Aprilia RSV Problems – Some Bad Surprises You May Encounter

If you are in the market for an exotic yet affordable sports motorcycle, the Aprilia RSV models offer tremendous value for money. The nameplate was introduced when Ducati race motorcycles were at their peak, dominating the headlines because of their excellent performance on the race tracks.

When the RSV came into play, it not only raced with admirable victories in the World Superbike Championship but also ushered the world into modern performance features such as Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension, and lightweight OZ racing wheels.

The Aprilia RSV offers riders genuine opportunities of riding one of the best sports bikes that double as a day-to-day V-twin. These bikes won't send you on a wild hunt for money, yet they come with all the goodies of an expensive sports motorcycle.

6 Known Problems with Aprilia RSV Sports Bikes

Besides a few issues with these motorcycles, riders rate their RSV models very highly. They feature potent engines, rigid chassis, and superior finish that isolate them from the crowd. With RSV models, Aprilia succeeded where the Japanese big four manufacturers had failed. Coming at a time when Ducati was the king of the jungle, Aprilia provided riders with the opportunity to hit the streets and race tracks with superior sports motorcycles at affordable prices.

Although there are very few recorded complaints about the RSV models, these are some terrible surprises you may encounter.

• Starter Solenoids Failure

Nothing is more devastating than starting your RSV in the morning, and it won't start. There are several reasons for this problem, one of which is a faulty starter. One of the most apparent symptoms of a bad starter is when the motorcycle fails to start at all. Other signs include when the bike only starts intermittently or when the starter keeps running after the engine has already ignited.

If your Aprilia RSV is experiencing one of these problems, it is a sure sign that you need to have your starter diagnosed by an Aprilia expert. The starter is the part that supplies power to the engine from the battery. So before opting to repair your starter, ensure your battery is fully charged. Aprilia RSV models must be ignited on a fully charged battery without any throttle. If the ignition is not done correctly, it can cause severe damage to the starter sprag clutch or the starter relay.     

• Faulty Fuel Pump

Taking a ride on a two-wheeled machine is more thrilling than even driving a convertible during summer. The ability to smoothly accelerate to top speeds and pierce through the wind makes the experience memorable. To attain such fun and thrills, your RSV must perform at its optimal levels. Unfortunately, very few riders even know the parts on their bikes by name. A fuel pump, for instance, is a crucial part of a motorcycle. It supplies the engine with fuel for combustion.

A faulty fuel pump is a common problem with the Aprilia RSV motorcycles. If your bike is jerking, it's probably because the engine is starved of fuel. As a result, it will not produce enough torque to power your RSV without sputtering. This can result in serious performance issues with your ride. When you encounter this problem, changing the fuel pump is the best and most viable solution.

• Hard Clutch

Taking a motorcycle ride down the open road can be a satisfying experience. Only when everything is running smoothly. A faulty clutch is one of the easiest problems to identify. One distinctive sign of a bad clutch is when your bike won't change gears. Other symptoms include unexplained high revs and excessive fuel consumption. A stuck clutch lever is also a red light of a spoiled clutch.

If you experience one of these issues with your RSV, you can start with the simplest hack. Adjust the position of your clutch lever. While this simple hack does not need an expert, it can fix all the issues with your motorcycle, from stiff clutch to lowered gas mileage. If you know your RSV very well, you'll be able to notice the first time it develops a problem with the clutch.  

• Battery Drain

Like a human, a motorcycle needs regular and proper care. Despite careful watch over your machine, you'll wake up to a dead battery every once in a while - especially if you have no idea how to keep it safe when packing for over 24 hours. While it sounds minor, a dead battery will delay your weekend ride, if not quash it altogether.

One of the primary reasons for a dead battery is that you have a leak circuit on your bike. It is a low-level drain that sucks up all the juice from your battery. These drains can be caused by added accessories such as an alarm system and GPS power supply. To ensure your battery stays charged, make a cutoff switch so that you can switch the battery off completely when you are packing it for two days or more. 

• High Engine Temperature

While there aren't many recorded complaints about the Aprilia RSV engine overheating, it is a problem that can make your day really long. Often, riders opt to make stops during long rides to let the engine cool down before continuing with the ride. This works. But it is not the best way to handle an overheating motorcycle engine. If you notice that your RSV is overheating, it is a sign of a predominant problem.

To keep your bike performing optimally, you will need to trace the root cause of the problem and fix it. This will offer a long-term solution to your bike and give you peace of mind and the confidence to go on long-distance rides. One of the quickest fixes to this problem is buying the 65 Degree Celsius Thermostat and replacing the stock. This will keep the engine cooled before it gets warmer.  

• Regulator Rectifier Failure

The regulator rectifier is a vital component and a determinant of how well your bike performs. If you suspect this part is running on its last leg, the best play is to get it checked immediately. Modern motorcycles, including your RSV model, have batteries equipped with electrical charging circuitry. A rectifier is a crucial part of this circuitry. As its name suggests, this component regulates and rectifies voltage. It converts AC into DC power, then regulates it to ensure it does not exceed 14.5 volts.

When this component fails, among other issues, your RSV will experience poor performance on the road. One of the common causes of a bad regulator rectifier is excessive heat. Another reason for a faulty rectifier involves the motorcycle's battery. For a defective regulator rectifier, look for signs such as hard starts, dimmed headlights, and inconsistent meter readings.   

Why You Should Keep Your RSV in Perfect Shape

Aprilia RSV bikes are among the best sports motorcycles in the world. However, it only takes a caring rider to enjoy all the goodies the bikes have to offer. While maintenance schedules and costs vary depending on the model, one constant factor is that you have to keep regular service intervals if you want your bike to serve you satisfactorily.

4 Advantages of Sticking to Your Bike's Maintenance Schedule

• Longevity

Time can have unpleasant impacts on a bike's parts. Tires wear out, lubes run out, cables break. It becomes serious for daily riders who hit the road every morning. Taking your RSV for service when required can counter the effects of aging and harsh conditions. Stick to your schedule, and you'll never experience a surprise problem with your RSV.

• It Keeps You and Other Road Users Safe

A beat-up bike is a ticking time bomb waiting for the right time to explode. This is not only a reason for uncomfortable rides but also a recipe for nasty accidents. A poorly maintained bike is a danger to you and other road users.

Sticking to your service schedules gives your technician ample time to notice and fix problems before they become catastrophes. Repairing defective components gives you peace of mind and helps you to avoid unnecessary accidents.

• Saves You Money and Increases the Resale Value of Your RSV

If you stick to the maintenance schedule of your bike, you'll notice and fix problems before they escalate. Adjusting a clutch lever is cheaper than replacing the entire transmission system. Additionally, a well-kept motorcycle rides smoothly and doesn't consume excessive fuel.

The resale value for a well-maintained RSV is not the same as a beaten-down motorcycle. If you're planning to sell your bike at a later date, sticking to your service schedule will not only save you expensive repair costs, but it'll also help you to fetch a reasonable price for your bike.

• Smooth Riding Experience

Do you want to enjoy smooth rides at all times? The secret is sticking to the maintenance schedule of your bike. You'll avoid annoying bothers of malfunctioning parts and noises while on the road.

Conclusion

Although many call it the 'other Italian V-twin,' the RSV is an excellent sports bike that deserves better than being thrown under the radar. This bike performs like a Ducati at the price bracket of a regular everyday delivery motorcycle. Check out the Aprilia RSV and its models if you are looking for some real open-road riding thrills that won't drain your bank account.