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End of an Affair

K

Kiwi_rsvr

Joined Sep 2008
2K Posts | 0+
Shoeburyness, Essex
Well my foray in into V-Twins and Aprilia RSV V-Twins in particular has lasted a whole 2 months.

Having bought what I thought was an RSV-R only to find it was a Frankenstein (which I was okay with eventually) I now find that having let it stand for a week or so it wont start and in the process of trying to start it probably ****** the sprag clutch , the battery and who knows what else I cannot afford to even investigate whats busted let alone repair it.

I was really sold on the whole Aprilia V-Twin thing, the handling , the torque, the looks..........unfortunatley that blinkered my views on the "known" problems preferring to believe that it was just hype, well how bloody wrong was I !.
To own an RSV you either have to be very very lucky or damn wealthy...and I'm neither.

So the bikes been pushed to one side (well in the garden actually) pending me either scrapping it or selling it as a "spares or repair" item.

So before I go a big thanks to those that have put up with me for these last couple of months and specifically to those in answer to my SOS post.

G'Day & Goodnight
 
Sorry you feel this way Kiwi, I guess i've been one of the lucky ones..

There is a proper way of starting these bikes and if you dont follow that regime then potentially you will have problems as you have. Dont give up on the first hurdle mate these bikes are fab if you use all the advice on starting etc given by the experienced owners on here :thumbup
 
Don't give in just yet.

How about if I pop round next weekend and take a look at the bike for you?

PM me if you want to take up this offer.
 
Someone may have sold the bike knowing the problems it had, and you were unlucky to buy it.
Been there and done that and with Jap bikes..My Aprilia has been superb. Done 18k miles in 2 years without an hiccup. But before I bought it, I checked up on their weakness's and bought an optimate..Result its never failed to start first time everytime..

Best of luck with whatever you do..
 
Kiwi sir, have you got access to a set of jump leads and a car? It would be a quick and inexpensive way of finding out whether the beasty will start.

Not wishing to explain what doesn't need to be explained, but either get someone or something to hold the throttle on the car so that it is revving around 1500-2000rpm, let the jump leads sit connected for a good 5 minutes, switch on the bike and check the voltage. Make sure you have the fast idle set all the way on, don't touch the throttle and give the starter a prod whilst the leads are still connected and the car is revving. Don't hold it for long, just give it a quick blast and see how it sounds.

In my experience a non starting RSV due to a low battery can sound on occasion like a washing machine that someone chucked a bag of pebbles in, especially on that last spin as you take your finger off of the button.

Be patient, and give it a few goes following the same routine.

I haven't got an optimate, and have had to jump start mine on a couple of occasions using this method. The upgraded batteries are great, but, the start does take alot of ummph, and even one that sounds like it has enough go won't neccessarily do it.

Good luck if you decide to give it a go :thumbup

p.s. I attempted using a jump start pack before, and a charged 12v car battery no longer connected to a car.......neither of these in my experience work.
 
Its made worse coz its rider looks like Fester from the Addams family, perhaps I should call it it Lurch instead ?? :)
 
Shame matey....I have to say they're well worth the effort...I'm on my second RSV and until the Japs come up with a new V-Twin, I'll be staying with this Baby despite the issues around ownership...Just revving it on the drive makes me want to avoid selling this bike even at stupid amounts of Sheckles!!
 
Bad news Kiwi, I hope you get it sorted soon, just remember how nice it is to ride, and pm amb :thumbup
Good luck
 
Okay well the 1st thing is that I am still here (sorry about that !!), but its all you forum members fault , with such a raft of support and helpful idea's I will give it one last attrempt to get this scrapheap running.
2nd Although its driven me to distraction and possible financial ruin I do like the looks, the handling and the sound it makes.
3rd One of the members on here has very kindly offered to help me next weekend, so for the cost of cups of tea (beer tokens)I can't say no

Hence my still being here.......................however should you see a small nuclear cloud like mushroom over Southend on Sea sometime Saturday you will know we were unsuccessful.
 
i've had my share of problems too. Before you give up get it on a car to make sure.
 
Spend the time matey to iron the bugs and you won't regret it.
Look at it this way..your Frankenstein does have some quality bits on it..so just need to find the niggly culprit lecky bit thats screwing wid yer mind i'm sure. Goodluck you & amb..sometimes just needs another angle of attack. Part swaps to eliminate is good if possible.
 
kiwi_rsvr said:
Who's KiKi ??......................................I aint no bird !!!
Click to expand...

I thought it was some kind of personal pet name he had for you mate. LOL

Pet names with the forum admin team, you'll be a moderator or terminator in a few weeks time.

:doug:doug
 
Well I could be a "pet"......................quite fancy being a rottweiler or a pitbull, but I aint havin me knackers removed !!!


amb67 said:
I thought it was some kind of personal pet name he had for you mate. LOL

Pet names with the forum admin team, you'll be a moderator or terminator in a few weeks time.

:doug:doug
Click to expand...
 
kiwi_rsvr said:
Who's KiKi ??......................................I aint no bird !!!
Click to expand...

Originally Posted by crashtd
good to hear your gonna give being a girl a second go kiki
Click to expand...

Looks like you've had your hair done especially for amb's visit too kiki :devious

image002.jpg


Do you do cabaret shows? Don't go breaking my heart......:nana
 
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