Evening all...

Just signed up here, to get some lowdown on the Mille. To put into perspective.... I don't like Sports Bikes... I've ridden tourers for 10 years (Kwak GTR1000 x 2, now Guzzi Norge) but I rode a MILLE yesterday and now HAVE to have one.

I intend buying older (2001/2?) because it's a secondary bike (THE Norge has dne 7000miles since April) to have fun with around home rather than do mile munching.

What do I need to look out for? what are the gotchas with them? Tried another one this afternoon which was a straight Mille, but seemed clunky to get into neutral...

All comments greatfully accepted

Larry

Essex UK
2007 Norge GT
1978 KH 400 (for sale)
1978 CD175

Hi Larry and welcome to the site, the neutral thing is a common problem with Milles, they require regular bleeding :banghead

Ey Up

Hi Botheras,
The earlier milles (they are the only ones to be called that as the later ones an only be referred to as RSV's) don't generally have a problem with the clutch.
The newer shape model came out in 2004 and there have been several minor teething issues that should not affect you if you are after an earlier model.
Ask about the bike's history: has it had an aftermarket clutch fitted (the springs on mine were a tad longer than the standard ones making it a bit tricky to get neutral when cold), you can also fit an aftermarket slave cylinder than makes the action smoother.
The main things to look out for on them are crash damage, check the condition of the tyres and chain and sprocket as they wear more rapidly than on other bikes.
Check the battery: does it start easily? (make sure no nasty noises on start up as that could be a sign of the sprag clutch going).
Check to make sure it has been serviced regularly (most have only barely been run in :O )
Other than that I think they are a lot of bike for the money, mine's done 37K miles :fingerloland still going strong. :biggrin
If you get one make sure you change the gearing as it's the best and easiest mod around. :thumbup
Pete

Thanks... it 's only done 12k!

Welcome to the forum.

I have a problem with mine finding a false neutral between either 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th. Cant remember now..

There are a lot of race bikes out there so check for the normal drilled fixings.
If it has been dropped nearly all will have a mark on the right side of the swing arm about half way back where the exhaust hit it. Not a problem but worth a look.R models with Ohlins need a shock rebuild every 4k, although mine I do every 8k. A guy on flee-bay will do it all for just un der 200 quid if you send them in. Amazing bike, you will love it.
If it is the R model check to see if the 2 seat conversion has been done, unless you want a single seat bike. Lastly buy an R model, for the oprice difference you get so much more for your money. My Diablo Black 2001/2 RSV-R with 3,600 miles on it cost £4250. My Yellow 2002 RSV-R with 7,000 mil;es cost £3,900. hope this helps. Oh and don't worry if there is no standard can, you can pick them up for about £80.

Thanks for the commetns guys, all very helpful

Where in Essex are you?
Always a few locals willing to assist....

Hi botheras !! Welcome to the site from another newbie !!

I can't comment personally on the earlier Mille, but I know I'm already totally in love with mine !! That thumping twin creates a smile every time the right wrist gives a little twist - and surely, that's the whole point !!

I know you said you weren't overly worried about touring on it, but trust me, it can !! I went to Assen on mine for the GP, and can honestly say, it has got to be the most comfortable sports bike I've had !!

People quite often refer to the Aprilia as an Italian Jap bike !! It's got all the style and presence of Italian style, with reliability most often reserved for the Japanese bikes !!

I doubt you'd be disappointed !!

V8-Powered said:

Where in Essex are you?
Always a few locals willing to assist....

Click to expand...

Near Tiptree...