Considering buying a RSV Factory

The Aprilia is far far far more remiable than the 999, The rotax lump init is very very reliable its just the Starter clutch that is weak like most Bi Cylinders.

Handling wise it will be better than the 999 and the character will be there with it.

Go for it!!

Spent a day on a 999 when they first came out - probably a bit faster but far less character than a Mille. Rode my mate's 996 the other day and they actually feel quite similar only we both agreed that my Mille turns in easier - although this may be down to set up.
As for servicing costs, the Mille wins hands down. Follow a few simple rules and a Mille will give you virtually Jap levels of reliability.
Was out on mine tonight and just love it so much every time I ride it - gutsy, nimble, stable, confidence inspiring ...
Plus us Aprilia owners are a friendly lot!

999 eh :devious I love the look of those (never ridden one tho') a workmate has it's baby brother a Yellow 749 with full termi's on :inlove
The RSV's a cracking bike, and like any bike, if it's looked after you'll have very few issues with it. I have a 2000 model and it starts every time and in all weathers but i keep it on an Optimate 111 to keep the battery in top condition. Your 999 may have been similar in that they need a good battery to start these big twins, or risks of sprag clutch damage is a distinct possibility :dunno

Use the search function at the top of the page there's loads of info on here or just ask away the peeps on here are top guys and very helpful :thumbup

Have a read of these to get you going here and here

Welcome to the zone wheels :thumbup

I actually traded up from a T595 to a brand spanking new 2002 Mille, loved it to bit's till I bought a 2004 factory, then the 02 HAD to go.

I love it to bits, so much so that after last year's sheeite weather and a busy work schedule where I hardly rode it, (after the year before....tons........)this year, since mid March I have put over 1000 miles on it just pootling to work and a couple of solo ride outs. I have started to fettle it with blinggy stuff and am set to get Griff to service it and set it up for me personally.

I almost bought a second hand 1098S about 3 months ago, but have decided to keep the Mille as a no cost option. It rides superbly, I am no demon rider, but they are sweet beasts, once it is set up right, then they are a beaut.

Try to get a test ride for at least 2 tankfuls of petrol (230 miles) so you can get a feel for it, I love it and won't change it for at least another 12 months if at all, and only then for a 2008-2009 Factory. The bike is way way better than I can ride it, and servicing wise......Nothing has gone wrong on it in over 2 years of ownership apart from tyres.....even the rear brake works. If you start it correctly the clutch should be OK and daily/weekly routine servicing whilst requiring some modicum of spannerage is a piece of old pee as they say. Like any bike it has it's own "personality" the battery needs to be tip top for starting (Optimate) and you need to bleed the back brake every few months if you want to use it (Mine has been fine BTW) and if you don't change the clutch slave for an MPL jobbie you will need a strong left wrist, but follow the advice of the guys on here and for small money you yourself can sort out it's design "oversights".

Buy one............................you'll not regret it.:doug

Had my 06 Factory 2.5 years, and have put 21,000 on it. Faults? One speedo sensor after the washout last year (£16 ebay) and the obligatory non working back brake. (works for a month after bleeding then gradually dissapears) and fork seals on Ohlins forks which popped at 20,000.
Starts first push everytime.