SPECIALS
The really big special for the Mille, we think, was the RSV Mille SP. Released for homologation purposes (to race in WSB with Peter Goddard, then Troy Corser, Nori Haga etc.), it featured a seriously impressive specification in its 150 units built. That low number makes it a very sought-after machine, even now. It had twin-stack zorsts, a different bore and stroke (with a slightly smaller capacity) courtesy of tuning partners Cosworth, meaning more lots power and torque, plus Öhlins everything and a multiadjustable chassis, to name just a few of the upgrades.
There was also the Mille R (which isn’t really a special per se, rather a higher spec roadster), that came out in 1999, which had the same engine as stock but a lot more carbon, lighter wheels, Öhlins front and back and a steering damper. For 2002 a limited run Haga replica was created, looking just like Nori’s WSB racer but with a full Akrapovic system added to the Mille R spec’ and an ECU upgrade. The following year, a Colin Edwards rep’ was revealed (in his MotoGP RS Cube colours), which added a higher pressurised airbox, larger throttle bodies and a track kit on top the previous Haga rep’ spec’.
With the RSV4, the only special for a good while was the Max Biaggi replica, a high specification track-only machine. In more recent times, Aprilia have released the FW range of track bikes, ranging from a lightly modded track-prepped stock RSV4, through Superstock variants all the way up to a near fully blown WSB racer (£70,000) and pneumatic valved WSB/MotoGP cross-over monster knocking out 250bhp! That little lady will set you back around £100,000. As for road going specials of the RSV4, there aren’t any probably because, really, it’s already special enough…