Great info'......I want one.....
It's a decision no biker would ever regret...do it while they're still affordable. Used prices are rocketing now as they're finally being realised as the classics they are...I rode both an RSV and a Duke 998 over the mountain at the IoM and the RSV was appreciably quicker and better handling...oh and that noise!
The models to look for (either the Tuono or RSV Mille) are from 2001 to 2003. The last of the Gen 1 bikes, often called the Gen1 Mk2 to differentiate them from the earlier models.
They made over 200 minor improvements between 2000/2001 to bring out the Mk2 Gen1 but the main things were a slightly lowered and brought forward engine mounting for better weight distribution, larger valves, upping the previous 36mm valve version, a sculpted nylon tank (*doesn't like E10 petrol!), the improved RP58 twin Eprom which was THE best factory fuel map of its day able to account for emissions regs lean spots and an open pipe and filter without any other mods, revised bodywork with the addition of stabilising winglets on the side of the front fairing; revised front headlamp fairing and graphics and power went up from 118BHP to 128BHP at the crank.
The model to look for is a 2001 to 2003 RSVR Mille. These used Ohlins suspension and steering damper and forged, lightweight OZ wheels for less unsprung mass (improved handling), loads of carbon body panels and power was upped on these to 132BHP. They were the first production bike to have radial Brembo callipers, and both the standard bike and more potent RSVR the first production bike equipped with a slipper clutch (even if vacuum operated).
There were two other ltd edition models, the Haga Rep and the Edwards Rep. The rarer and more desirable is the Edwards rep. It is as per the RSVR but adds larger 57mm throttle bodies, larger intake snorkels and airbox, larger valves, a new 4 point injection system, more carbon bits, forged and strengthened/lightened con rods and different pistons (from memory), different (taller) gearing and a twin full factory SBK Titanium 2-2 Akrapovich exhaust system, worth then £1600 on its own. Only 40 were ever imported into the UK and I was lucky enough to own one up until 6 years ago.
However, they lacked the low down grunt and mid range stomp of the standard model, exchanging that for more top end speed and power. If you are lucky enough to find a really good standard one, you'll pay £8 -£10K for one now. They made those in 2004 only but the head off that engine was taken on to the Gen2 bikes hence their extra few horses over the Gen 1 bikes (but less low down stomp). The later Gen 2 bikes were not as reliable or as insanely bonkers fun to ride. Stators prematurely failed on those and they had other electrical niggles. They may look more trick but most who've owned both prefer the ergonomics of sitting in the Gen1 and that gem of a powerplant.
I put up about 12 years on Milles and wish I'd never sold my first one which I preferred to the Edwards rep. The latter sounded better..in fact next in line to the V4 RSV4 lump used in Norton's race bike trialled by McGuiness and others (which I was lucky enough to see on its first TT outing), it was the best sounding bike I've ever heard.
Am I a fan?
Absolutely.
You'll need to spend about £3.5K to £4.5K for a really good, cherished RSVR, but don't be put off the standard bike with Brembo wheels and Showa forks. It's a cracker. Privately, good ones start at about £3K. The more standard, the better for investment...just beware trackday specials...plenty of those about.
AP in Tamworth reckon if you're lucky enough to find a decent Gen1 RSVR and ride it once, then lock it in the garage 'cause it's not the most comfy town bike, keep it as values are expected to double over the next few years.
I hope to buy another when funds allow, but possibly a Tuono (same bike with a different fairing and upright bars). It was the first production "supernaked" and used a full tune RSV engine for wheelie good fun.