2000 Aprilia reviews

First of all I'm not sorry I bought this bike at all, but I will say I'm a little disappointed in the finish quality of the bike. Rides, runs and may just be the best looking half-fairing machine on the market. It's when you start to get into details like decals on crooked and tail section parts not lining up correctly. It's the little things that leave a bad taste. Keep people from putting it under a magnifying glass and you have the coolest machine on the road. Just don't let them get too close.... Show less

This is such a great bike I can't believe I waited so long to make up my mind. Go ride one and you'll see what I'm talking about. Great brakes, awesome motor, neutral handling. I did have a minor problem with a sticky clutch like the other guy but once my shop flushed and bled the clutch system that stickiness was gone. This bike is sexier than a Ducati because it works like a Jap bike but looks Italian. Show less

I just took delivery of a black Pegaso. Aprilia has a great program where you can get a set of color-matched lateral bags plus a $250 accessory allowance. I've only put 1200 miles on my Pegaso but this is a fun bike to ride because it's light and easy to handle. Just like the other rider said -- go ride this bike, the magazines don't do this bike justice. Show less

After owning many bikes in the past 12 years I must say the RSV R takes the cake. Spending the last 5 years on a modified Ducati 955, the Aprilia does everything in a more complete overall package. The engine is smooth, pulls hard all the way through the rev range, and the fuel injection mapping is flawless. My first impression of riding my Aprilia was how easy it flicked/steered. The Ducati was lazy and slow compared to the RSV R. This bikes goes into corners similar to an Asian 4-cylinder sport bike.
Riding position better than the Ducati as far as comfort goes, with the clip ons higher, and you don't have your wrists loaded up nearly as much. After owning a standard mille for 3 months, my opinion on the R is that the suspension is really stiff, and that hitting medium / big bumps can upset the bike if not set up properly. It is important that you break in the suspension first, before making any major changes, as the sag factor increases after 600 miles or so. After spending time with an Aprilia technician, who also has been setting/rebuilding suspension systems for 15 years, we came up with a pretty good set up. Mind you, I only weigh 170 lbs. @ 5'11'. Rear sag = 35mm at the rear with rider on board. Front sag=25-30mm. We raised the rear ride height about 1/4", and slowed down the compression damping in the rear. This did help quit a bit as far as hitting bumpy surfaces.
Overall, this bike shines above the rest in my book as far as overall performance/quality at a reasonable price level. If your into sport riding, and prefer twins, or your thinking about buying a twin, then hurry and snatch one up before they are all gone! Show less

I purchased a 2000 Pegaso in November of 99 and I'm very happy with the bike. Most tests that I have read say the bike is kinda wimpy. I disagree, the biggest H.P. thief is the KAT mufflers. I installed a set of Arrow mufflers and rejetted, feel like I discovered at least 10 more H.P. My only complaint at this point is the seat, however that's easy to fix with any number of after market seat Companies. I have over 3000 miles on the bike now and I swear it keep's getting faster. I have seen 112mph with me sitting upright. Show less

I bought one for sport riding and it delivered more than I imagined. It is light, effortless entering and through the corners, the brakes are way stout, the engine revs smoothly and eagerly-just about everything I could have wanted. Too much chugging around town wears on your wrists, although not as badly as my Duc. Cool features include adjustable levers, those beautiful forks/brakes, the cool swingarm and that way cool computer on the dash. I did 300 miles in one day up to Sear Point for the races and felt very fresh at the end of the day. The bike is better than my last Superbike from the Camel Pro Series. The workmanship and finish are outstanding! I would definitely buy one again, although I suspect this one will keep me pleased for some time. Show less

I thought that $400+ for the first service (@ 600 miles) was a bit pricey, but it does involve checking the valves, and therefore dis-assembling the bike a bit. In retrospect, I would push for including this in the purchase price of the bike during negotiations with the dealer. Also, I was a bit upset when I got it back; the bike was rough-shifting, stuttered, and tended to stall, even when simply putting it in first with the clutch held all the way open! It came alive again after I adjusted the idle up a quarter turn and set it to about 1200 RPM, where the owner's manual says it should be. The adjuster knob is on the right side of the engine, near your knee. It's still a bit rough off the bottom for the first few miles after starting it hot, but otherwise runs beautifully. Insurance is/was a major pain. Neither Rider, nor Progressive carry coverage for the Falco yet. My Allstate agent kindly told me that "While I would be very happy to add your new bike to your car policy, I'm equally sure you wouldn't be happy paying for it." I didn't bother to ask him what it would have been. I ended up getting coverage from a Florida-based company called Fernet. Despite my efforts to convince them otherwise, the Falco is classified a Sport bike, and a 34-year old man living in New Jersey with a perfectly clean (no accidents/tickets) driving record, 10+ year experience, and MSF course completion (Me!) will pay over $2,000/year for full coverage (around $700 for liability only). OUCH!!! By way of contrast - I am leasing a loaded 2000 Acura 3.2 TL and my $11,300 motorcycle costs 10% more to insure than my $30,000 car. Needless to say, I continue to look for an offering based in reality. Alternatively, I may just partake in whatever it is the insurance folks have been smoking. Looks-wise it is simply gorgeous - riders and non-riders alike have commented on it. And unlike my old (fridge-white) VFR, I can sit in the garage and stare at it. My full-on sport bike friends have yet to demonstrate any supposed backroad 'superiority,' and I arrive fresher and look better doing it. Do you get the feeling I love my bike??? Scott Show less

Take out the air box restrictors, add the Aprilia race can and chip, add the new K&N air filter, change to Pirelli Dragon Evo Corsa tyres, wind up the suspension settings and blow your mind (and the competition) away ! Show less

The Aprilia is a very poor runing bike. From a start the bike takes off in first gear clutch will not disengage fully--sticks. The motor misses off idle the heat burns your legs. No shop manuals are at usa dealers, no parts. Paint on tank bad finish bike # 000125. Show less