Segment:
High-performance sportbike
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a premium Italian sportbike, performance-oriented riders, track day participants.
Competitors:
Ducati 916/996/998, Honda CBR900RR Fireblade, Yamaha R1 (YZF-R1), Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX-9R.
Engine Layout:
90-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
Frame Type:
Aluminum twin-spar frame
Suspension:
Fully adjustable front forks (e.g., Showa or Marzocchi) and rear monoshock.
Braking System:
Radial-mount front brake calipers, high-performance discs.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine teardown, assembly, valve adjustment, timing, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod procedures, lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni BSR 32) or Fuel Injection (if applicable to specific sub-models/regions), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, pressure regulator, evaporative emission control system.
Ignition System:
ECU, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring diagrams, timing adjustments.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox internal inspection and repair, gear selection mechanisms, chain and sprockets maintenance, final drive.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system overhaul, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS components (if equipped).
Suspension Steering:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber service, swingarm and linkage maintenance, steering head bearing replacement.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, instrumentation, horn, all wiring diagrams and troubleshooting guides.
Bodywork Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, body panel fasteners, frame inspection.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fans, water pump, thermostat, coolant types and capacities, flushing procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil and filter changes, chain lubrication and adjustment, brake pad replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system fault finding.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly across all covered systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for identifying malfunctions, torque specifications for critical fasteners, electrical testing methods.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, diagnostics, component-level repair, and full engine/transmission overhauls.
Diagrams:
Detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and service schematics.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin
Displacement:
998 cc (cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
97 mm x 68 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
Approximately 130-137 hp (at crankshaft, depending on region/tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 95-100 Nm (at crankshaft, depending on region/tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Mikuni BSR 32 CV carburetors (or early fuel injection systems on some variants/regions)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.2 - 3.5 liters with filter change
Oil Type:
Fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil, API SG or higher, JASO MA certified. Recommended viscosity: 10W-40 or 15W-50.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically subjected to standardized crash testing like cars; focus is on rider protection via chassis design and braking.)
Braking System:
Dual 320mm front discs with radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 220mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper. (ABS optional on some models/regions).
Suspension Stability:
Adjustable suspension allows tuning for rider preference and road conditions, contributing to stability.
Frame Integrity:
Robust aluminum twin-spar frame designed for rigidity and impact absorption.
Lighting:
Dual headlights for improved visibility.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, temperature gauge, and warning lights. May include lap timer function.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some configurations/markets for this model year range.
Diagnostic Ports:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) capability, likely with proprietary connectors that the manual will detail for interfacing with diagnostic tools.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 6,000 - 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 6,000 - 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (using correct oil type).
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically at 12,000 km and then every 24,000 km, or as specified in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 16,000 km.
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Clean every 6,000 km, replace every 12,000 km or as needed.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Lubricate every 500 km or after riding in wet conditions; check tension regularly.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 if specified for newer systems, but DOT 4 is standard for this era).
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (same as brake fluid for hydraulic clutch).
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, some electrical connections or the regulator/rectifier could be potential weak points, as with many bikes of this era. Manual will aid diagnosis.
Fuel System Maintenance:
Carburetors require regular cleaning and synchronization for optimal performance, especially if the bike sits unused.
Vibration Management:
V-twin engines can produce vibrations; proper engine mounting and occasional checks are beneficial. Manual provides torque specs for mounts.
Manufacturer:
Aprilia is an Italian manufacturer renowned for its racing pedigree and high-performance motorcycles, particularly in the sportbike and off-road segments.
Racing Success:
Aprilia has a significant history in Grand Prix motorcycle racing across various classes, influencing their road-going models.
Predecessors:
The RSV Mille built upon Aprilia's experience with V-twin engines in smaller displacement models and their foray into larger sportbikes.
Key Developments:
Introduced as Aprilia's flagship superbike, competing directly with established Japanese and European rivals. Features Rotax-designed V-twin engine.
Production Period:
The first generation RSV Mille was produced from 1997 to 2003. This manual covers the later years of this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Noale, Italy
