Segment:
High-performance sportbike
Key Competitors Era:
Ducati 916/996, Honda VTR1000F Firestorm, Suzuki TL1000R/S, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace.
Engine Layout:
V-Twin, 90-degree cylinder angle
Frame Design:
Aluminum twin-spar frame
Suspension Frontend:
Fully adjustable upside-down forks
Braking System:
High-performance radial-mount calipers
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, overhaul, and reassembly of engine components.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, regulators, and tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
ECU, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring diagrams, and timing.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, and coolant circuit maintenance.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipe inspection and replacement.
Transmission Manual:
Gearbox disassembly, repair, clutch service, and final drive maintenance.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including calipers, master cylinders, lines, fluid replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front forks (including internals, seals, and oil), rear shock absorber, linkages, and swingarm.
Steering:
Handlebars, triple clamps, steering head bearings, and adjustments.
Electrical System:
Full wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, and sensors.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, panel repair, and component fitment.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, tire mounting and balancing, and wheel specifications.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance checks, lubrication points, and fluid changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault finding for various systems, and common problem solutions.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair, replacement, and adjustment.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for complete engine teardown and rebuild.
Suspension Setup:
Fork oil level and viscosity recommendations, rear shock adjustments.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Fault finding based on symptoms and electrical schematics.
Clutch Replacement:
Step-by-step guide for clutch pack replacement and adjustment.
Brake Bleeding:
Correct procedures for bleeding the hydraulic brake system.
Torque Specifications:
All critical fastener torque values for engine, chassis, and suspension components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and chassis rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including troubleshooting for electronic control units (ECU).
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 90° V-Twin
Displacement:
955 cc (58.3 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
97 mm x 63.8 mm (3.82 in x 2.51 in)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Horsepower Claimed:
Approx. 130 HP (97 kW) @ 9,200 rpm
Torque Claimed:
Approx. 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with twin injectors per cylinder
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium octane recommended (95-98 RON)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 recommended.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (3.7 US qt) with filter change.
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to traditional crash test ratings like cars.)
Front Brakes:
Dual 320mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers (Brembo)
Rear Brakes:
Single 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper (Brembo)
ABS:
Not typically equipped on this model year, check specific market configurations.
Frame Construction:
High-strength aluminum alloy twin-spar frame for rigidity and impact protection.
Lighting:
Dual Halogen headlights, LED taillight (on some variations).
Infotainment System:
N/A (Focus on performance, not infotainment features)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids like traction control or advanced ABS typically found on this generation.)
Connectivity Options:
N/A
Dashboard:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and warning lights.
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel injection and ignition timing.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or annually.
Filter Change Interval:
With every oil change.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Chain Cleaning Lubrication:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after riding in wet conditions.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic clutch fluid (if separate reservoir).
Fork Oil Type:
Specific viscosity as per manual, typically SAE 5W or 10W.
Common Concerns:
Stator failure, regulator/rectifier issues, cam chain tensioner wear, occasional fuel injector clogging, potential for electrical gremlins due to complex wiring.
Maintenance Priority:
Regular electrical system checks, proper cooling system maintenance, and attention to chain adjustment/lubrication are crucial.
Brand History:
Aprilia is an Italian manufacturer with a rich history in racing, particularly in Grand Prix and Superbike championships, known for innovative engineering and performance-oriented motorcycles.
Mille Introduction:
The RSV Mille was introduced in 1997 as Aprilia's flagship V-twin sportbike, designed to compete directly with established Italian and Japanese rivals.
1999 2000 Updates:
The 1999-2000 models represent the initial production run of the RSV Mille, featuring the iconic 956cc Rotax-derived engine and an aluminum twin-spar frame, setting the stage for later performance enhancements and variations.
Manufacturing Location:
Noale, Italy