RC51 vs RSVR1000

[Delta]

Just curious to your opinions as to which is better...I'd say the aprilia, it has more character.. But is ape as bulletproof as honda?

[svbrian650s]

Aprilia has a few known "minor" quibbles that are well documented and discussed: rear brake, bleeding the clutch, etc. Most regard the Rotax engine as one of the best and the chassis is excellent. The RC51 is a great bike but even with the issues I would go Ape. I'm kicking around buying one in the spring so I may be biased, haha.

[Schaden]

When I was researching on the internet, there were a few reviews directly comparing them. One review compared the RSV and RC51 against a 996 or 998? The RSV is supposedly the most comfortable. I bought an ape and could not be more happy with how it rides. The performance and reliability are fantastic.

It gets so many compliments. Yesterday, three in a short ride. The parts manager at a non-aprilia dealership came out to look at it. Another rider on a ratty sportbike was drooling over it at a stoplight. And later two girls in the car next lane over honked, complimented the bike, and chatted me up at a redlight. Most people don't even know what it is or how to say aprilia. I went to get the emissions tested and it wasn't in the computer. Aprilia is a special breed.

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompa...ns/00twin.html
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...x?ArticleID=35

has a lot more.

[svbrian650s]

Congrats on the new ride, post up some pictures, I would love to see it. The problems I mentioned were in reference to the '04 on. I have never heard a bad comment on the Mille's either though. Enjoy it!

[Maxxacceleration]

I just happened to catch this thread. When I talk Aprilias its on the best Aprilia forum in the land here.
IMO these are both VERY FINE bikes. Of course the Japs always copy, and the RC51 is more of a Ducati clone(90deg motor) than an Aprilia clone. I hear a lot of hard to setup talk on the RC, but the Aprilia can be finicky if you go the wrong way.
The motors torque and hp I believe are similar, although each have their own identity.
Styling wise, IMO, the Italian Stallion Aprilia wins hands down.
Its a drop dead gorgeous bike.
Definitely a hard choice!
But I own an Aprilia...

[KETAMINE]

Originally Posted by svbrian650s

Aprilia has a few known "minor" quibbles that are well documented and discussed: rear brake, bleeding the clutch, etc. Most regard the Rotax engine as one of the best and the chassis is excellent. The RC51 is a great bike but even with the issues I would go Ape. I'm kicking around buying one in the spring so I may be biased, haha.

Rotax is a major maker of aircraft engines so they better be reliable.

[Schaden]

Originally Posted by svbrian650s

Congrats on the new ride, post up some pictures, I would love to see it.

My new bike: Aprilia RSV Mille R