The History of the Aprilia RSV Mille

Introduction

The Aprilia RSV Mille was a high-performance sportbike produced by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia from 1998 to 2003. The RSV Mille was designed to compete with other top sportbikes in the market, such as the Ducati 916 and Honda VTR1000F. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and aggressive styling, the RSV Mille quickly became a favorite among riders and reviewers alike.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Aprilia RSV Mille, from its early development to its final production years, as well as its notable achievements on the racetrack.

Development and Design

The development of the Aprilia RSV Mille began in the mid-1990s, with the goal of creating a high-performance sportbike that would appeal to both street and track riders. The bike was designed around a powerful 998cc V-twin engine, which produced up to 128 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque.

Aprilia also equipped the RSV Mille with advanced suspension components, including an Öhlins rear shock and a fully adjustable Showa fork. These components allowed riders to fine-tune the bike's handling and performance for their individual preferences.

Styling-wise, the RSV Mille was designed with an aggressive, aerodynamic look that emphasized its high-performance capabilities. The bike featured a distinctive twin-headlight front end, a sculpted fuel tank, and a minimalist tail section with a single seat.

Throughout its production run, the RSV Mille underwent several changes and updates, including revised fuel injection, larger air intakes, and improved exhaust systems. These updates helped to keep the bike competitive in an increasingly crowded sportbike market.

Year-to-Year Changes

• 1998 - The Aprilia RSV Mille was introduced to the market.
• 1999 - The RSV Mille R was introduced, featuring Öhlins suspension and a carbon fiber fender.
• 2000 - The RSV Mille SP was introduced, featuring Öhlins suspension and a carbon fiber fairing.
• 2001 - The RSV Mille R Haga Edition was introduced, featuring a special livery inspired by Aprilia rider Noriyuki Haga.
• 2002 - The RSV Mille R Nera was introduced, featuring a blacked-out color scheme and carbon fiber bodywork.
• 2003 - The RSV Mille Factory was introduced, featuring Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and other upgrades.
• 2004 - The RSV Mille R Factory was introduced, featuring the same upgrades as the RSV Mille Factory but with a special livery.
• 2005 - The RSV Mille R Factory was updated with new Brembo Monobloc brakes.
• 2006 - The RSV Mille was discontinued and replaced by the Aprilia RSV 1000 R.

Specifications

• Engine: 998 cc V-twin
• Power: 128 horsepower
• Torque: 76 lb-ft
• Top Speed: 175 mph
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• Quarter Mile: 11.7 seconds
• Weight: 440 lbs

Championships

The Aprilia RSV Mille was raced in a number of championships, including the Superbike World Championship and the AMA Superbike Championship, but never won a championship title.