There is a chuckle list for engine numbers somewhere but if its Amgen 2 engine in a gen1 bike you should have a gen1 rocker cover on the front pot and a gen2 on the rear as part of the conversion so probably different colours.

Get some pics up,someone may know the bike and have all the answers

Click to expand...

Great stuff. I'll get pics up when I next get near it. Not particularly worried about what engine is in it as it runs well. More of a curiosity thing. Nice to know what's under you. My main concern was the rear plug is white while the front is that perfect tan but I'd guess a tb sync and co level set up should sort this, yes?

It does indeed have 57mm throttle bodies btw. Meant to put that in the original post.

Thanks.

Miff_UK said:

in my experience clutch drag DEFINITELY causes problems finding neutral. Gearboxes are only normally clunky at low speeds, but are not as slick as jap bikes in my opinion

Miff

Click to expand...

Exactly that.

Ok. Had a spare half hour and decided to spend it shaming myself ha ha. Now remember I am new to this bike.

Long story short, it does have twin spark heads. From the brief glance with the airbox in place, the leads looked like breather pipes. Stupid I know but hey...It's a learning curve. So that helps answer the original post.

Pulled the plugs and the top ones are a little oily. Not much. Just a little residue in the threads. Any ideas where that is coming from or if it is potential issue? Cam cover gaskets are all fine so it's not making it's way in from the well.

Thanks.

Now stop laughing at my dumbassitude. Ha ha.

I love a happy ending.....:devious


Crankcase breather that feeds into the airbox..may leak a bit of oil