Aprilia RSV Mille
The Aprilia RSV Mille was a sport motorcycle manufactured by Aprilia from 1998 to 2003. It was offered in three versions, RSV Mille, RSV Mille R, and RSV Mille SP.
![]() 2004 Aprilia RSV1000R Factory on the left with a 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille R on right | |
Manufacturer | Aprilia |
---|---|
Production | 1998-2003 |
Successor | Aprilia RSV1000R |
Class | super bike |
Engine | 998 cc, 60 degree longitudinal V-twin, two-cylinder, 4 stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve |
Bore / stroke | 97.0 mm × 67.5 mm (3.82 in × 2.66 in) |
Compression ratio | 11.4:1 98-00 11.8:1 01-03 |
Top speed | 178 mph (286 km/h)[1] |
Power | 128 hp (95 kW) [1] |
Torque | 76 lb⋅ft (103 N⋅m) [1] |
Ignition type | Computer Controlled Digital Electronic |
Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper clutch on some models [2] |
Suspension | Front: upside down telescopic adjustable forks with spring preload, rebound and compression damping (Showa standard, Öhlins R&T forks on R model) Rear:oscillating rear fork in light alloy with differentiated profile arms and hydropneumatic adjustable mono-shock absorber (Sachs standard, Öhlins shock on R model) |
Brakes | Front: double floating 320 mm discs with 4-piston Brembo gold caliper Rear: Single 220 mm disc with dual pin Brembo gold caliper |
Tires | 120/70ZR17, 190/55ZR17 |
Wheelbase | 1,415 mm (55.7 in) |
Dimensions | L: 2,070 mm (81 in) W: 725 mm (28.5 in) |
Seat height | 825 mm (32.5 in) |
Weight | 463 lb (210 kg)[1] (wet) |
Fuel capacity | 21 l (4.6 imp gal; 5.5 US gal) |
The first RSV Mille (ME) was made from 1998 to 2000, the updated RSV Mille (RP) from 2001 to 2002 and the last update was made in 2003.
With a 998 cc 60-degree V-twin engine built by the Austrian company Rotax, the RSV Mille was the first large displacement motorcycle made by Aprilia that up to then had made up to 250cc engines.[3] This same engine was used unmodified in the Tuono and in slightly modified form in the SL1000 Falco.
The Mille featured a type of slipper clutch, which worked by using a vacuum on a closed throttle from the inlet manifold to give the effect of slipper clutch, but only on a closed throttle.
Model History
The first changes were made in 2001 when the fairing was restyled, adding wind deflectors to improve airflow. The fuel tank was changed to a plastic item (with a reduction in capacity), and the rear shock on both the standard and the 'R' models was revised.
In 2002, the front brake calipers were changed to Brembo Monobloc 4 pad calipers - each piston having a separate pad gave an increase in braking performance and feel.
In 2003, the gear ratios were changed to give a slightly closer ratio gearbox, the exhaust system was changed and the tail piece and front mudguard were redesigned.
From 2004, the Mille was replaced by the RSV-R and RSV-R Factory.
RSV Mille R
The RSV Mille R is a lighter, higher spec. version of the standard Mille, introduced in 1999. It features Öhlins suspension, an Öhlins steering damper, forged aluminum wheels, carbon fibre front mudguard and a shorter subframe for one person use only (no passenger seat).
RSV Mille SP
The SP stands for Sport Production and this version was made as a homologation special for the Superbike World Championship. Only 150 motorcycles, the minimum requirement to homologate the model for Superbike World Championship, were manufactured in 1999. It uses a special short-stroke version of the 60-degree V-twin engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth.
Replicas
In 2002, Aprilia produced 300 limited edition RSV Mille R Haga Replica. The motorcycle has the same livery as the bike used by Noriyuki Haga at the Superbike World Championship and came with a circuit kit, which included a full Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and an Eprom injection unit.[4]
In 2003, an RSV Mille R Edwards Replica with a livery inspired by the Aprilia RS Cube MotoGP motorcycle ridden by Colin Edwards. as with the Haga replica, the motorcycle came with a circuit kit, which included Akrapovic exhausts, a more pressurised airbox, an Eprom injection unit and 57 mm (instead of 51 mm) throttle bodies
References
- "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, January 2013, archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-29
- http://www.2wf.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=164%5B%5D
- 2004 Aprilia RSV Mille - First Ride - MotorcycleUSA.com
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-11-23. Retrieved 2008-05-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)