The RSV (Racing Series V-twin) was Aprilia's first foray into the big bike market after years of making brilliant 125 and 250cc strokers.
Unlike offerings from Ducati, Honda and Suzuki, Aprilia opted for a unique 60-degree angle between the cylinders instead of the usual 90-degrees. This gives a shorter, more compact engine but loses out in the primary balance stakes - a 90 will always be smoother - so the 'Prilia uses two balancer shafts to kill vibes stone dead.
At 185kg dry, the RSV Mille is lighter than the Ducati 916/996 and Suzi's TLR. The Honda VTR1000 SP-I is a porker in comparison, weighing in at 200kg.
The stonking sound that booms from the huge stainless steel 'racing' can makes it impossible for anyone with blood in their veins to resist the temptation to wind open the throttle and go faster for further than they'd planned. It's an addictive noise.
The 126bhp fuel-injected motor pulls strongly from low revs and thanks to masses of torque, there's no need to play tunes on the gearbox to keep the power on song.
Polished aluminium beam frame and banana-shaped swingarm, upside-down Showa fork and Boge rear shock combine to strike a balance between flickability and stability.
The 'Prilia is easier to ride fast than the Ducati, and has quickly earned a reputation for reliability and quality. The riding position is also a lot more comfortable.
For those after higher spec or exclusivity, Aprilia offers two other versions. The Mille-R cost £2000 more than the stock bike, but it is worth it for the Ohlins suspension front and rear, Ohlins steering damper, forged aluminium wheels, and solo seat. The SP is for lottery winners only - it cost a whopping £22,765 for the hand-built homologation special (manufacturers who want to go Superbike racing have to make a minimum 150 bikes for sale to the public).
Not everyone likes the styling of the early models, something Aprilia has addressed with the 2001 models. Road or track, the RSV Mille is one of the most accomplished bikes made.
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