Kinda new to Aprilia and the back brake is just one of the issues - seems plain wrong to me (though accept the wisdom here) that Aprilia can get the placement of a major component so wrong, they seem to have cocked up on the clutch too as it goes really spongy within 1,000 miles. However (and being a northern tightarse) am trying out Legs hanging a weight off the lever tonight so will report back on results.
Joined Jan 2008
389 Posts | 0+
North Yorkshire
+1,
Mine was crap when i got it and i let my joke of a dealer have a go at it. They couldn't sort a pack of cards let alone my rear brake so DIY with a new set of EBC HH pads and jobs a good un :thumbup
Also pretty new to Mille's, but on my 748R which also had a sh*te back brake, I installed a Braking Wavey rear disk and that's helped immensely. Not sure if they do them for the RSV's but might be worth a try too before shelling out on more expensive caliper mods.
I'm going to try the master cylinder heat shielding route first to see if that helps things. It can't be any worse cos at the mo I'd have to be an Indian Mystic with no ankle joint to be able to keep my foot on the peg and press on the lever which has so much travel it's untrue.
I'm going to try the master cylinder heat shielding route first to see if that helps things. It can't be any worse cos at the mo I'd have to be an Indian Mystic with no ankle joint to be able to keep my foot on the peg and press on the lever which has so much travel it's untrue.
Joined Jul 2008
46 Posts | 0+
+1 Mine works just fine. I can lock it up at any speeds. The trick is to take your fairings off, make sure your rear brake bits are adjusted correctly (mine wasn't from the day I bought it) (also might help doing a search for KZmilles' write up). Bleed the ****** as best as you can with a pnuematic bleeder. I used the mighty-vac pnuematic bleeder. And then set a 10lb. weight on the rear brake peg over night. In fact, I weight the rear brake peg whenever it's not in use. I haven't needed to bleed the ****** in almost three months/2500 miles. The fluid is dark as hell, but still haven't needed a bleed.
Went on a quickie ride last week and locked it up at 80+. I also lock it up right before I hit the ol' garage at home. (you can see a bunch of skid marks in front of my house) All in all, it's just air in the line boys. Read KZmille's write up, adjust the brake bits, and then weight the peg. I promise, it'll help. Anyone in Washington who needs help with bleeding the rear brake, pm me. Ride to my place and we can take care of ya.
Here's KZ's thread on this matter:
click
btw, if the bike didn't need a rear brake, it probably wouldn't have come with one. It's there for a reason. Although we don't use it often, it does come in handy.
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hey there where u get that heat shield have same prooblem with mine has brembo all round tho rare caliper a piece of crap looks like fluid getting cooked took whole apart complete strip down worked abpout too weeks then spongey an useless again
Joined Jul 2008
46 Posts | 0+
maybe it would right enough, have completely stripped it in past and bled it using a oneway valve and pressurised fluid injection changed seals cleaned piston and it still **** run two race bikes so in the mean time have just pinched the rear brake off the blade it works for now anyhow
Followed KZ's instructions to the letter yesterday and I have to say I am astonished at the difference in the brake. Locked the rear at 80mph with the slightest pressure.
The amount of air being drawn thru the line was unreal. Begs the question what went on during the 2 services the bike has had??
The amount of air being drawn thru the line was unreal. Begs the question what went on during the 2 services the bike has had??
Joined Jul 2008
46 Posts | 0+
Keep a small amount of wieght on the peg when you're not using the bike. It'll keep the air out of the line. Glad it worked out for you. You should get on the Aprilia Forum and thank him for his contribution. When it comes to hydrolics, he's the man.
Joined Oct 2008
2K Posts | 0+
Wiltshire, UK
well had the bike just over a week now and bang! first breakdown.
My brother in law was bored yesterday and the weather was good, I told him to take the Mille out so I could get his feedback on it.
40 minutes later he calls me saying the bike will not move. The rear brake siezed on!
By the time I got to him the caliper was fine and bike could be moved. CHecked the level and it was below Min! topped it up and he went back out. came back 3 hours later with no problems.
This sounding like a common problem with theses bikes? I mean rear brake seizing not the level. thats just me not checking
My brother in law was bored yesterday and the weather was good, I told him to take the Mille out so I could get his feedback on it.
40 minutes later he calls me saying the bike will not move. The rear brake siezed on!
By the time I got to him the caliper was fine and bike could be moved. CHecked the level and it was below Min! topped it up and he went back out. came back 3 hours later with no problems.
This sounding like a common problem with theses bikes? I mean rear brake seizing not the level. thats just me not checking
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