Calling Kaz (and other Mille owners)

[Stormin Ben]

My venerable old 98 Storm is getting long in the tooth and has suffered a bit on my recent jaunt to Spain-Andorra-France and the list of remedial work keeps getting longer

I am in 2 minds whether to get another newer Storm and transfer my nice bit across to it (including the BLACK colour scheme ) or get another bike
One of the few that floats my boat is the last of the old style Mille RSV's
However, I know you hated yours Kaz and was wondering if you could explain why?
Also any other Mille owners I would be interested to hear from you

cheers
Ben

[DavieMac11]

Hi Ben,
I felt the same when I had the storm(ie. getting long in the tooth,etc...) and decided to upgrade to a 2003 Rsv Mille.
You have to realise that the Mille is a total different experience to the storm. The riding position is very much 'over the front,' in fact I personally think more so that my mates R1! Anything over 100miles caused my wrists to ache.
Performance wise, it's a hell of a fast bike, 170mph is very possible! Very lumpy at low revs when in town, but then town riding isn't what this bike was built for.
I personally took a long time to get used to the handling of this bike after coming from my storm. I felt it had a very high seating position I found it took a lot more confidence to drop it into corners. After changing from a 190 profile tyre to a 180 however, this was improved significantly.
Build quality is good, and the quality of component is very good.
Check any bike thoroughly for signs of it having fallen of the side stand. (the side stands on these bikes are a nightmare and leave the bike sitting very upright and prone to toppling over!)
Ensure the bike is kept on an optimate when not in use also. The charging system on these bikes ain't great and battery can flatten in as little as two weeks if not being used. NEVER try starting the bike with a low battery! Sprag clutches are known to be weak and if this goes, parts aren't cheap!

All in all, the mille's are great bikes but require more attention than the storm in my opinion to keep them in top shape. They are by far very track focussed bikes so the decision all comes down to what you're really looking for in your next bike.

Personally I really missed my storm after selling it and still do at times. I'd certainly never rule out having another one.

Hope this is of some help,
All the best,
Davie.

[Zer0Zer0]

This is my 99 T plate Mille...Got it after I binned The ZX9R..
I love it..Compared to my Tricked out firestorm..I would say they are about even, in the handling Dept.... the Mille Is Easily Faster, I put a 190 on mine,
as the 180s turn in scared the crap out of me, felt like it was going to fall over on every corner, you have to slip the clutch a bit whilst riding in town,
but you soon get used to it. I dont suffer back or wrist ache and i'm 6' 3".
I find it more comfy than the storm, and of course the extra 40-45 miles tank range is a bonus. get it spinning above 6.5k and it takes off like a fighter jet along a runway..engine breaking is superb, the Brembo Brakes are really top stoppers, mine has 20 odd k on the clock and feels like it's just been run in..
not had any major problems yet.. although the discs need changed as the front pulses under heavy braking...[Ahem]..I'm well pleased with mine, and compared to the 04 model which i test rode a while back it's a lot bigger.. if you can, go for an 03 RSVR the olhins suspension and the oz wheels make a real difference ..and look the mutts...I had mine laid up outside under a cover. this winter..from late Nov- early jan.. no trickle charger.
and she started first punch of the button. all in all one of the better bikes i have owned, it's about 120ish-BHP at the wheel and has seen 165 mph.and was still pulling..build quality is superb and so far reliability, hasn't been an issue [Being Italian]..I had a Major service last oct. valve clearances etc. cost.less than £300...I am still getting to know it..but on a ride last week i got rid of my chicken strips..I think the only thing i miss about the firestorm is the money i spent on it

[Pete.L]

Go test ride a SP2 Ben.
It's all you've ever wanted out of your firestorm and more. I know you like the occasional track day and it does the job soo much better than the Storm.
It'll still give you 150 to a tank (driving like an old women ) and give you 170 on the straights but you'll just be out seeking the bends on this puppy, keeping it in the mid range and then romping off to the next set. The chassis is so stable it just exudes confidence and with a bit of suspender fettling it can handle most anything you can chuck at it.
I've just added an Intech system to mine and now it's even great around town.
Try it...you'll like it...but I'm bias
Pete.l

[Zer0Zer0]

How about selling the wife and kids to a saudi...and buying an RC8.... The RSV/RSVR. wont be made after 08.. aprilias contract with rotax is coming to an end... although there are rumours about a 1200cc twin in the pipeline ,as well as the 1000cc V4..Either one will do for me..

[Beamish]

After following (well bloody trying to ) my mate on his Mille last Sun I now know they are extremely quick bikes, I was leaving the Storm in second to exit bends just to stay with him, third left me struggling and that is very unusal . Great sound on Blue flame single can as well, I would definately consider one.