I've ridden one but not owned one. A few things stand out for me...it felt almost too much off the first inch of throttle travel, and it felt like you could feel every explosion in the engine. Problems, on the one I rode, which was a 2009 factory, the headlight had started to melt the inside of the headlight case, and there was no hope of finding neutral when you had stopped, although I believe there was a dealer fix for this. Tank range was poor, 85 mile on one run.
I have owned 2 the first being a 10 plate which had everything go wrong with it you can think of, the next was a 12 plate which superb not a thing to complain about. If im being honest you need to look at a post 11 plate they have a much better/stronger engine, and then you also get the APRC which is superb. Im 6 foot 1 and didn't have a problem with size even took them both down to the Algarve and back with no troubles.
It would take an au full lot to get me back on an aprilia, and the RSV4 being amazing wouldn't be enough. The ownership experience can leave a lot to be desired. If I had the cash, and another bike, I might take on a new one with a warranty, but I wouldn't touch second hand. If it goes wrong in May, and one of the 5 UK dealers don't have the part in stock, you can write off the whole summer waiting for Italy to start work again. Griff at Aprilia Performance is a genius, but overall it's a no from me.
I would have another in a heartbeat but way out of my price league especially now ive just bought a Ducati
