There's something about base models I like, especially when it comes to anything Italian and perceived vaguely exotic.
I suppose that as I'm of a certain age my mind is locked into an image of Aprilia's mad two-strokes era.
Depending upon model and rider licensing legislation at the time, they always seemed to invite owners of the then, in my view, exotic machines - usually in their teens or early 20s - to behave like they were in a strokers-era motorcycle Grand Prix: flat out - or broken down…
But then there's the "base model" 1998-2003 Aprilia RSV1000 Mille Mk1. A much bigger four-stroke than the hornet-like 125s and 250s, sitting above it are the trick suspension and wheels "Mille R", and the near race-spec super-rare "Mille SP". Base models mean less to go wrong, and there can be something more pure about the riding and ownership experience.
Milles of whatever spec, though, are tough as old boots compared to sometimes fragile Ducatis, and I personally have a preference for the sound track of the 128bhp Aprilia V-twin.
The thing is, while the classic bike market is pretty flat, Aprilias seem to hold value and remain mildly intoxicating to anybody who hears one. I get a sense that their developing success in MotoGP is helping them retain value - effectively an increase in the current financial environment.
To my mind there was always something of a cross between the daft and the ingenious about these sports bikes.
For instance, there's a throwaway line I once heard. To me it sums up Aprilia. The line was that the bikes' lubrication system is designed to ensure engine parts were not starved of oil when doing wheelies, as if mono-wheeling was a regular state for the Mille.
While not as well built as Japanese bikes, their engines are allegedly pretty reliable to steep-ish mileages, although some electrics (this is an Italian bike….) can be suspect. However, with annual service bills said to come in at less than £150 they're perhaps sensible alternatives to Ducatis for those who perhaps want to pack the miles in.
Ducatis, of course, have belt -driven cams, and those belts need to be changed at specific mileages if not after specific times, regardless of use. The cost of Ducati motor rebuild is enough to ensure those belt changes happen.
So, prices of the base model RSV1000 Mille Mk1? Well, they seem to be hovering around the £2,500 mark for a 15,000-20,000 miles bike.
But then I came across a really good-looking year 2000 model in a farm shed in Cheshire. No, not a barn find, but from a collection and currently on for £4,000 at Moto Resurrection, a modern classics specialist based in farm outbuildings in the Warburton area.
That's clearly a premium in price, but the difference between it and the eBay and Autotrader classified bikes is that it has those near as-new looks - and just 1,800 miles under its wheels. Moto Resurrection's Ben and Dean say they can't find another RSV1000 for sale with so few miles on the clock.
That's the sort of mileage that means you could take it for an occasional gallop - and maybe a wheelie or two if you’re competent enough - and not nibble away at its low-miles-based value.
Fortunately neighbours Jorge and Diego - the donkeys - are bike familiar.
This RSV1000 Mille, though, is to my mind an appreciating thoroughbred
