Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2003 Aprilia Rsv?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2003 Aprilia Rsv?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2003 Aprilia Rsv?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2003 Aprilia Rsv reliable?

Based on MOT data from 1,115 vehicles, the 2003 Aprilia Rsv has a first-time MOT pass rate of 88.3%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 2003 Aprilia Rsv?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 2003 Aprilia Rsv are: Exhaust noisy (81.3% of vehicles), Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (64.6% of vehicles), Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (45.6% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2003 Aprilia Rsv?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Aprilia Rsv (2003)

1,115 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.3% first-time pass rate

2003 Aprilia Rsv

CarHunch analysed 1,115 real MOT records for the 2003 Aprilia Rsv. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2003 Aprilia RSV is a strong performer at MOT time, with an 88.3% first-time pass rate that sits well above the UK average of 80%—and the 14.1% dangerous defect rate, while present, isn't unusually concerning for a motorcycle of this age. Petrol and diesel differences don't apply here, but the reliability picture is genuinely encouraging for an early-2000s sports bike.

At nearly 20 years old, the median mileage of just under 12,000 miles suggests these machines are often kept as weekend warriors rather than daily commuters, which partly explains the solid MOT performance. The average vehicle still picks up 1.47 failures and 4.3 advisories per test, so budget for routine maintenance and consumables—brakes, suspension, and exhaust work are typical—but this is a bike that tends to stay roadworthy if looked after. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the frame, steering head bearings, and fuel system, as these are where age bites hardest on supersports machines.

The 2003 Aprilia Rsv passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (88.3% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

88.3%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

14.1%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.47

Over 11.4 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

12k

Middle half: 7k–18k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 88.3% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,115 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,115 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 81.3%

Exhaust noisy

Tyre wear 64.6%

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm · …

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Lighting 33.2%

Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Drive chain slightly loose · Headlamp aim too high

Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Brake wear 28%

Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Suspension & steering 10.1%

Steering movement slightly 'notchy' · Rear suspension bush has slight free play

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Other issues 7.2%

Horn not working

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,115 Aprilia Rsv cars.

Before you buy a 2003 Aprilia Rsv

Based on MOT data from 1,115 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 14.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 8,611 Aprilia Rsv vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 50.9%

4,380

Red 15.9%

1,367

Silver 13.5%

1,164

Multi-colour 5.6%

484

Yellow 4.8%

413

White 4.5%

387

Grey 2.6%

222

Blue 2%

169

Orange 0.2%

Purple 0.1%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2003 Aprilia Rsv vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

11,980

typical

6,648

low mileage

18,010

high mileage

Half of all 2003 Aprilia Rsv vehicles fall between 6,648 and 18,010 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 6,648 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 6,648–18,010 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2003 Aprilia Rsvs sit.

⚠ Over 24,313 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2003 Aprilia Rsv — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 47% of 2003 Aprilia Rsvs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 284 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (47% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

11.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.47

Avg failures per vehicle

4.3

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Aprilia Rsv: All Rsv years → Which year to buy? →

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See how the 2003 Aprilia Rsv stacks up against a rival.

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