RSV1000MILLE Dependability

I was reading some of the posts here with guys saying that they liked their SP's better? Is there a reason for this? and what issues does the Mille have? Is it a dependable bike? Thanks in advance.

The SP's are limited production i think they only made 200 and they are completely different frame, cosworth engine etc you would be lucky to pick one up for less than 9k
I think there is one for sale in the for sale section i would love to buy it, if anything for the rarity and wow factor.

As for dependability dont be put off by threads on forums ppl dont come to forums usually and say my bikes running great!

Milles do eat batteries and really need to be kept on a tender, if you get an gen1 the side stand switch can bean issue and also the starter relay.

However, these things are minor and easily dealt with. Aprilia dont have the reputation of Ducati for reliability. I have had my 2000 mille for 6yrs and apart from the odd battery havent really had any issues.

is he talking about SP1's?

Honda VTR SP 1 or RSV Mille SP ?

I think they were refering to the Honda SP1-2, and redratbike, I don't know what I am talking about lol. Just really curious as to how dependable and costly the bike is to own? I love this bike and have always wanted one. It started with the Falco because of it's more street friendlyness but I have heard issues with the Falco and they are tough to come by. I also remember Troy Corser saying that the Millie was the best handling bike he had ever ridden. I have ridden some of these bikes and love that Rotax engine, though I read some stuff about the 800 engine in the BMW F800ST that was not very flattering. Thanks for the replies would love to hear more.

The RSV does have a few issue's after all they are now 13 years old (some of them) but I would defy any mass produced bike not to have a few issue's that you would need to be aware of.

I have had a Firestorm (soft & floppy that tied the suspension knots when pushed hard)
an SP-1 (Rock Hard suspension that took shed loads to get sorted so that you could ride it properly)
and now for the past 3 and a bit years an RSV Mille called Frankie.

My particular RSV has been an absolute labour of love and a money pit, not so much in modifications but to keep on the road - this is not the norm but the result of buying blind (because I absolutely had to have an RSV).

Saying that nothing gets me going than a good thrash around a track (I can lap Brands Hatch faster on my RSV than on my BSB spec R1 simply because it is so rewarding when pushed hard and at 18 stone I push the limits !)

Sprag clutches can and do fail - This is down to people not understanding how a v-twin works - Keep the battery at max strength (look after it with an Optimizer when not in use), you can help by doing a couple of little mods to the wiring to ensure longevity.
The Reg/Rec can fail - they fail on many other types of bikes too.
The rear brake can be a pain to bleed - Its a design flaw but can be got around by regular maintenance.
The Ohlins kitted bikes can suffer from fork seal's leaking - the same forks leak on the Ducati too.
There are sundry other niggles that can be eliminated with regular care and maintenance - Its a good way to bond with and learn to understand a bike.

Above all the RSV is not about matching the japs it's about passion, owning an RSV is a love affair.

I'm on my second RSV Mille. First was a 2001 with 76,000km's on the clock. Was still nice and tight, engine still pulled strong and was an awesome bike to own. Only reason I ever got rid of it was because I got rear ended by a van and the cost to repair the cosmetic damage was the same as the difference between selling it and buying a newer one with low K's, so that's what I did. Current RSV is a 2002 (first reg'd in 2003) with 22,000km's on the clock and one owner from new, feels just like the first one only in much better condition cosmetically. As Kiwi RSVR said there are a few known faults and weak spots, but provided you take care of the bike it'll last a long long time. The engine's are pretty bullet proof and can stand high mileage as long as they're looked after, don't skimp on servicing! It is a passion owning one of these bikes and always makes me feel not quite so crazy to come on here and see that other people are just as mad about their RSV's as I am!! :thumbup

scott your a genius!