Faults:

Starter motor failed within first 6 months - brand new bike out of showroom. Fixed under warranty by supplier in Jersey, Channel islands.

I needed a new exhaust and indicator light, and Aprilia UK took 5 months to send the parts. Luckily after sending a fax to the owner director of Aprilia in Italy, I was compensated with 'any product in the accessory catalog' - I went for the one piece suit.

Aprilia UK were pathetic. Mr Aprilia in Italy were very generous.

General Comments:

OK I had a bad start with the dodgy starter. Once fixed, the Mille was and is a fantastic bike. Fantastic torque, engine braking is great, the sound is thumping melody, not quite MV Agusta/F1 but still great. The top speed is enough. Paint work is tough. Riding position is comfortable (I am 183cm/6ft and slim), and the fuel range is better than many supersports bikes.

It is a reliable bike, make sure you have Aprilia certified mechanic or at least a mechanic who knows superbikes and doesn't just replace faulty/damaged parts, but can actually find out the problems and try repairing or solving the mechanical issues.

Lacks the beauty of a 996 or 999 or MV Agusta... ummm F1000... ummm... but is good looking in beastly way.

Faults:

The bike has been very reliable, much to my surprise.

I had to replace the front brake master cylinder as it was weeping brake fluid past the seal. £100 from Aprilia Racing!

Clean the front calipers as they don't seem to like the british weather!

General Comments:

Was surprised by just how much low down grunt the bike had, forget what gear your in, just twist the throttle.

An Italian race rep with japanese reliability? They seem to take miles well unlike some other Italian twins!

They don't seen to be the bike to have at the moment so are a real bargain. How about a 2002 RSV with 22000 miles on it, one owner from new, just serviced, and has full dealer SH for £2600, I say no more.

I don't think I could go back to a 600 now, would miss the torque so much.

150 miles in one sitting!, so not as uncomfortable as you would think.

Faults:

Nothing, it has been very reliable and the finish is quite good for an italian bike!

General Comments:

This bike is a Ducati 916 beater, no doubt about it. It handles like it's directly connected to your brain, and at times it has proved to be a lot better than me. I have a local set of corners that I can do 30mph faster on the Aprilia than on the old Honda, and I still think it would take another 20mph no problems.

She is however quite uncomfortable, and about 80 miles at a time is all I can manage before the numb bum and wrists force me to pull over for a break.