I never really understood “new in the box” type of people. As I kid I did not hang out with the action figure collectors who liked to look at their as-new packaged Star Wars figures. I prefered to use my toys, breaking them occasionally. As I grew up, little changed (except maybe the frequency of breakage). Fast forward many years and I do not regret the immediate satisfaction over using that which I wanted; be it what is now a collectable toy or – much more importantly – a collectable motorcycle. Ownership to me implies ultimate control, and the ultimate luxury of doing what you want; and I’ve always prefered to ride rather than to ogle, to risk damage rather than participate in stagnation, and to get things dirty rather than spending all of my time cleaning. That’s why this advert jumped out at me. Here you have a 2009 Ape RSV 1000R Factory that was new in the box – and this seller decided to open the box and take it for a spin or two. I say Bravo to him!
2009 Aprilia RSV 1000R Factory with only 400 miles!
The Aprilia RSV 1000R is well known as a v-twin torque monster. The 60 degree, liquid cooled cylinders are fueled by computerized fuel injection and a proprietary ram air system. Four valves are operated by DOHC, and engine cases are a combination of aluminum and magnesium to save weight. Expect approximately 145 HP from one of these beasts; more than enough to keep your riding buddies in sight during spirited canyon carving. And it is during canyon carving (or on the race track) that the Factory bits really come into play. The Factory is essentially an upper spec RSV, containing fully adjustable Ohlins forks, rear shock, and steering damper. Specialty forged aluminim wheels (designed through finite analysis to produce the strongest wheel with the least amount of weight) reduce unsprung and rotational weight. The alumimun frame and swingarm are standard RSV bits, although the Factory augments the visuals via anodizing and polishing various pieces. Topped off with carbon fiber bodywork pieces to further reduce mass, the Aprilia RSV 1000R Factory is as well put together as any bike you are likely to find in the class. They were not cheap to start with, but the attention to detail makes the difference.
From the seller:
09 Aprilia rsv 1000 R factory with 400 miles. I purchased the bike new in the box and about 2 years ago i took it out the box and registered it and ever since it’s been in my climate controlled garage, The condition is what you would expect from a motorcycle with 400 miles.
I must admit that I would really love to know more about how the seller came across a crated Factory and the circumstances aound the purchase. Did he agonize at all about cracking the seal and devaluing a zero mile example by 35% or more just by uncrating it? My guess is that any anxiety felt was instantly replaced by sheer joy at the booming twin exhaust and the sound of the bike on full song. But at only 400 miles, this particular model is not even broken in. I can only guess that the 400 miles travelled have not been excessively hard on the bike. And the condition seems to agree. The pictures show a clean example of a great motorcycle – as you would hope. No telling if the crate is still available, but given that this one has been ridden at this point, the collector value for a zero mile bike with all the fixin’s is gone. So how much for a truly awesome model Aprilia that appears to be in excellent shape? The seller is looking for $9,800 – which is a bit dear for a used motorcycle. Thankfully the seller is open to offers, so there may be some opportunity for this Factory model yet. If you are in the market for a used Ape and looking for the best you can find, this very low mileage, nearly-new example might just fit the bill. Check it out here, and then share your thoughts in the Comments section whether you would have unboxed this monster or left it wrapped up like an action figure. Good Luck!!
MI
Sport bikes are for riding, not being stuck in a museum or hidden away in your den…….just my opinion……Currently looking for an Aprillia, so this would work for me and it will be used as intended….
Love the Gen II RSV. I’m on my second one, an ’08.
These bikes handle incredibly well. Unlike Ducati or MV Agusta, a race ECU isn’t needed for better-than-EPA-stringent fueling. The RSV in these years has a “Variant 2”, often called “Map 2”, built into it that eliminates the O2 sensor and gives fueling that is much better for cat-less aftermarket exhaust. A dealer can simply plug in the Aprilia diagnostic tool and switch it.
The second generation RSV was introduced in 2004. The bodywork changed a bit in 2006 and beginning that year even the standard RSV-R came with Ohlins forks, with a decent fully adjustable Sachs rear shock.
Sadly for a seller, resale pricing on these bikes is terrible. I’ve no idea what a super clean, low mileage example is worth, but it can’t be a giant premium over a nice clean one with say, 10,000 miles or so, which are easy to find.
Shame the bike has cheap Delkavic exhaust cans. No offense intended. Akrapovic , Arrow, several others are so much nicer.
Yeah, shame that Aprilia resale values are terrible (that’s why I own two, you can pick ’em up cheap) Ican’t imagine that the bike would have had much more than novelty value had it remained crated. For whatever reason, Aprilias (with the exception of the 2 strokes) never caught on with collectors. Shame because they phenomenal bikes
Agree with almost being said here except I think the asking is in line with the market. Low mile (sub 10k) clean gen 2 Factory tend to get close to this price level, at least asking wise. I’m not sure what they end up selling for but it’s definitely north of $5-$6k. I’m not a proponent of “buy ’em and store ’em” but I can see the value here. Even if you buy it and rack up miles with further devaluating this bike, it will be your miles your way. Love this red livery.
I have searched for a gen2 Tuono factory for a while. Not finding one I ended up with an MV Brutale. Now that MV is about to arrive, a red Tuono Factory pops up on the radar. I’m torn
John or Robert…….I am looking at a 2008 RSV1000R with Akrapovic exhaust and 4000 miles on it, for $6700…..have you 2 guys found the RSV 1000R to be as reliable as Japanese sport bikes…..also, is maintainence as expensive as, say Ducati……thank you for your time….
If I had a crated bike that I planned to sell, I think it would make sense to resist the urge to uncrated and add just a few hundred miles. If you’re uncrating it, put a few thousand miles on it and really enjoy it before selling it on – just my $ 0.02. Gary, I’ve had 4 Aprilias now, Including a 2002 RSV Mille, 2007 SXV 550, 2001 RS250 and now a 2017 Tuono Factory and have loved them all for their bulletproof engines and beautiful build quality. Maintenance is nowhere near Ducati level and reliability is on par with the Japanese bikes. Get the ’08 – NOW!
Agree with Chris below, Aprilia makes solid bikes and not nearly the maintenance of Ducatis. I had an 08 RSV and a Duc 999, I liked the App better, but they were very similar. I think the Aprilia is much more bike for the money you’ll spend.
Comparison- a 2008 Factory just sold at Mecum Las Vegas last Friday for $8800. Looked to be missing a bunch of graphics, but I’m not sure about that. Announcer John Kraman stated specs with authority: “…four cylinder power plant…” Right.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0118-319443/2008-aprilia-rsv1000r-factory/
Gary, that’s a good deal! just paid 8500 for one (Factory with the gold frame..asking 9000 so we met half way). it came with an exhaust and some other aftermarket parts but I’m a “stock guy” and thankfully all the stock parts were taken off new and put in a box so the deal was good for me. I was in on the one at Mecum but I couldn’t find owner to see if he had OEM stuff as the seat was ugly and lots of aftermarket stuff. That said, 6700 with an akra is great! Really reliable bikes IMO, easy to work on, no crazy computer issues and super reliable. I’ve seen them with over 40K miles for sale in the UK (check UK Ebay). The parts alone add up to more then 6700 if you figure in the exhaust, forks, brembo’s, rear shock, wheels…etc. You’ll be pleased…IMO anyway.
A shout out thanks to Motoman and the the other guys for the info and advice on purchasing the 2008 RSV1000R, with the Akrapovic exhaust……..I will be making the trip to the dealer for it…….I saw on a thread that there was an upgrade to the swingarm on the Aprillia……does anyone know about what that might be……thx
No clue on the swingarm but give the guys at AF1 in Austin a call. They are a great Aprilia resource for parts and knowledge.
Gary, Motoman gave you good advice and comments, but I’ll chime in too.
About the only thing ‘typical’ for problems on the RSVR is the stator. Having said that, I’ve put better than 15,000 miles on two of them and not had an issue. Seems Aprilia changed from a 500 watt stator to a 350 watt version in about 2008. The latter has less tendency to fry. Otherwise, the Rotax is indeed bullet proof. They are a dry sump engine, so newbies too often overfill when changing the oil, the excess going to the airbox. Apriliaforum.com come will be your friend. Lots of good tech advice and knowledgeable people, and stickies with info about common service procedures. They are a terrific bike, you’ll love the thing. Price seems fine, by the way… All the best!
Gary, just saw your swingarm question. No worries on an ’08 bike. Some or all of the 2004 bikes were subject to a swingarm recall, but none of the later ones.
@Gary
i have a 2002 Falco with 33K miles still going strong. I have not had any major issues, and have just done regular maintenance. The Rotax V-Twins are rock solid, loads of torque and sound great. I have the Aprilia Factory Carbon cans and they are awesome. AF1 racing (https://www.af1racing.com) is the best source for parts. Finding a nearby dealer can be tough if you need major maintenance. But they are great bikes.
According to the guy I talked to from Bonhams, the “collectability”y of 2000 era Aprilia’s is as follows;
1 – 1st Gen SP
2 – 250 chesterfield edition
3 – 2nd generation Aprilia Nera
4 – 250 Loris Regianni Version
5 – 125 Valentino Rossi Version
He also mentioned that the cube racebike will likely be a major collectors item, up there with the Cagiva 592 series.