Aprilia Rsv1000r
APRILIA RSV1000R
The other V-Twin Italian Stallion
Seems the Aprilia didn't fare well in this year's MasterBike competition. So what? That was a racetrack comparison. The street is a different story altogether, and out there, in a world without lap timers and pit boards, the RSV1000R holds its own better than the numbers might indicate. Toss in a few teaspoons of that incomparable Italian flair and you've got a fast, fun, distinctive ride.
First, a word about our R-model testbike. Another magazine unfor tunately crashed the Factory we were slated to receive, so we had to forgo the lighter forged wheels, Ohlins shock and carbon-fiber bits of the $17,999 machine. At least claimed power is identical.
In fact, the engine is one of the things that make blistering your favorite backroads on the RSV such an easy task. Like a typical V Twin, the 60-degree, dual-counterbalanced engine bangs out good, usable torque just about any time it's making noise, so gear selec tion is not critical. Though the dyno says there's a dip in the torque curve around 3000 rpm, on the road, it's not noticeable. But unlike most V-Twins, the Aprilia makes its best power in the upper rev ranges. So if you really want to tear up the twisties, you tap-dance
on the shift lever a little more often and keep the motor zinging between 7000 and its 10,750-rpm redline.
very little about me chassis is likely to impose on your corner carving. Granted, the RSV is a tad less flickable than some other liter-class sportbikes, requiring a bit more push-pull on the grips to initiate a turn or flick side-to-side through esses. Nonetheless, the bike still is quite agile and excep tionally confidence-inspiring. It snaps into corners willingly and without protest, and once in the turn . remains as stable as a parked bus.
I~IIIdIIJ~ d~ LdUI~ db d IJdIr~eu UU~. You won't feel like you're on a torture rack, either. The seat/grip relationship is close, so there's not a tong reach over the tank; and the rider's portion of the saddle is one of the most comfortable found on any repli racer, able to provide all-day des free of burning buns. So, yeah, the Aprilia came up short in MasterBike. But unless you're buying a motorcycle to race, don't let that outcome dictate your purchasing decision. Besides, the RSV1 000R is a Tuono R-only the world's best naked bikeequipped with clip-ons, a fairing, upgraded suspension and more power.
Given that, how far off the mark could the RSV possibly be? Paul Dean
APRILIA
RSV1000R
$13,999
ps A Well-controlled suspension A Powerful front brakes A Cool red instrument backlighting Downs v Front brakes almost too powerful v Shifting sometimes erratic v Objects in mirrors are your elbows
