Reliability and parts availability for the RSV4/Improvements to the 2012?

So I went through a few of the older threads here with the comments and from reviews about the starter/battery quirks, heavy heat issues if the bike is not moving fairly quickly, comparative poor gas mileage, the noted tall gearing of 1st gear?

1. Where/are there any known refinements to the 2012 RSV4R in light of the known issues or complaints?

2. Is the replacement parts availability a real issue or has it improved?


Thank you

Thanks Carbon. I have a 2012 Black R on the way

OK so yesterday was the day. The shipping company rolled it off the truck with 1 test mile on it. It was sunny and 48F degrees outside but that wasn't going to stop me from some first 2012 RSV4R goodness. I bundled up and took it for a couple of preliminary spins on the street. First off 1st gear does seem to be geared high. Because my best efforts at clutch release into 1st from a stop would boggle a little each time. Weird. The seat is fine for a 5' 11" guy and definitely not the brutal *** smasher reviewers lead you to believe. Riding position is fine. Not the "purposeful" unforgiving wrist and knee bender the magazines claimed. Power wise in comparison with my 'Busa: on a light low to midranged take off onto a freeway, equal in pull. I agree with reviewers, power seems linear. But way too soon for a legit judgement. Handling, oh yeah, telepathic compared to the Busa. And sound...sweet! I love my new RSV4

To think I was eyeing the 2012 CBR. It was a consideration. But The RSV4R in stature is platitudes of sweetness.