The new-for-2004 RSV 1000R Factory V-twin superbike took over from the old RSV-R. It features much of the high-spec stuff of the old bike – fancy suspension, brakes and wheels etc., but the majority of the Factory is all new.
It looks a fair bit better than the previous version with its slimmer, sexier and more angularly crafted bodywork. But more to the point, it's a much improved bike to ride – simply because it's so much easier to get on with.
The whole bike is much lower and more manageable than the relatively tall and ponderous RSV-R and results in a more compact riding and less lofty riding position. So not only can you get your feet more firmly planted on the deck, you feel much more part of the bike and integrated with it.

The result is even better handling than before and with Ohlins suspension dealing with the bumps and ruts, feedback and control are spot on. And the Brembo radial-mount brakes give stupendous stopping power.
Mods to the motor have given it even more poke with another claimed 9bhp on offer. Bigger throttle bodies, new cams, reshaped combustion chambers, a ram-airbox and a new two-into-two exhaust system are the reasons for the improvement.

Some bottom-end stomp has been lost but the trade-off is a greater surge at the top and a broader spread courtesy of an appreciably higher rev ceiling. It's now even easier to go fast on the Aprilia. And, considering the kit it's fitted with and the price asked, going fast is top value, even for notoriously tight Northern freelance tester Chris Moss who tested the bike for us. Check out this lot for more enthusiasm and info.