Aprilia has a long history of racing with small displacement bikes. They made their first foray into the Superbike ranks with the RSV 1000 in 1998. The engine was built by Austrian firm Rotax, who have built engines for several other bike companies, including BMW, Buell, and KTM. The RSV engine was a 60 degree V-twin, 998cc, putting out a roughly 140HP. The base RSV has decent components, while the higher-spec RSV Mille R has Ohlins front and rear and lighter forged wheels. There was a RSV SP built for homogulation purposes with a special short-stroke engine so the bike could be raced in World Superbike, where it was campaigned by Noriyuki Haga and Colin Edwards.
This Mille is the Base model and looks to be in very good condition. These engines are known to be pretty bulletproof, so at 6800 miles, this should be barely broken in. I have a first-generation Tuono with over 25,000 miles and have never done anything to the engine except change fluids and plugs. A lot of these bikes have been raced or at least done track days, so due diligence is required. Obvious clues are fairing, turn signal or peg damage. In this case, aftermarket footrests are common, as the original riding position is aggressive.
This RSV also has new tires and battery and comes with front and rear Pit Bull stands. The owner is asking $4,200, and everything’s negotiable, right? Looks like a deal to me. Find it here on Craigslist in Atlanta, Georgia.