Mmm. I don't think I'll have a problem with that. I don't get the bike until next week because of courier delay. Shame. I'm a bit sad to hear that, though not disappointed with the Aprilia. Can't buy anything else unless I sell one, and there's none I'd sacrifice. I have a space 'situation' now - couldn't even squeeze a Monkey bike in. Well . . .
Lovely bikes @nigelrb, had two of these. A Gen 1 and Gen 2 and I was in love with them both. Especially the latter. Mine was a 1000r, full titatanium akra system on it (not just cans) which are like rocking horse shit. It was a beautiful thing like most italian bikes. Only thing different on the factory is the carbon and Ohlins rear shock I think. Hope it's been fully serviced and check the stator and rectifier, if that goes it's a friggin huge job. First signs are it cutting out while idling! I used to worry about going on long rides in case the battery lost it's charge.......you should be ok though
Thanks @PauloHRC . You've had some great bikes and your time, with many more to come I suspect. What took you away from Aprilia? Those niggling 'Italian' problems many owners speak of?
I loved my Aprilia's.....had 3 in total including a mint RS250 which I wish i'd kept hold of now but at the time didn't realise it was to become the rare classic that they are today traded it in for a new CBR 600 rr way back in 2003! I also wish I kept the RSV, I'd just had it serviced at Aprilia performancein Tamworth, spent around £380 on it and they discovered it wasn't holding a charge. They said it would need a new stator and rectifier within 2000 miles and would cost £1500!!!! Apparently you need to buy stator and flywheel as a complete part hence the price. Took the bike home and slept on it for a while and decided I'd sell. I obviously informed the new owner of the problem and factored it into the price. He sourced the parts himself for around 300 quid (minus the flywheel!!!) and fixed it when it became a problem. He's still the happy owner and I entered into the world of Honda reliability They're beautiful bikes but not without their niggles and expensive niggles at that.....and mine was a good one!! If you're mechanically minded and not scared of getting you're hands dirty then great. If you're not then expect some expensive maintenance repair bills.......all part of Italian motorcycle ownership I suppose, especially older models! Really hope I haven't 'pissed on yer chips' I'm sure yours will be fine mate!
No, no problem at all. My MV has already introduced me to the idiosyncrasies of Italian ownership!! (High beam relay) Strange you mention Aprilia Performance in Tamworth. (The old 'small world' comes to mind) Elusive forum member @dainesefreak long ago recommended the establishment to me for my MV. On speaking to the RSV's owner, he advised that work had previously been done at Tamworth. I emailed their office for service records so that I could cross-check mileage. Griff (you might remember the name) phoned me because he actually remembered the bike!! All was good! Bit of a trip for you, though. Did you used to live in the area, or trek down from Manchester?
Yep hired a van and took the day off work, Griff is a decent bloke and if you've seen his videos on you tube you'll see he certainly knows his stuff! They let me stay and watch as they stripped the bike down for the srevice, had the head gasket off to do the valve clearances and put a new seal on while they were at it. Learnt quite a lot to be fair and there is not many places that you can stay and watch thier every move!! Was probably another reason I got rid though, driving all that way everytime I needed a service or something went wrong?? Nah not with Hunts Honda ten minutes away, that's why I got the blade! They're pretty much the go to people for Aprilia owners as everyone knows who's had one. For the same reason though they're not cheap!
In full on rant mode now and about to top myself. (and no - none of you is getting my bikes) Bleedin' bike courier, who I contracted last Wednesday, has just texted my saying, "Sorry, I can't do the job." Frig me, I've lost nearly a week over this. Used him twice before too, but needless to say never again. I should have just hired a van and done it myself, but I don't have ramps. Am now busy making alternative arrangements. Funny thing is that seller has already done V5 online, so that means I'll probably get the friggin' paperwork before the bike! I'm sitting here with my trick number plate and my ex ebay Aprilia masster cylinder socks and no damn bike to put them on
It's given it nice all week....I can pop my pillion seat on and give you a lift to pick it up if you like No sneaky boobie touching tho
I've had both Gen 1 and 2. Amazing bikes! Yep, Griff is the main guy that knows absolutely everything to know about them. Check your dog bone linkages, uprate the charging system wires, get an American side stand and your pretty much sorted. I've owned them for years so I know a bit about them. I still have soft spot for the V!!
Cheers and thank you VERY much for that. I only just joined the Aprilia forum and am on a steep learning curve. Had already identified a potential 'mod' with the side stand and had read that USA is the preferred version OR a 2005 - 07 Blade stand. Will investigate further when I get the bike, because, if you've followed some of my 'activities' some bikes spend more time on paddock stands than on the road. The other items you mention are also highly identified on said forum.
My poor RSV is still stuck in Scotland. Amazing how many motorcycle couriers didn't want the job, and even more amazing that some didn't even respond to my enquiries. I am pleased to thank BMW dealer LLoyd Motorrad Carlisle who will freight the bike down on their next Midlands delivery: http://www.lloydcarlislemotorrad.co.uk/ Shame is we have some damn good 'Aprilia' weather in Midlands at the moment. Guess I'll have to get a Blade out.
+1 on the Fireblade stand for the RSV. I had an 08 Tuono for 8 years and that was well worth it. I'd been waiting on eBay for an American stand for ages watching my bike wobble in the wind, they never come up. In the end just bought a new 07 Fireblade stand and it went straight in. Sort the charging system and you'll be trouble free. I fried 2 stators and one set of ignition coils in 20,000 miles. No other issues ever. Can't say enough good things about Griff and Aprilia Performance either, never let anyone else near your bike. When he first serviced my bike at 4 years old the number of 'horrors he identified was embarrassing, and it had been regularly serviced by an Aprilia main dealer.
why didn't you just get a van @nigelrb, cant beat a little road trip! costs about 60 quid for the van, bit of diesel and some straps or a wheel chock and your laughing!
True, Paul. In retrospect I fully agree. Thing was I contracted a courier I'd used before so I felt assured of good service. I used a van to Yorkshire for the C90 some months back. Fuel costs just for that was around 65 quid, so you're right - it's line ball. All sorted now though, I'll just wait and drool over yours and @Mattie1972 pics!! Cheers Mattie for reinforcing the viability of the Fireblade stand. Now I'm sure the 07 is correct I'll scan ebay for one. I'll assume there's no disruption to the switch? Also, I don't think I've ever heard a negative word about Griff. If you've followed my posts, you'll believe I have no problems having my bikes pampered!!
No worries at all. In case you get bored of trying to find a used Fireblade one on eBay (I did!!) this is the new part: https://www.lingshondaparts.com/hon...F__2400&block_03=513&block_04=xx&block_05=hmc (number 3 is all you need). £90 is a bit steep, but cheaper than having to replace anything that's going to hit the ground if it falls over. No problem with switch, just connect and go.
