Is Aprilia Bringing Back the RSV1000 Mille?

More than 15 years after being replaced by the Aprilia RSV4, it looks as though the Italian brand might be bringing back its RSV1000 Mille model, starting with the United States.

Aprilia’s beloved RSV1000 Mille V-twin superbike was replaced by the company’s 217bhp RSV4 which currently features three models within the family including the standard RSV4, Factory and SBK Edition bikes, but the Italian brand’s parent company Piaggio has filed a new US trademark application for rights to use the old model’s name plate, meaning a return to the spotlight could be incoming for the RSV1000.

Now, a trademark application does not always prove that a new bike is being developed by a manufacturer, however, it’s typically a very good indication of movement in this direction. Especially with a bike of the RSV1000 Mille’s stature as it would be strange to file for a trademark and opt against reintroduction of the sportbike.

A trademark application is usually a reliable indication of the thoughts of companies, and with any new RSV1000 Mille likely to be cheaper than the RSV4, the V-twin-derived bike could be a very tempting alternative to its V4 options.

Any new RSV1000 Mille would need to undergo some pretty significant changes, especially with the current emissions standards having moved forward considerably in the last 15 years.

But the Piaggio-owned brand does have a history of producing V-twin engines, with its 90-degree DOHC design previously appearing in the Shiver and Dorsoduro models.

That engine, which spanned 750cc, 900cc and 1200cc models, has now reentered production although it has only done so in China due to being manufactured in-line with the Zonsen-Piaggio partnership.

Another factor to consider when thinking about a new RSV1000 is if the Italian brand has any ambition to race in World Superbike, and not just MotoGP. A new RSV1000 could become Aprilia’s new entry to the championship in future years, especially when the championship undergoes rule tweaks that are expected to bring down the costs, but if it has no plans to race in the series alongside its MotoGP commitments, then the new bike might not be as nailed on to arrive as we hope it will.

Find all the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com