A new 'Factory' Mille is joining the redesigned Aprilia line-up for 2004. Special modifications which make the new 'Factory' variant stand out from the standard RSV and RSV-R versions are radially mounted Brembo calipers and radial pump with braided lines, fully adjustable titanium nitrided coated Ohlins forks and shock absorber, Ohlins steering damper. Cosmetic changes include forged aluminium wheels and black painted frame along with plenty of carbon-fibre. Only the ‘Factory’ model scores the Ohlins suspension as the RSV-R makes do with high quality Showa forks and Sachs rear shock. Likewise the RSV-R still scores Brembo braking components but misses out on the radial mounting system and pump that are fitted to the ‘Factory’ model.

Aprilia are claiming 138.7hp (102kw) at 9,500rpm from the engine fitted to both the RSV-R and the 'Factory' models with 107Nm of torque arriving at 7,500rpm. Aprilia claim the engine is so changed that they have given it a new name, the 2004 engine is dubbed the 'Magnesium' and among the most significant changes are completely new cylinder heads, con-rods, camshafts and valve springs which combine to raise the rev-limiter to 11,000rpm.

The RSV-R and Factory models will be available in three colours, 'Lead Grey / Magnet Grey', 'Aprilia Black / Diablo Black' or 'Fluo Red / Lead Grey'. An interesting option is Aprilia are offering an optional tyre pressure indicator which remotely displays the tyre pressure.

Changes across both models include a revised 60-degree v-twin engine with close ratio gearbox and larger 57mm throttle bodies with improved electronic control unit. The aluminium alloy perimeter frame has also come in for attention with a claimed 5% improvement in rigidity while the banana style swingarm and suspension linkage has also been changed. The 10.3 litre airbox is now fed from a centrally mounted intake between the two headlights, similar to Honda's SP2.

Indicators have been moved to the rear of the mirrors up front while at the rear the indicators are now encased in the slender rear tail and Aprilia are claiming significant aerodynamic improvements to what was already the leader in motorcycle aerodynamics. Fairing design has been improved with the new models bodywork now only in 14 pieces compared to the mesmerizing 25 piece affair of the original model.

Aprilia’s instrumentation has long been about the most full featured set-up available but unfortunately it looked terrible. This has changed for 2004 with a much more modern and attractive layout with a large conventional tachometer flanked by a large LCD panel which includes the integrated lap timer and myriad of other functions that Aprilia has become famous for. Functionality is also improved with only three keys to operate the array of functions. Security has also been beefed up with the key now being coded to an ignition immobilizer.

All the weight saving changes made to the new model has brought the weight of the Factory Mille down to 185kg. Strangely this is 5kg more than Aprilia claimed for the Haga replica model they released in 2002.

Aprilia hope to freight in one of the models to put on display the Australian Grand Prix in October but the first shipment with machines for sale is not likely to arrive on our shores until December.