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#1
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So basically I have an RSV and really want to convert it to the "R" version. I've done some research and the only things besides the decals that seperate these two versions are the R models Ohlins shocks, some carbon fiber pieces and the OZ rims. That is quite a list of expensive parts to obtain. Time to start looking for deal with what money I don't have. =]
Besides the basic items I need a few special tools like the correct size sockets for the wheel axles and such. The tires need replacing $$, the chain and sprocket are toast $$ and the brakes don't feel so hot $$. Ok back on track, what else do I need for the Mille R conversion... Well besides money that is. ![]() |
#2
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Lucky me I found a person willing to help me out with my conversion. He sure has one tricked out Aprilia Mille R but he hit a spot of bad luck (engine trouble) and elected to part it out. I can't thank him enough! We sparked up a deal for the Ohlins suspension, steering head bearings and triple clamps for the smaller diameter forks. I definitely would have rocked his OZ rims as well but all that other stuff sold rather quickly and I basically was operating on borrowed money at that time.
Check this baby out. ![]() ![]() |
#3
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So let's get the rear Ohlins installed. First of course you want to take all the body work off the bottom and sides of the Aprilia. Scratching any of the stuff will ruin your day and it's super easy to take off. Next you need a metal rod to run through the motorcycle frame to hold the bike up. I found one this morning and cut it to length enough so that the jack stands would easily hold it up from each side. I just raised the bike on the Lockheart Phillips rear bike stand I have and set the jack stands to both sides to hold the bar. Then you just simply remove the rear bike stand and it should easily come to rest on that stands off of the ground.
![]() The metal rods bowed a little bit but it was still really stable. I then removed the rearsets with a 10mm to gain easier access to the area. You simply remove the 15mm nuts that hold the triangle shaped linkage and get ready to pull out the long bolts that hold it all together. I jiggled the rear stand under the rear swingarm spools which took the pressure off of the linkage bolts. This easily let me pull them out. Then the top of the shock is held in by a 15mm nut on an allen bolt. The bottom is held by the same. A basic ratchet, extension and sockets were all I needed. |
#4
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Here is the bottom Ohlins shock linkage all in place and cleaned up. I checked out the needle bearings and cleaned the seals before placing them back in. The torque is stated to be set at 38ft lbs. last time I checked.
![]() So once you remove all the bolts the shock will come out from above the swingarm once you completely lower the wheel and let it hang down as far as it drops. It doesn't have to drop down too much as you can see that I did this whole shock swap with only the rear bike stand lifting it up. When you have the bolts out make sure and inspect them all. Luckily my friend back east send me all the linkage plates and bolts from his parts bike along with the Ohlins shock. I didn't notice how badly bent one of my bolts was for a few minutes but it eventually caught my eye and surprised me. ![]() Do NOT put any deformed bolts back into your shock assembly! |
#5
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Here is another picture or two of how I set things up to do the work. I read forum posts of people using ropes and doing some weird things but I was able to do it really easy with just a minimum amount of tools. B) They really nail you for a few hundred if you take it to a dealership to do something like this. It's SOO EASY! and you know you will do a better job and clean things up while you swap the parts out.
![]() ![]() Aprilia Mille RSVR shock replacement, mission complete. |
#6
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And just for you Aprilia Tuono owners out there looking to change out your rear shock... OR if you have an Aprilia RSV-R and you would like to follow in another bike owners footsteps please check out JOE'S Tuono Shock Link Plate Install. He breaks down the shock link plate disassembly with a list of tools and some other details. He bought his super strong custom link plates from AF1 which is the best source for everything Aprilia from clothes to parts. Hell, they will even sell you a new Aprilia at a reasonable price. :lol:
If you are about to change out your shock or service the bearings and bushings make sure and check out Joe's webpage. More info on the subject won't do anything but help you learn more before you dive in. Safety first.... EVERY ONCE AND A WHILE check your link plates and the bolts that it hinges on!!! This is very important stuff. |
#7
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As you can see this thread is basically the start of my transformation to an RSVR from the RSV I had bought. All in all I have lost money by upgrading everything to RSVR status but the experience was worth it. There is a ton of info here on everything I did. I went above and beyond what was needed to upgrade to just a typical RSVR and I have basically made a dream bike I have always wanted. Mark that one off the list!
There aren't many other bikes I would want to ride besides the one I have put together. I have ridden with a lot of skilled motorcycle riders on the streets and no one really "wins" because they have a newer bike or a more powerful bike. All that winning crap is done on the track and that is the only place that my lack of horsepower might come into play. So it you are a street rider you can have your pick of all the bikes out there because your FUN and speed all comes down to your SKILL and nothing else. Trust me on this one. I have taken some bikes that are pretty sad in the horsepower department and embarrassed some fellow riders and their flashy new bikes. =] Here is some thoughts I have posted on another forum that I think are pretty important when it comes to anyone deciding to buy an RSV that might want to upgrade to an RSVR in the future like I have. This person was/is contemplating buying a 2002 Mille RSV (slight rash on the right tank and small dent in rear swinger) with an Akrapovic exhuast and bike stands included for just under $5K: I wouldn't have a problem picking that 02 RSV up for $4,500. It's got some NICE upgrades and the stands are worth something to you me too. I bought mine for 4,000 (flawless body but 19K miles and slightly bent from rim from a curb) and you rarely see them for less than 5K in that good of shape. In general the fuel tanks are pretty tough so you have nothing to worry about from just a little rash. Of course I would have to take a closer look to give you a more worthy opinion. But being how they are the most expensive piece of bodywork and the swing is dented a bit you could offer the guy 4 grand and walk away with a clear conscience that you offered him a fair price. |
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