[rsvRadtke]

I've had to "work into" a love affair with mine - but, now that I have, I don't think I will ever get rid of it.
You may not experience any issues at all, as most of the people that I know which have an Aprilia have had very few problems.

My advice:
-- break the engine in correctly - then beat the living shit out of it for a ride or 2. I'm not kidding. once I had done a track day on mine, her behavior seemed to improve.
-- Make sure someone goes through the suspension with you. Mine was initially setup for the most non-aggresive ride ever. I feel much more comfortable on mine now that I have set the sag/damping/etc... with some help of an engineer. The bike is a bit more of a handful to manage - but to me, it's all worth it.
-- check apriliaforum.com regarding whatever you end up buying 05 vs. 06 and see what people are talking about. I found out quite a few things that I never would have known about otherwise (swingarm recall, rear-brake "issue", etc...)
-- be sure to ask the dealer up front for an estimated maintenance and service cost over a few years. Again, being that they are not Japanese.. there are a few "planned" items which you will have to take care of. (valves at 400 miles, 2000 miles-I think???) Anyhow...

In my opinion - Aprilia is on the upward path again. I think they have crested their hard times and hopefully the bullshit will start to subside. That being said - the Aprilia will once again become more of a desirable commodity and they will be more difficult to obtain.

Keep in mind -- I said "many aspects" ;-) With the handling/brakes and V-twin our bikes can hang with anything out there, in the right situation. A v-twin won't get "wheel spin-up" like a four, the brakes are beyond amazing and even the showa suspension is above par.

For the money - you really can't go wrong. In hindsight, I wish I would have opted for the factory. Same EXACT engine (except for exhaust), but definitely some trick parts on there. (Lighter wheels, Steering Damper, Radial mounted Brembo's, Ohlins fully-adjustable suspension, carbon fiber).

The only mod I have is a Power Commander and Leo Vince high-mount Factory slip-ons. Perhaps I'll post a pic or 2.