In 2001, the Italian motorcycle maker released the Aprilia RSV Mille R, a lighter, higher-spec version of the base model that debuted in 1999. It came with race-grade Ohlins suspensions, an Ohlins steering damper, a shorter subframe that provided a single seat, and forged aluminum wheels.
The Aprilia RSV Mille was a race-oriented sports motorcycle that debuted in 1998 and continued production until 2003, when it was replaced by the Aprilia RSV1000R. It was available in three versions: the standard RSV Mille, high-spec RSV Mille R, and limited edition RSV Mille SP.
In the visual department, the motorcycle was fitted with standard features, like a full fairing, a medium-sized windscreen, a single seat, a two-into-one exhaust system with an up-swept silencer mounted on the right side, and 12-spoke forged aluminum wheels.
The bike was built around an aluminum frame with a 43 mm upside-down Ohlins fork on the front that offered 120 mm of travel and a double-sided aluminum swingarm coupled to an adjustable Ohlins shock absorber on the rear with 133 mm of travel.
In the performance department, the 2001 Aprilia RSV Mille R had installed a 998cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine underneath its clothes, boasting 139 hp with maximum peak at 9,500 rpm and 107 Nm (79 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.