Author Archives: Tad Diemer

Aprilia March 27, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Sadly Underutilized: 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille for Sale

Just a few hours left on this one, so I’ll keep it short. I’m actually wondering if this is the same bike we featured back in January. I mean, just how many fluorescent yellow 2002 Aprilia RSV Milles are there running around, or not running around, with just three hundred miles on the odometer? The language of the two posts is pretty different and this one looks like it’s been hanging out at a dealership its whole life, instead of in a garage next to a Cadillac, but who knows?

Either way, this Mille derives its name from the Rotax-developed v-twin powerplant’s approximately 1000cc displacement. The innovative design was compact, yet smooth and powerful, owing to the 60° layout and balance shafts. Power was 113hp at the rear wheel. Instead of a slipper clutch, the RSV used a “pneumatic power clutch” that used a vacuum-actuated system to perform the same function and help with rapid downshifts.

Styling certainly wasn’t as elegant as what was found on the bikes being offered by Ducati, but the components were at least the equal of the 998 and build quality was better: the Mille has an enviable reputation for reliability, something that generally cannot be said of Ducati’s beautiful superbike confections…

From the original eBay listing: 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille for Sale

COLLECTORS!

2002 Aprilia RSV1000R Mille – 2001 World Championship -Troy Corser – Race Replica Motorcycle with 300 ORIGINAL miles !

This motorcycle is in BRAND new condition and was stored and displayed properly at a local New Haven dealer for 19 years. Has been cared for and runs perfectly and is in 100% complete original condition with all books and keys.

Don’t miss your opportunity to own one of the most iconic motorcycles in history.

The seller might be stretching things a bit, describing the Mille as “one of the most iconic motorcycles in history…” Maybe “distinctive” is more apt? In any event, these are great bikes to ride, although part of the appeal to me has been their relatively low cost, and this one has an asking price of $8,500. I think that’s probably very fair price if you’re putting together a collection of Italian superbikes or are just a fan of the marque, but that same money will buy you a bunch of other very nice machines.

-tad

Sadly Underutilized: 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille for Sale

Ducati March 18, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

The First Desmoquattro: 1994 Ducati 888 SPO Limited #063 for Sale

Sharp-eyed readers might be thinking, “Hey, didn’t you guys feature this bike back in February?” For a moment I thought so too, but it turns out this is another, similar bike, in very similar poses, from the same seller. And this Ducati 888 SPO Limited is also a bit rarer than the last bike we posted.

The precursor to the iconic Ducati 916, the 851 and 888 saw the introduction of Ducati’s first “Desmoquattro,” a liquid-cooled engine with four-valve heads. This engine allowed Ducati to compete on [mostly] equal footing, against Japanese superbikes since for the first time since… well, since superbikes were actually a thing. As such, they hold a special place for collectors, and values, especially for Sport Production Omologatos like this one, have been steadily increasing.

The titanium sprocket cover shown on this example is nice, but it’s not a part that came on the 888 SPO, not even on the LIMITED version: note that it’s emblazoned with the much later Ducati logo from the 2000s. And Yoyodine makes quality aftermarket clutch slave cylinders, but this bike certainly didn’t ship from the factory with one fitted, as the seller suggests. You do often see 888s with Termignoni slip-ons as well, but they are clearly branded as such. Possibly Termignoni also supplied the original parts, sans logos?

From the original eBay listing: 1994 Ducati 888 SPO LIMITED #063 for Sale

Here for sale is a very well care and maintenance DUCATI SUPERBIKE 888 SPO LIMITED #063 1994 with 19,050 miles on it.

THIS IS A LIMITED SPO #063, Ducati made like 100 of those, not the regular SPO.

Nice upgrades that you can see on the pictures, BRIDGESTONE tires look good but they are old 2013 year manufacturer (last picture), TERMIGNONI carbon slip on exhaust, Yoyodine clutch slave cylinder, DP Titanium Front Sprocket cover and another nice touches that only came on the SPO LIMITED versions.

Right side bar end and lever minimal scratches.

Bike it come with a CLEAN Title ready to be transfer. Major Last service done DEC 2019, Bike is not been ridden since then. (last 2 pictures)

Check all the pictures to determine condition and ask all the questions you have,we are here to make the transaction the smoothest way possible.

Nit-picking aside, this looks like a clean, very lightly modified example of a rare and apparently fast-appreciating Ducati superbike. $24,699 is pretty serious money for 90s Ducati, but recent SPOs, including the seller’s own regular-production example with lower miles sold for $17,500, so this actually seems like it’s pretty on-the-money for an 888.

-tad

The First Desmoquattro: 1994 Ducati 888 SPO Limited #063 for Sale

Yamaha February 25, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1996 Yamaha YZF600R for Sale

Update 2.25.21: This bike has sold to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

If you grew up reading about, riding, or lusting after 80s and 90s Japanese sportbikes, the good news is that these machines are finally getting their due from collectors. The bad news is that there aren’t many nice, low-mile examples out there anymore, and prices are no longer what they were. Luckily, today’s Featured Listing is probably one of the cleanest, low-mile Yamaha YZF600Rs left in existence.

The YZF600R, also known as the “Thundercat” in some markets, was introduced in 1994. It was an evolution of the steel Deltabox-framed FZR600 and shared that bike’s overall shape until a redesign in 1996 brought the styling into line with the bigger YZF1000 “Thunderace.” It was more of an all-rounder than some of its period competition, but it was still considered a highly-competent sportbike, just one that was more suited to street use than other, more highly-strung options. Like Yamaha’s own R6 for example. The YZF was available in some markets until 2007, sold alongside the R6 as a more practical alternative to that very track-focused machine.

The YZF600R followed the typical format for the class at the time, with the aforementioned steel Deltabox frame that added weight, compared to aluminum versions, but kept costs under control. The complete package weighed in at 453lbs wet and the bike’s 87 rwhp could push the bike to more than 150mph. Adjustable suspension at both ends was on the soft side, but handling was good enough for the track when properly adjusted, and the package was good enough to win an AMA Supersport championship in 1996.

This is listed as a 1996 model, so I’m assuming it was produced before the changeover to the later styling that replaced the “cat-eye” design seen here for a single-headlight. All things considered, this is an extremely clean and original example, with less than 1,700 miles showing on the odometer. Note that there are a few cracks and minor blemishes to be found, but these are clearly documented in the huge gallery of images below.

From the Seller: 1996 Yamaha YZF600R for Sale

1996 Yamaha YZF600R Survivor

With only 1,700 original miles and a striking maroon and dark magenta cocktail color combination, this fox-eye YZF has been in storage since 1999. It was recently brought back to life by cleaning the carbs, scrubbing the bike from top to bottom, oiling the cylinders, flushing the brakes, changing the oil, installing a fresh AGM battery, replacing the ignition, installing a new fuel pump and repairing a few minor fairing cracks (likely from damage during storage). The bike is clean and ready to ride with a clear Minnesota title.

The bike is all original except for an aftermarket ignition switch and in-tank fuel pump. The tires (old but intact), exhaust, windscreen, rear seat cowl, owner’s manual and even the reflectors everyone tore off are on it. The plastics are nice, but not perfect, with a few minor cracks. The same thing applies to the overall condition of the bike. The bike shows no signs of ever having been down.

The YZF is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and can be picked up or shipped from there.

Over 100 pictures available.

Price: $4,000

The seller is asking $4,000 for this very classy, low-mile machine. You could probably find a cheaper YZF600R, but this is probably the nicest one you’re likely to find anytime soon. The only possible downside is that this example is slathered in very classy burgundy paint, not some lurid and evocative period race-replica scheme. Like Honda’s CBR600 F3, they made plenty of these, and they were never all that rare or valuable. But if you want to relive your youth in style, this one can’t really be beat. Just fit some fresh rubber and enjoy!

-tad

Featured Listing: 1996 Yamaha YZF600R for Sale

Ducati February 24, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE for Sale

Update 2.24.2021: It has come to our attention that the images from this archived Featured Listing may be being utilized with scam listing circulating on CycleTrader. Thanks for the heads up from Mike. -dc

Update 7.26.2019: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

After the flak generated by the controversial 999, the Sport Classic line was a definite win for motorcycle designer Pierre Terblanche, and the bikes effectively combined modern technology with vintage design cues. But although the performance wasn’t up to the standards set by the very best sportbikes of the period, the Sport Classics weren’t aimed at that market. First and foremost, they were meant to look good. And the Paul Smart 1000LE, as seen in today’s Featured Listing, definitely did that, with a blue-green frame and silver bodywork to evoke Ducati’s first v-twin racebikes, one of which won Imola in 1972 with the eponymous Paul Smart at the controls.

But although the Paul Smart looks like it’d be best for posing, it’s almost as if Ducati couldn’t help themselves, and this stylish machine has the handling goods to run with the best. Pricey Öhlins bits adorn both ends, and the traditional trellis frame is wrapped around their proven two-valve, air-cooled Desmo twin, here with two plugs per cylinder in their “Dual Spark” configuration, since apparently Alfa Romeo already trademarked “Twin Spark…” Twin plug heads are especially useful for a v-twin like this, since the two plugs allow more even combustion across the surface of the large pistons.

The quoted output is underwhelming on paper, but the flexible, torque-rich powerband is the perfect choice for a road bike. And keep in mind, the 92hp may have been modest, even by the long, long ago standards of 2006, but the bike is a development of the classic, race-bred Pantah engine that predated the four-valve Desmoquattro. It’s fun, tunable, and surprisingly reliable when properly cared for. Modest power aside, there were some other concessions to style: the spoked wheels aren’t as light as cast or forged items would be, even though they look plenty evocative, and the Phantom tires were designed specifically by Pirelli to complete the classic look with that very vintage tread design. They’re supposedly reasonably competent tires, but you can find stickier rubber for much cheaper.

Of course, the owner of this Featured Listing isn’t worried about tire choice. Or oil or gas. Or even registration. This immaculate machine has turned only three miles since new, making it a time-capsule example of a modern classic Ducati, like an insect perfectly preserved in amber.

From the Seller: 2006 Ducati SportClassic Paul Smart 1000LE for Sale

This gorgeous Paul Smart has only 3 miles and is in perfect stock condition. Comes with both style fairings a $2000. dollar option. All three keys. Never registered. Certificate of origin from the purchasing Ducati Dealer – Eastern Cycle Ducati, Located in Beverly, MA. This bike has been inside my house since purchasing it in 2006. Periodically pushed in gear to keep engine moving and cylinders fogged for lubrication. No fuel inside gas tank. No dents, dings, or scratches. Ready to be a new piece of art in your collection or ridden.

An instant classic and one of the most collectible motorcycles of the last 15 years.

“Want it for Paul’s achievement, want it for Ducati’s heritage, want it for how it looks”. Bike magazine. This Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition Ducati has never been ridden, and is in excellent condition. It has spent its whole life pampered inside!

Smart’s famous victory in the 1972 Imola 200 riding what would become the 750SS was instrumental in establishing Ducati as a high-performance brand for the modern era. So what better way to celebrate the Bologna marque’s heritage than a limited edition model in the spirit of the iconic, bevel-drive, ‘green frame’ 750SS? And why not duplicate the rest of the original bevel-drive twins line up while you’re about it? That was Ducati’s reasoning behind the launch of its new ‘Sport Classic’ range in 2005. However, none of the three models Paul Smart 1000 LE, Sport 1000 and GT1000 – is in any way a ‘replica’; all are thoroughly modern motorcycles with only the styling and color scheme(s) acknowledging the past.

The Paul Smart 1000 LE uses the belt drive, desmo, air-cooled, fuel injected, electronic ignition 1000DS (dual spark) 90-degree v-twin engine 992cc, two-valves, a quoted 92bhp at 8,000rpm and enough torque to surprise its four-valve superbike brethren – as found in a number of other Ducatis. All this modern technology is housed in the Italian firm’s trademark trellis frame in a striking shade of ‘green frame’ green – the latter complemented by some top-quality Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, a wet clutch, a six-speed gearbox, a curvaceous two pipe exhaust on the right side in black, and wire-spoke wheels beneath a swoopy silver half-fairing and tail hump. ‘After 20 miles I was totally sold on the bike, as I had been after five minutes of looking at it. Exclusivity, style, power, handling… what else could I want?’ queried Bike magazine’s tester at the PS 1000 LE’s launch. A production run of only 2,000 units was planned and few motorcycles of modern times have become as instantly collectible.

As the seller mentions: the entire first run of Sport Classics became instantly collectible, and all of them command shocking prices on the used market, especially when you compare them to Ducati’s 1098 of the same era, a bike that offers far more performance. But obviously, the nods to Ducati’s racing history struck a chord, and values remain high. The asking price for this showroom-quality example? $39,000. There’s obviously not much of a service history to discuss. In fact, there isn’t any service history at all, since the bike has never turned a wheel in anger. This bike is pretty much bone-stock, excepting the lower fairing. The original bike had a half-fairing that matched Ducati’s production 750SS, but the full-fairing was a popular modification and suits the lines of the bike, although it does seem a bit of a shame to cover up that classic, air-cooled engine.

-tad

Featured Listing: 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE for Sale

Kawasaki February 23, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Express Ticket: 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11D for Sale

I’m sure you all must be exhausted by the never ending stream of exotic Italian confections that have assaulted your senses this week. Rich, high-calorie recipes that include a bit too much of all the things that make motorcycles great. As a palate cleanser, I’d like to offer this very clean, very handsome, very appropriately painted, and very fast Kawasaki ZX-11.

Kawasaki’s entry into the 1990’s Horsepower Wars was introduced in 1990 and produced until 2001, when it was superseded by the reskinned and stroked ZZ-R1200. Power naturally came from a big inline four that displaced 1052cc and was connected to a six-speed gearbox. Aided by one of the very first functional production ram-air systems, the big four produced 150 crankshaft horses, enough to push the bike to a top speed of over 175mph.

Handling was neutral and very stable, exactly what you’d want from a bike this powerful. But although it was fast, the ZX-11 was no track bike: it was designed as a roadbike, with very reasonable ergonomics that made it far more of a gran tourismo, as the sleek, mature looks and lack of the period’s famously garish graphics suggest. The near 600lb wet weight helped provide stability at speed and pummeled road imperfections into submission.

From the original eBay listing: 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11D for Sale

100% OEM Condition… 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX11 D-1 in a very desirable Candleberry Wine Red with only 27,800 miles that comes out to 989 miles a year. This bike could easily qualify as a survivor (Pride in Ownership shows). Overall paint is in great condition. Exhaust and ECU are stock. Exhaust cans are very clean. Starts and runs good! Everything works as it should. No leaks, no smoke, no overheating. Plenty of tread on the tires. Decals and emblems are all original. Adult owned and cared for its entire life.

Original tool kit is under the seat. This is a very clean example and as the time progresses these are harder to come by in such great shape. As a matter of fact I’ve only ever come across a couple that were even close to this condition in years past.

You will be very hard pressed to find one let alone in this condition. Free and clear title in hand. Bike has never been laid down or crashed. I purchased the bike from the original owner who was well into his late 70s. Hate to see it go. Price is firm. No rust whatsoever and garage kept.

I’ll include bar risers and a flat bar should the new owner decide to take touring comfort to another level. I will also include JTR488-45 rear sprocket. Zero Gravity tinted screen mounted, stock clear screen and a black out screens will be included.

Condition of this Candleberry Wine Red example appears excellent, although miles aren’t especially low. But it’s not surprising that the previous two owners racked up some miles, considering the ZX-11’sraison d’etre: ballistic mile-munching performance. I genuinely think these are very cool and, when prices were at their nadir, entertained fantasies of finding a clean example and fitting a set of soft luggage so I could blast up and down the West Coast. I’ve seen lower-mileage examples for less than this one’s $4,200 asking price in years past, but I have a feeling this will look like a very good deal in just a couple years’ time… Snap bargains up while you can still find them.

-tad

Express Ticket: 1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11D for Sale

Kawasaki February 1, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

KR1S KR0S: California-Titled 1991 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale!

Here in the US, the entire class of 250cc two-stroke sportbikes was long nearly impossible to come by and, let’s be honest, probably not much missed by the majority of the riding public. In a land of GSX-R1100s being ridden by guys who considered a mullet and wraparound shades to be adequate protection, the market for 45hp two-strokes was always going to be pretty limited. But if you were just the right kind of motorcycle enthusiast, it must have been excruciating to read about bikes like today’s Kawasaki KR-1S in the pages of Fast Bikes and other European magazines of the period.

It’s easier to get a number of these formerly forbidden fruits here these days, now that they’re legal to import. After all, the Honda NSR250R was in production from 1987 until 1996 so, if you’re not too picky about which particular NSR you get, it’s not really all that rare a bike in its home market: nearly 100,000 were built in total. But Kawasaki’s entry into the class is rare, even in Japan, and was only rarely seen outside its domestic market. And even then, just 10,000 were built between 1988 and 1992, the bike’s entire production run.

By the time the 90s had rolled around, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha had all shifted to v-twins, but Kawasaki stuck with a parallel twin configuration, with the engine hung completely beneath the typical aluminum beam frame of the class. Like every other two-stroke two-fiddy, the KR-1 was light, agile, and involving to ride. Technology in the hotly contested class was cutting edge, and Kawasaki brought their KIPS powervalve and a slick six-speed gearbox to the party. Power was officially limited to a government-mandated 45hp, but the bike was naturally capable of much more when derestricted.

There were three versions of the KR-1 available: the base KR-1, the KR-1S seen here that included wider wheels at the front and rear, and a few hundred examples of the KR-1R that featured larger carburetors and a close-ratio gearbox. Top speed was a frankly incredible as-tested speed of 139mph!

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale

A Very rare 17 digit frame (Australia) CA titled 1991 Kawasaki KR1S 250 two stroke bike. Bike is in excellent condition. Bike will come with a lot of NOS parts and engine parts as well. Feel free to message me if you have any questions thank you very much.

The price for this two-stroke unicorn is a steep $17,900. Is it worth it? Well that’s hard to say: if that Cali title is easily transferred and if that cache of parts is extensive, I’m sure it will be to the right buyer. You may have heard that there are lots of well-heeled enthusiasts here in California with more money than sense… If you’re interested, move fast: there’s just about one day left on this auction!

-tad

KR1S KR0S: California-Titled 1991 Kawasaki KR-1S for Sale!

Ducati January 26, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Factory Race Bike: 1999 Ducati 748RS Corse for Sale

Back in the 90s, it was pretty clear that Ducati was a racing company that made roadbikes, not the other way round, and this 748RS is an example of that ethos. Today, Ducati’s R-designated bikes are typically homologation machines, designed to make certain components legal for production-based racing series. They’re generally in a higher state of tune than the regular or S-designated motorcycles, but are most definitely roadbikes. That’s not the case for Ducatis with an “RS” in their name and this 748 was built from the ground up to be a race bike. It wasn’t even issued with a title!

The Ducati 748 was intended to compete in World Supersport and AMA classes, maximizing the permitted displacement advantage to match the power of the screaming 60cc inline fours favored by the Japanese manufacturers. An extra 148cc wasn’t enough on its own, and the RS featured a raft of internal modifications required in order to produce the 124hp Ducati needed.

Radical cams, valves specific to the RS, a 54mm Termignoni exhaust, a close-ratio gearbox, high-spec suspension combined with lightweight bodywork and a simplified wiring loom to increase performance in every dimension. Today, these are sought-after collectibles, and often have extensive racing history. That’s certainly the case here, as this bike happens to have won an AMA Championship in the Pro-Thunder class!

From the original eBay listing: 1999 Ducati 748RS Corse for Sale

Ducati enthusiasts! I’m starting to list many bikes from my Ducati collection… This one is a very rare opportunity to own a piece of history… a Ducati race bike that actually raced and WON a AMA event!

This is a TRUE factory built race bike. This bike was 1 of 100 built in 1999 and one of only about 40 that were imported to the USA. It was purchased directly from the factory in Bologna Italy along with 3 others for the HMC Ducati Racing Team. This bike was 1 of 2 bikes prepared and used by Shawn Conrad. He rode both bikes to win the 1999 AMA Pro-Thunder Championship. Yes that’s correct… this bike was raced and won!

He beat some big name guys such as Jeff Nash, Tom Montano, and Monte Nichols.

The machine as it sits, is effectively new. The owner prior to me had it rebuilt from the ground up and any part not 100% has been replaced. The engine was rebuilt by Chris Boy’s team at Motocorse Ducati in Fort Lauderdale and has few miles and little time on it. Everything has been refurbished except the side panels which are original and “as raced”. This is again, a factory race bike and ready for your living room or to take racing or for track days.

I have ridden the bike minimally just to keep it happy 🙂 Otherwise idled regularly.

As with any pre-owned bike, you would want to do your own safety/mechanical checks before use.

And yes there are nicks and scratches as expected from a bike that was raced.

No kickstand.

There is no title as this is a factory race bike. Ebay makes seller choose title status so I chose Clean. But again, factory race bikes didn’t come with titles. But I will create a bill of sale that transfers ownership and lists VIN/engine and description.

VIN and engine numbers correlate to the factory race bike history.

Here are some specs and parts as I’ve been told and researched. I’m not a mechanic, just a fanatic for the sight and sound of these bikes. Happy to take close up pics or look for specific things to answer your questions.

Full “Corse RS” spec motor with cams, ti rods, and factory installed slipper clutch

Superbike style wiring harness, keyless ignition

Full Carbon Kevlar bodywork by Carbo-Tech

Dymag magnesium wheels

Harris fully adjustable rearsets

Full Termignioni 50mm exhaust

Brembo 18×20 radial front master cylinder

EBC Pro-Lite full floating rotors

ITG airfilter

Everything on the bike that matters is carbon fiber, underseat oil breather box, undertail plate, one piece airbox, air runners, large intake upper fairing.

This is a collectors item. It really is a piece of American Ducati Racing history!

Here is more info from online about this era…

The Ducati 916/748 was the poster child for performance motorcycles throughout its production, with the same sort of ubiquity the Lamborghini Countach enjoyed in its heyday. With so many of them made over such a long timeframe, it’s easy to forget how huge an impact the bike had when it was new: Tamburini’s creation may have been uncomfortable, temperamental, and expensive, but Ducati sold streetbikes so they could go racing, not the other way around. This makes today’s 748RS one of the purest Ducatis you can buy… aside from a used World Superbike machine.

The 748 was the baby-brother to the 916 and came in standard, S, R, and RS flavors. Naturally, the RS was the trickest of the bunch, a pure factory racebike with plenty of trick parts and a highly-strung engine with maintenance requirements to match. The 748cc v-twin was pitched against 600cc inline fours and the displacement bump allowed by World Supersport rules helped the Ducati compete, but heavily-revised internals were also required to keep them on relatively equal footing. Wild cams opened RS-specific valves needed to make the claimed 124hp, while a 54mm Termignoni exhaust ferried exhaust gasses to the undertail “mufflers.”

Happy to assist with your chosen shipper but cost and insurance is your expense. Happy to provide a video of bike starting and running. Please be respectful and only inquire with serious interest. Located in Monterey, CA area.

Thanks!

The seller is asking $17,900 for this 748RS. That’s a bit more than the last one we featured, although this example is extremely clean, features a fully rebuilt engine, and has an AMA title to its name. If you’re a well-heeled Ducatisti, this would make a pretty great classic racebike, or an extremely cool trackday ride.

-tad

Factory Race Bike: 1999 Ducati 748RS Corse for Sale

Aprilia January 8, 2021 posted by Tad Diemer

Delivery Miles Only: 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille for Sale

Aprilia has been a major player in the superbike class with their RSV4, but it all started right here, with their Rotax-powered RSV Mille. Wisely eschewing the costs and development headaches associated with a proprietary engine, Aprilia turned to the Austrian specialists to produce a powerful, robust, and very compact powerplant.

It was designed to go head-to-head with v-twin superbikes, specifically the Ducati 998, but the RSV Mille wasn’t afraid to innovate. A vacuum-actuated “Pneumatic Power Clutch” mimicked the function of a slipper clutch to keep the rear wheel from skipping across the pavement during downshifts, and the v-twin’s unusual 60° configuration meant a more compact design for a longer swingarm within a shorter wheelbase for improved traction. And the new Aprilia even featured a new innovation for an Italian superbike, something called “ergonomics…”

The bodywork obviously wasn’t as elegant or as pretty as the 998, but it looked strikingly modern and the components were absolutely gorgeous: Öhlins suspension, an Öhlins steering damper, and forged aluminum wheels combined with tasty carbon bits all over the bike. And that frame, the gorgeous aluminum beam frame and swingarm combo that manages to make most other efforts look crude and industrial.

From the original eBay listing: 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille for Sale

2002 Aprilia RSV 1000 R Mille Troy Corser 2001 World Championship edition Race replica. Condition is “Used.” It was keep on a shelf for 18 years. In 2019 it registered and was rode 298 miles. Bike is super clean and very rare. Please contact with any questions.

You are probably wondering: what’s the asking price for this basically showroom condition example of the original Aprilia superbike? Well hold onto your hats, because it’s $10,995. That’s the priciest Mille I can remember seeing, and pretty much spoils what I love about them: their status as low-cost exotica. I think that these will someday be legitimately collectible, but this seller is jumping the gun a bit.

-tad