RSV - advice wanted....!

[mikeyh]

My local dealer has a new 2003 RSV-R (the one with the Ohlins, radial brakes and OZ wheels) for sale at just less than the price of the new 'base level' RSV. Any thoughts on which to go for?

[rsvnigel]

What do you mean compared to the 2004 model or the base '03 RSV?

Edited to say, or do you mean this model


>> Edited by rsvnigel on Tuesday 16th September 10:23

[mikeyh]

The brand new just released 2004 base model with the standard brakes, wheels and suspension versus the old (2003) 'R' model with the radial brakes, oz wheels and ohlins suspension. Not sure how to add pictures to posts but this one:

www.aprilia.com/models03/road/eng/modello.phtml?id=55
or the 'old' model in 'R' spec (cant find photo )




>> Edited by mikeyh on Tuesday 16th September 10:36

[rsvnigel]

It really depends how much track time your going to spend with it.

Comparing the 03 RSV v 03 RSV-R, the lighter Oz wheels improve the steering and the rear shock seems better, but that could just be that the bike I rode had been set up professionally.

I've not ridden an 04 model yet, so can't really comment whether which is the better. The 03R is not a bad bike though (once fitted with a race can). Also the 04s have a new engine so you might experience a few teething problems compared to the bomb proof Rotax units in the older bikes.

[mikeyh]

I'd like to see a few more reviews or have a test ride of the 04 model but the dealer only has one '03 RSV-R left. Difficult decision...

[gixxer1000]

That's a tough call. The 03 RSV-R is a cracking bike, and you'll get lots of cool points for riding the R, but how peeved are you going to be when the 04 RSVR starts hitting the roads in numbers. No idea what the ride is like on the 04, but the syling is stunning (works for me at least).

I know I would be very happy with the 03 RSV-R, until I pulled up to the lights alongside the a new 04 model and would probably then regret it!

But hey, that's just me.

[mikeyh]

Very fair points all of them. Dammit! The new bike is soooooo good looking that I probably would regret it if I went for the older version. But then again it is the 'R'...

[rsvnigel]

Look at it this way, you could get the 03R and ride it for a year or so, letting someone else put up with all the early problems, and get a sorted 05 or 06 model when they appear.

With a bit of luck Aprilia with sort out the rear light where it extends into the seat hump for next year.

[Badapple]

Just watched 2 wheels on men & motors. 30 minute programme at the launch in mugello if anyone is interested. I think it's repeated a couple of times in the week.

[mikeyh]

I'll try and catch one of the repeats. The main thing putting me off is the reviews saying it is smaller and less comfortable than the old model...

[rsvnigel]

Some of the guys at www.rsvr.net are saying it is only slightly lower, but the reach to the bars is slightly further. On the whole not a great deal of difference.

rsvr.net said:

Had the bike 4 days now and fine weather has allowed 250 miles but wish I had done more! Looks (in black) smaller and very well finished. Liked the matt black before, but now I'm rid of most of it, I'm glad because it was hard work to keep clean. The bike is supposed to be lower, but have to admit doesn't seem a great deal smaller in height or reach. One thing for sure is turning lock is less, can catch your fingers on ''ears'' very MV like and almost dropped it a few times when lock not as expected. Running in so performance is difficult to guage but fuel injection good not perfect, a few coughs and sputters now and again. Pipes look fine but way too quiet. Clocks are much better, but gotta read that manual all over again! Virtually no storage space under the seat hump now, and the tool kit doesn't include a spanner for rear wheel nut. Seat very firm, supposed to be non slip? Biggest complaint though is the quality of nuts. Still soft as cheese, tried to adjust gear lever and replace heel guards (which are same size as previous model) and overtight so both nuts rounded staight away. Brakes are awesome in looks and performance. First gear is too high in standard trim. Clutch and brake levers look really cheap (apparently RSVR.NET already have some black racing replacements) Oil inspection even harder now because side panel and belly pan are one piece, so you can't just pull the side panel off to get abetter look. Overall, much improved in many areas but now has a few new niggles (or character I believe Ducati call it).

>> Edited by rsvnigel on Wednesday 17th September 17:03

[mikeyh]

Thanks! Still struggling to decide what to do. Quite a difference in insurance quotes between the '03 RSV and the '03 RSV-R. £400 a year more for the RSV-R...