First released in 1999, the RSV Mille marked Aprilia’s first foray into the big-bore superbike market. The model was well-received, touted for being exotic yet still more affordable than Ducati’s 996, while offering reliability more on par with V-Twins like Honda’s RC51 or Suzuki’s TL1000R.
Drawing from experience born out of the Italian firm’s race program — specifically its 250 GP machines — Aprilia bestowed the V-Twin literbike with an array of trick competition-derived features like its box-section aluminum-alloy twin-spar frame and double banana swingarm.
Powering the Mille was a liquid-cooled, 997cc, four-stroke, 60-degree, longitudinal, V-Twin with double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. Produced by Austrian engine outfit, Rotax, the Mille’s mill made a claimed 130 hp at 9,500 rpm and 74 ft-lbs of torque at 5,500 rpm. The motor was also markedly more reliable than that of Aprilia’s Italian competitors. To lessen the 60-degree twin’s proclivity for immense vibration — especially when nearing its 170+ mph top speed — the RSV’s engine utilized an Anti-Vibration Double Countershaft system.
Produced from 1999 through 2003, the RSV Mille was offered in three variants; the base model, the homologation special SP version (or Sport Production); and the R-spec. The R-spec got upgraded forged aluminum rims, a shorter subframe, carbon fiber fenders, and the standard 43mm Showa fork and Sachs mono-shock were replaced by top-shelf Ohlins units. Braking duties went to dual 320mm discs pinched by four-pot calipers.
This example is VIN: ZD4MEE014YS000077. The seller acquired it six years ago from the original owner, a private party in Bedford, New Hampshire.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 5,636 miles.
“A low mileage rider that you would not be afraid to use. I have owned similar era Ducati’s, Hondas’ and Suzuki’s of this era, and this is my favorite of the bunch. Highly underrated and huge bang for the buck.”
Maintenance:
“2020: spark plugs, air filter, oil change, clutch slave, fuel tank gasket (fitted metal fuel tank because of ethanol issues but still have the OEM composite tank which is part of the sale), new fuel lines, connectors, adjust fuel trim and idle
2024: replace all coolant hoses, flush system, replace clutch springs with Barnett heavy duty, replace slipper clutch one-way check valve, replace brake/clutch fluid, adjust chain, mount 2 new Dunlop Sportmax tires.
2026 (early August): Motul oil change per AP Workshop UK instructions”
Mechanical Issues:
“Zero. It is in perfect mechanical condition. All electrics work. Fueling is perfect.”
Modifications:
Samco coolant hoses.
Rubber tank protector.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires with date codes of 4723 and 0724.
The sale includes 4 ignition keys, original tool kit, high capacity battery cables, tank decals, the OEM nylon tank, and a solo seat cowl.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Scratches, dings throughout including the exhaust. The previous owner was careless with storage. I used a magnetic parts retrieval wand to point our flaws. The replacement metal fuel tank has scratches as my service guy wrapped it in a blanket that had been contaminated. It is not hateful, but they are present. The OEM composite tank is in much better shape.”
Currently located in Ballston Spa, New York, this Aprilia is offered on a clean New York title.
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