Yeah, the R would lift off as you come down off it but the Ape is seems to want to go skyward at any opportunity
Portimao in June!!?? How bloody hot was it?? I thought I'd muller my lap times on the V4S straight away. But didn't I do now but it took a few outings to get going. I was probably terrified of binning it. But now I'm relaxed with it, I'm significantly quicker than I was on my 1098R.
Mine came up so quick over the crest on the start finish straight that it caught me out and I had to shut the throttle! That was 4th gear at probably 140+. My bike showed 183 on gps on the start finish straight with a strong headwind.
I don’t think the other half would be happy knowing that photo is on the internet This captured my better side
Back to the bike.... Just returned from Portimao, the bike went well. I did struggle at times to keep on it as the thing just wants to wheelie everywhere, which makes for a lively lap. I managed to push on to better my PB by 300th's of a second which was a little disappointing but when I consider that it was the first time I have really been on track I'm happy with the result (1:56:10). Observations from riding on track are: Seat is very tall: You sit on the bike rather than in it. Which is very different to the 999r and therefore I found it difficult to get the right body position, hopefully, the thinner seat with the race fairings will help this. Brakes are wank: Even with the ABS off and better pads (Z04's) they are too soft, lack bite and the leaver comes back to the bar after you push on hard. Fluid fresh and better pads helped this but not enough. Suspension is soft: The TTX kit isn't bad but needs work, it's on the softer side of things despite some adjustment/setup for my weight and style, it provides compliance but the forks crash around when flipping from side to side. Need to look at this in more detail. Clearance: I ran the standard rear sets as I had issues with the exhaust fowling them before leaving. Anyhow, I managed to ground out the pegs, shift leaver and side of the exhaust at reasonable lean. So need to look at where I can improve this without upsetting the balance of the bike. Overall it's a rapid bit of kit, really worked well on track and considering it's essentially straight out of the box with no major changes Aprilia have nailed it IMO.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, building work has been taking up my time and now some inconsiderate pandemic. As many will know my plan was to start racing this year with my first round in April after a shakedown in Portimao. Clearly neither are happening for a very good reason. With the extra time this has given me I have started a full strip down of the RSV, removing all redundant items such as the ABS, radiator fans, exhaust valve/servo and emissions thingy. While it’s apart I’m swapping the exhaust, ECU, fitting frame protectors and new track fairings. Most of the strip down was done today.
I was just about to say the same thing....very good body positioning....i always picture people looking at me saying....."what the fuck is that twat doing?..."
Took receipt of my custom Akrapovic completed by Phil Smith @ Storm Performance. He's done a great job: Removed butterfly valve and internal bypass Removed CAT & created new slave to allow refitting as required Fabricated new Ti link pipe Rebaffled for race use From this... To this...
