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Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille R
The basic RSV Mille is a very competent bike, both for track and road use. But in 1999, Aprilia released the RSV Mille type 'R', featuring a host of modifications aimed at making it more effective on track. Outwardly, the differences are hard to spot. The 'R' has only a single seat (although a twin seat is an option). The front forks are fully adjustable Öhlins items and the rear shock is a race-spec Öhlins unit, also fully adjustable. The 'R' also wears lighter, forged aluminium Oz wheels. The engine is unchanged, but the 'R' model's chassis modifications make it much more accomplished on the race track. The 'R' is 4kg (8.81b) lighter, and this, together with the more refined suspension, allows higher cornering speeds and quicker steering.
Several weeks ago I came home from another day at
the grind. There was a message from the editor of American Roadracing/2wf.com;
he wanted to know if I could go to Spain for the Aprilia RSV Mille R launch. I
asked myself, "Should I go to Spain and ride the new bad ass Aprilia…?" Without
hesitation, I returned his call; too bad for him he is too busy to go.
Inside the Mille R
When it comes to the chassis, the R model uses the same
polished aluminum frame and swingarm as the standard Mille except the steering
tube has been beefed up to the SP specs for more rigidity. The subframe is also
aluminum for weight reduction. An Ohlins adjustable steering damper is standard
on the R, but the bike worked so well with it in the light position that I never
even used it. Acerbis made the lightweight, scratch-resistant gas tank using
special resins in a rotary nylon configuration. This was less expensive yet
stronger than aluminum and, not to mention, a whole lot tricker. Aprilia knows
that riders are going to total a tank or two, so they wanted to make sure that
the privateer could afford a new one. Carbon fiber front and rear fenders and
dash cover also make the R model special.
On the exit of the turns, hard on the gas, the front would
get light but it still held its composure. The Valencia kink puts the rider on
the wrong side of the track for turn four but, never fear, the R will go where
you want it to. The lighter wheels and smaller front forks are key to this
maneuverability. Source 2wf.com
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Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated. |