It's a great bike - a mileage eater. Primarily because of the comfort and reliability. Get used to feeling fresh as a daisy at gas/food stops while your riding mates are stretching out the aches and pains.
My wife is very comfortable on the back at 5'9" also. It's a vast improvement (driver and pillion) over my last bike - CBR 929 - in both pillion riding position and seat comfort. The comfy seat is what legends are made of. No need to search for aftermarket alternatives as Aprilia got this one spot on.
The v-twin is bulletproof and many owners are sporting tens of thousands of trouble-free miles. Aftermarket parts are starting to dwindle so it sounds as if this one is well-equipped.
Panniers are excellent in design and function. It takes about 2 seconds to remove or install them and the scoot looks great with or without them. A full-faced helmet can fit inside each one easily.
As suggested in an earlier post, check apriliaforum.com for a few issues that can be resolved quite easily in your own garage, if the PO did not address them already. Parts availability, while not as easy as jogging down to the local Metric shop, is acceptable. There are a few dealers (primarily the one that sponsors apriliaforum) that support the owners of these great bikes with very high levels of service. Most parts, if not in stock at the dealer, are stateside at least and can be delivered within a few days. This bike is also easy to wrench on in your own garage.
There is an exclusivity factor with this bike. Be ready to answer a lot of questions.
This bike is the best kept secret on the street. Aprilia really hit the mark on this one and it's a crying shame that they didn't sell better. I can think of no other replacement currently on the market. I guess I'll have to wait and see if the rumors play out and a 1200cc version is released in the next few years.
I love mine and will keep her until the wheels fall off
Ditto. Couldn't have said it better myself.
