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Aprilia RSV 1000R

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Make Model

Aprilia RSV 1000R

Year

2005

Engine

Four stroke, longitudinal 60°V twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Capacity

997.6 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 97 x 67.5 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.8:1
Lubrication Dry sump with separate oil tank

Induction

Integrated electronic engine management system. Indirect multipoint electronic injection. Throttle body diameter 57mm.

Ignition 

Digital electronic with one spark plugs per cylinder
Spark Plug NGK, DCPR9E
Starting Electric

Max Power

102 kW / 139 hp @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque

107 Nm / 10.9 kgf-m / 78.9 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Clutch Multiple disk in oil bath with patented PPC Claimed Horsepower: -assisted hydraulic control.

Transmission 

6 Speed 
Final Drive Chain, 40/16 (2.5)
Primary Drive Ratio 60/31 (1.935)
Gear Ratio 1st 34/15 (2.27), 2nd 31/19 (1.63), 3th 26/20 (1.3), 4th 24/22 (1.091), 5th 24/25 (0.96), 6th 23/26 (0.88)
Frame Type: Box section sloping twin-spar aluminium alloy frame Two-chamber adjustable Ohlins Racing steering damper with one-piece mounting.

Front Suspension

Showa 43 mm diameter upside-down fork with adjustable compression rebound and preload
Front Wheel Travel 120 mm / 4.7 in

Rear Suspension

Aluminium alloy double banana swing arm, APS progressive system linkage. Sachs hydraulic shock-absorber with adjustable rebound, compression, preload and length

Rear Wheel Travel 133 mm / 5.2 in

Front Brakes

2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single 220 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Front Tyre

120/70  ZR17

Rear Tyre

190/50  ZR17
Rake 24.8°
Trail 101.7 mm / 4.0 in
Dimensions Length 2035 mm / 80.1 in 
Width 730 mm / 28.7 in
Height 1130 mm / 44.5 in
Wheelbase 1415 mm /  55.7 in
Seat Height 810 mm /  31.9 in

Dry Weight

189 kg / 416.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Reserve 4 Litres / 1.1 US gal

Standing ¼ Mile  

10.7 sec
Acceleration  60-140 km/h 10.2 sec
Top Speed 278.0 km/h / 172.74 mph

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Very few road bikes can boast as many official awards from specialist magazines as the Aprilia RSV 1000. This year too the RSV 1000 R leads the field for performance, ridability and effectiveness on the track. Thanks to first-rate technology and the best quality/price ratio on the market this pedigree supersport has won the hearts of riders and experts all over the world. 

With its advanced technology and extraordinary performance, the superb RSV 1000 R is the benchmark for all other road-going sports motorcycles. But what counts most is that despite its fantastic performance, the RSV 1000 R has not betrayed the total ridability that has always characterized it and has been one of the main reasons for its success. Almost maniacal attention to ergonomics plus great handling make riders feel instantly at home on the bike, enabling them to explore their performance limits quickly and with minimal effort. Easier control means less physical and mental fatigue, faster and safer riding, and longer lasting concentration. These are determining factors for success on the track and just as important on the road. 

Here are the design features that set Aprilia's benchmark RSV 1000 R apart from the competition: 

- Refined sports styling
- New V 60 Magnesium engine
- Air Runner ram air scoop
- Close ratio gearbox
- Electronic injection system with 57 mm throttle bodies
- 16-bit electronic engine management unit
- Twin silencer exhaust with three way catalytic converter and Lambda probe oxygen sensor
- Aluminium alloy perimeter frame
- Double member aluminium swingarm
- Lighter, less loaded steering yoke 

Loving care has been lavished on even the tiniest detail of this exclusive, refined and aggressively styled motorcycle. The RSV 1000 R is the perfect balance between quality, technology, high-tech components and finish.

Everything has been designed, tested and perfected to enhance the already acclaimed performance and handling of this exceptional bike. The new V60 Magnesium engine is motorcycling's undisputed reference point, delivering 138.72 hp (102 kW) at the crank for a maximum speed of over 170 mph (280 km/h). These figures place the RSV 1000 R well ahead of other production supersport twins. The chassis, designed using Aprilia's prodigious know-how, ensures perfect dynamics in every situation plus unbeatable performance on the track. All this, of course, goes hand in hand with top-quality components, selected to make the RSV 1000 R the number one supersport for motorcycling enthusiasts.

Design



Performance and beauty go hand in hand on the revolutionary RSV 1000 R. Lower and more compact than ever, the bike's aggressive look tells it as it is. This is no stylistic exercise. On the RSV 1000 R design is at the service of technology and performance. Everything about the bike is not just pretty, but pretty effective too! The entire bike has been designed to ensure that the V60 Magnesium engine can breath correctly. The ram air scoop has been placed right in the middle of the cockpit fairing where dynamic pressure is greatest and represents a perfect example of how stylish design can serve the purposes of performance. Likewise, the headlight cluster comprises four separate lights that work in pairs, eliminating the lopsided 'Cyclops' look of so many modern sports bikes and providing excellent lighting at the same time.

The RSV 1000 R is incredibly compact, but still boasts the top level ergonomics that have always characterised the RSV range. Its slender tail is extremely compact and one of the most striking design features of the bike. It also quickly converts from a solo to a dual seat (optional). Despite its compact size, the red LED, white-lens tail light is extremely bright so the RSV 1000 R is immediately recognisable even from behind. The quest for perfect aerodynamics has led to the elimination of conventional direction indicators. The front indicators are now incorporated in the rear view mirrors while the rear indicators are built into the tail. For 2005, the direction indicator lenses are white in colour (except USA models).

The new-design indicators leave nothing to stick out and spoil the RSV 1000 R's clinically clean lines. The bike therefore cuts through the air like nothing else. Extensive wind tunnel testing has shown that the RSV 1000 R has a CX of only 0.3. Ride it to believe it!



V60 Magnesium Engine

The 1000 cc 'V 60 Magnesium' engine marks a turning point in the history of Aprilia twin-cylinder engines. It is based on the acclaimed V990, but has been so completely revised that even its name has changed. Its design features have already established it as the benchmark for production twins. It performs exceptionally, responds in every situation and has proverbial Aprilia reliability. The cylinder heads have been designed using Aprilia's race know-how to improve fluid dynamics and combustion efficiency. Optimised ignition and injection mapping has also led to increased torque in the 4,000 to 6,000 rpm rev range. The valve gear has been designed and tuned for the maximum performance.

The V60 Magnesium breathes through the exclusive 'Air Runner' ram air scoop. As mentioned above, this is located right in the middle of the cockpit fairing, exactly on the motorcycle's centreline where dynamic pressure is the highest. From the scoop, an air duct passes through the steering head to take ram air to the generous 10.3 litre airbox. A choke inside the duct, controlled by the engine ECU, regulates flow to provide the engine with air at exactly the right volume and pressure for all engine speeds. The engine therefore packs incredible punch right through its extended speed range, enabling the rev limiter to be set at 11,000 rpm.

The mighty roar of the V60 Magnesium is muffled by two differential volume Helmotz resonators to reduce intake noise at the most critical engine speeds. The airbox also houses an idling motor. This operates an electronically controlled valve that deviates air downstream of the butterfly valve to make it easier to start the engine from cold and to stabilise engine idling.

The Air Runner also performs a structural function. It incorporates two lightweight aluminium arms to hold the cockpit fairing and headlight so that there is no need for ugly brackets. A new panel type air filter reduces pressure drop and improves engine efficiency. The engine's fuel injection system features 57 mm throttle bodies and one injector per cylinder. Thank to the Air Runner ram air scoop pressure in the airbox increases as the bike accelerates, leading to a 3% gain in power at maximum speed. 

An engine management unit made in conjunction with Siemens VDO controls all engine parameters. The ECU receives real time signals from 15 parameter sensors and processes these to control the actuators in real time too. (Parameters include air and coolant temperature; atmospheric, airbox and oil pressure; Lambda sensor oxygen level; crankshaft, camshaft, and rear wheel speed; throttle, side stand, clutch and neutral position; and battery voltage.) To ensure high precision engine management, the phonic wheel on the crankshaft is a 36-minus-2-tooth wheel that generates signals every 10° instead of every 60°.

The flash EPROM already contains racing mapping for unrestricted exhausts. Aprilia service engineers can easily change mapping on request from the customer.

All engine data passes through a CAN (Controlled Area Network) line to the instrument panel, which acts as a diagnostic terminal. In the event of a malfunction, it is a simple job for service engineers to identify problems. The CAN line uses only two wires to transmit all data. This simplifies the electrical system enormously as well as reducing the total weight of the bike. 

The V60 Magnesium engine sets new standards for production twins, delivering a maximum power of 138.72 hp (102 kW) at 9,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 107 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Despite this massive power the engine is extremely clean running and complies with the EC's Euro2 emission control legislation thanks to a three way catalytic converter with lambda probe oxygen sensor. The engine is extremely light too thanks to the use of high-tech materials like magnesium in the cylinder head covers and the clutch cover. 

For Aprilia, advanced technology means long lasting performance as well as high performance. As the RSV 1000 R has grown in power, so it has also improved in reliability. Special high strength con rods have now been added to make the engine more robust than ever. Aprilia was the first manufacturer to use a close ratio gearbox on a production bike. The RSV 1000 R's new close ratio box allows you to make full use of the V60 Magnesium engine's fantastic power more easily than ever before. The result is even more aggressive acceleration and exhilarating gear changes coming out of bends. This enhanced performance is perfect for road and track because the engine responds brilliantly even in the high gears, making the bike sportier and more fun to ride than ever. 

Despite so much technical evolution, the characteristics that made the original RSV stand out are still there.

- Longitudinal 60° V twin engine with 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead camshaft, driven by a mixed chain and gear system.
- Electronic fuel injection with 57 mm throttle bodies, one injector per cylinder, and an 'Air Runner' ram air scoop.
- CDI ignition with one plug per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by the same integrated engine management system that also controls fuel injection.
- Dry sump lubrication with double trochoidal pump, separate oil tank and oil cooler.
- Mixed gear/chain valve timing drive with the two gears (one per timing chain) located in the crankcase to reduce cylinder head dimensions.

The RSV 1000 R's sophisticated twin cylinder engine also incorporates the following exclusive Aprilia patents:

- AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft).
- Hydraulic action clutch with radial master cylinder assisted by the patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system to control rear wheel bounce during fierce braking. 

Exhaust System

The exhaust system is designed using all of Aprilia's Superbike championship experience. The system is a 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust made entirely in stainless steel, with 10/10 mm thick collectors and oval section cylinder head flanges in precision cast stainless steel. The silencer skins are in electroplated 8/10 mm stainless steel, and are assembled with straps and rivets in line with the latest racing practice. Even the location of the silencers has been specially calculated to minimize aerodynamic resistance and improve weight distribution. For 2005, the RSV 1000 R also features improved joints between the collector pipes and the silencers and shot-peened, satin-effect silencer ends.

Frame

Years of high level racing have allowed Aprilia's R&D section to design a frame that is acknowledged as the best production bike frame around. One of Aprilia's fixed objectives when designing the new RSV 1000 R frame was to achieve perfectly centralised mass. In line with Aprilia practice, the frame incorporates aluminium-silicon castings and Peraluman 450 pressings. The frame has been optimised by extensive finite element analysis and boasts excellent torsional rigidity though it weighs only 9,650 grams, a figure matched only by specialist racing frames. 

Times change; riding styles change; and bikes must change too. For this reason, the frame and swingarm have been specifically designed for maximum efficiency and to enable riders to achieve perfect control over power slides into and out of bends. The new RSV 1000 R swingarm has been designed using the know how acquired in motorcycle GPs. Like the frame, it is made from extruded Peraluman and Al Si 7 castings. Its double member design provides a clear passage for the new twin silencer exhaust system. Here too, cross-sections and wall thicknesses have been optimised using finite element analysis. The RSV 1000 R swingarm weighs only 4,860 grams, well under the swingarm weight benchmark of 5 kg.

Suspension

The Showa 43 mm upside down fork is a perfect compromise between sports performance and road-going comfort. It is derived from racing forks and provides continuous adjustment for preload as well as hydraulic adjustments for compression and rebound damping (2.25 turns for the former and 2.5 for the latter). 

The Sachs rear monoshock incorporates a separate piggy back nitrogen cylinder and is adjustable in preload, compression, rebound and even length so that the rear end of the bike can be raised or lowered to achieve whatever setup may be required and to match rider preferences and other suspension adjustments. 

 

Brakes

Top supersports demand top quality brakes. The RSV 1000 R is at the cutting edge of technology, with radial calliper front brakes developed by Aprilia in conjunction with Brembo. Aprilia is no newcomer to sophisticated radial calliper technology. In fact Aprilia was the first manufacturer to use it, on a 250 GP racer.

The benefits of radial callipers for the rider are:

- More effective braking.
- More precise response to rider input. Wasted lever movement due to calliper 'elasticity' is almost completely eliminated because radial mounting prevents any movement of the calliper itself.
- Longer pad life. Radial callipers ensure better pad to disk alignment because the calliper remains rigidly aligned with its theoretical working position even under extreme stress. Better pad alignment means more even surface wear and therefore longer pad life.
- More consistent braking with less variation in performance between hot and cold.

The 320 mm floating steel disks on the front wheel feature narrower braking surfaces. This means reduced wheel weight and inertia and therefore more agile handling. The 2005 RSV 1000 R's radial callipers are combined with a radial master cylinder to form the most sophisticated braking system fitted to any current production bike. The front and rear braking circuits both use aeronautical metal braid hoses to eliminate the pressure variations associated with conventional rubber brake lines, guaranteeing maximum braking precision. 

Components

What places the Aprilia RSV 1000 R in a class of its own is the care taken in its design and manufacture and the attention paid to every single component on the bike. The result is increased performance and functionality, with reduced weight and a quality and finish that no other bike can equal. 

Particular care has been taken to rationalise the RSV 1000 R's design. Fewer parts means fewer screws and less weight. The new RSV 1000 R has only 14 fairing and body parts. Even the fastenings have been designed in a wind tunnel to optimise air flow over the bike and improve CX and cooling. 

The following components deserve a special mention:

- Radial calliper front brakes.

- Cast-formed calliper mounting for improved rigidity and braking consitency.

- The combined digital and analog dashboard receives data on all engine control parameters over a CAN line and incorporates memory to allow it to act as an integral part of the self-diagnostics system. The dashboard provides the same readouts as the previous model (including a self timer with a 40 lap memory). The dashboard is extremely modern and compact in design and weighs only 220 grams. All functions are controlled by three conveniently located keys. The LED backlighting may be set to three levels and is white for the analog instruments and red for the digital display.

- The headlight cluster incorporates four lights for perfect night riding vision. The great care taken over the design and finish of the RSV 1000 R also transpires from little but important details like bulb holders made from blue anodised aluminium.

- The white lens direction indicators are fully integrated in the bike's body. The front indicators are moulded into the rear view mirrors while the rear indicators are built into the tail. This means that there is no need to remove them for track use. The rear number plate holder can also be removed quickly and easily to comply with competition regulations.

- Even the ignition key is specially made for the RSV 1000 R and carries an internal identification code. The ignition block has an immobilizer fitted as standard. 

Colors

The RSV 1000 R features eye-catching new graphics in Aprilia Black, Fluo Red and Mirror Silver. The real news, however, is the brand new graphic on the fairing. A stylised lion symbolises Aprilia's origins, the history of Venice and the history of Aprilia itself. (The lion was one of Aprilia's first logos.) The lion represents exotic places, fearless character, and sporting courage. More than just a graphic, the lion is part of art itself and a universally recognised symbol. 

New For 2005

- New fuel injection mapping
- Radial calliper front brakes
- Photo-engraved front mudguard
- White lens direction indicators
- White lens tail light
- New rear seat cover
- Rear seat cover (optional)
- New seat upholstery

Road Test

Road testing any superbike on the salty, slippery and usually damp mid-winter British roads is always a somewhat challenging experience, and to say I had reasonable weather whilst with the Aprilia is probably and understatement! I think I had 1 day where the roads were actually clear of salt, that's only because it rained heavily on the previous day and as usual I got caught in it!

First things first, and in the case of the new Aprilia RSV Mille R it's a totally different animal than Aprilia's last model. The '04' R model (let's call it that to save confusion) is now the base model of the Mille, while last years R was in fact the top of the range. Confused? Well read on...

Last years R had the exotica already fitted to make it an R, Ohlins suspension, OZ race wheels etc, etc, but this years '04' R has the standard Showa front and a Sachs unit at the rear; you have to go to the next step, the Mille 'Factory' to get the same treatment as the previous R. That model comes with all the Ohlins goodies including a top spec steering damper which the new R doesn't get at all, and of course Brembo radial brakes. We'll be testing a Factory in a couple of weeks, so keep coming back. Well that just about explains it, if you got lost somewhere just keep reading!

The instant giveaway that the new Mille R is not just a re-vamped '03' model is the bodywork. We now have a very angular and much slimmer profile than the bulging rounded lines of the '03' model, this gives the new bike a very sleek look indeed, and give Aprilia credit here, it's a stunning bike to look at now. As per quite a few bikes today including Ducati's 999/749 range, the front indicators are built into the mirrors. It creates a very slim profile now, but again a-la-Ducati you really can't see much in them without having to lift your arm to stare back under your armpit. What's behind doesn't matter, it's the prey in front of you that counts!!

The smaller, more compact appearance of the new bike made me think at first that the rider space had become more compact too, though I was proved to be completely wrong on this. Although the new bike has a lower windscreen, there's quite a bit more room between the seat and the fuel tank. This means that you can tuck in a lot more than the previous model, and another bonus here is that the overall aerodynamics will be improved at speed. Both the old Mille and the '04' R do still have a similar feel to them, but the '04 makes you feel if you are sitting 'in' the bike, rather than 'perched' on top of it. It just doesn't feel a high as the old model, a criticism many potential buyers had when looking for a rather exotic v-twin. The new Mille sits a full 2.5cm lower, and if you had ever had any doubts about touching the ground on the old one then I would suggest a look at the new Mille R. I don't think you would hesitate now.

Sitting on the new bike you are immediately faced with a full set of brand new instruments. Gone are the ex - Fiat Strada surplus units! Now they have been replaced with a very neat single piece unit with a digital speedo and analogue tacho. All the lights are in the right place and when you turn on the ignition the bike does the usual modern pre-flight check. There is also a full timer facility, clock, mph/km/h conversion mode and even a side stand warning light! The layout on the rest of the bars etc is still pretty much the same with the exception of radial master cylinders. The switch gear is still the usual 'funky' Aprilia layout with upside down horn and indicator switches providing endless fun to other road users as you sound your horn to turn right at a roundabout, or flash the lights to warn someone, it will take you a few days to get used to this, it did for me anyway!

As regards the rest of the front end of the new Mille R, when looking forward from the new riding position the frontal area is now much smaller and lower. You can spend a lot more time concentrating on the road ahead as the bike almost disappears from your view. The adjustable alloy levers are also very good, fine tuning to your exact needs, they are light to operate and easy to use, even with new waterproof gloves purchased when my others (leather race gloves) were just soaked through! The Mille R feels extremely narrow all over now, gone is that slightly outdated styling, what you have now is a slim, modern styled superbike with integrated indicators both front and rear. The rear indicators are in fact housed in possibly the sleekest, sexiest looking tail unit on any current motorcycle. Here is a bike to rival the best exotica from Italy.

Hidden away under the sweeping alloy frame rails lies a brand new engine called the V-60 Magnesium. It is essentially the same layout of a 60deg V-Twin and has 4 valve heads with double cams, but that's about where the similarity ends. Aprilia have designed new heads for better combustion, only a single plug is now needed per cylinder, it has new cams and valve springs and a whole host of extra little things to make up this engines claimed 139 bhp. In the electronics and fuel department we now have 57mm throttle bodies instead of the previous 51mm, new intake ducts, a single injector per cylinder, and a new pressurised air-box giving some 3% increase in power on the move. All this is managed by a new ECU with 15 sensors on the bike to fine-tune it through an diagnosis terminal in the instrument cluster.

All these modifications to the '04' R have made a huge difference in the overall ride on the road. Now we have a very responsive engine with lots of smooth power delivery right up the range, but there's a surprise still to come when you get beyond 8,000rpm.. Lots more power suddenly appears up to the rev limiter around the 11,500rpm mark. The new bike becomes a Wolf, ready to give chase to anything in it's path, it's great fun!!

Riding it on the road in winter is probably not the best place for it in reality, all that alloy and those designer Italian fittings do take a bit of a 'hammering' on the UK roads, but a quick jet wash soon gets rid of all that salt bringing the gorgeous looking Aprilia back to it's former glory. In general on road riding all you need to do is to ride it around at about 5-6,000rpm, run a gear higher than you think, and it will pull smoothly and feels totally relaxed to ride. A Sunday cruise is about the best description for it, but take note here, in 6th gear you will find yourself doing about 90-100mph, and feeling as easy as you would at 50mph!

Once you Start to get used to the power delivery it's time to play! On the one dry and salt-free day I had it gave me a good chance to try out the bike on something other than slippery or wet roads. The Aprilia is a fast bike, a seriously fast bike, but there are faster ones out there. Any 1 lt Japanese 4 cyl superbike will give the Mille a real run on speed and acceleration, but when it come to feel and stability the V-Twin has it. Four cylinder bikes are brutal in their power delivery, there's no room for the slightest error or it will spit you off, but the Millle is a lot more forgiving. The balance of power delivery, good handling and good brakes makes this bike so much easier to ride fast on ordinary roads than your average four cyl superbike. Sure it wheelies on power in 1st to 3rd, and it will spin up the rear wheel if your'e heavy handed, but with it's balanced Showa front USD forks and Sachs rear unit it always feels solid and firmly fixed to the road. The one thing I would advise is the steering damper upgrade as it tends to shake it's head under heavy acceleraton, and when you discover that the front wheel has been airborne for the last 100mtrs!

The Aprilia Factory and the standard Mille 'R' share the same base chassis geometry as the old model, but subtle changes are obvious throughout including the headstock which has been repositioned lowering the new bike. More lowering has also taken place with the swing arm mountings, and the pivot and is now further forward by 0.5mm. The engine sits 4mm further over to the right completing the changes, so the outcome of all these changes adds up to a very different bike indeed. The standard mount, Brembo four-pot calipers on the R model are very strong and provide lots of feel, and they're all you'd probably ever want - as long as you don't try the the feel and power of the radial mount Brembo calipers of the Factory model, then you may change your mind to overkill!

On the road one of the most noticeable changes is the way the bike turns in on fast corners. The old Mille always used to feel as though it wanted to run in wide asking for a little muscle, on the new '04' this is just not the case. Unfortunately as the roads were mostly slippery it did show a tendency to want to run wide on the exit of corners, but I mainly put that down to the slippery surface and to the standard Michelin Pilot Sports, not a favourite feed-back tyre of mine at all! The 43mm Showa forks allow adjustment for spring pre-load, compression and rebound damping, I did find the standard settings a bit too hard for general road use, but on smooth roads they worked well, so track use should be great! I found the rear Sachs unit to be behaving very well in any conditions, no need to alter anything there. The Mille also has Aprilia's pneumatically controlled clutch on it and this contributes to super smooth corner entries allowing slip on deceleration stopping the rear wheel hopping after a quick downchange.

Dry weight quoted for the Aprilia Mille R is 185kg, so it's not a lightweight in comparison to most Japanese superbikes with about a 20kg handicap. This doesn't really come into it in the real world, only on the race track would it be at all noticable, but then the twin does have it's advantages in so many places over the mad 4cyl 1000's!

In conclusion the Aprilia RSV Mille 'R' is fast, it's exotic, it's seriously stylish, and both gets and deserves the looks it receives from other bikers and road users. Aprilia have made sweeping changes to the Mille, it's changed from a somewhat overweight looking and dated bike into true Italian Stallion. The Mille R and the Factory are bikes for the enthusiast Italian sport-bike rider, they are absolutely beautiful to look at, and even more beautiful to ride.

At the end of every ride, even in some of the worst weather, I walked away impressed. The new Mille is faster, more composed, and probably the most important point here, is easier to use than ever. Comfort is not n issue here, you don't get sore on it in general riding. The only time I ever felt any pain was after a serious amount of traffic and filtering, then the wrists suffered a bit, but that's it. The new bike has been improved in almost every department regarding performance and handling, its looks are up to each individual, but I can honestly say it looks fantastic. If I were the owner of an older Mille and tested one of these then I'd be handing over a cheque for one tomorrow. Still that's just my point of view, everyone has their own tastes, to each their own I say

Source motorbikestoday.com