Italian V4

So it’s the Ape is running well with it’s new map and exhaust, sounds naughty

 

Yeah, thanks for your help @Mr C Once I got the versions sorted it was simple

 

Progress is slow but the Ape is coming together ready for when the season can start

Waiting for the spare fuel tank to be finished and remaining decals to show up.

 

A bit of a summary & update

The bike has been stripped, fully serviced by Bikersworld including the essential replacing of valve springs. Race bodywork and the new tank has been sprayed, with full livery still to be finalised but in the meantime, I've put on the number boards to allow me to get going if needed.

The changes that I have made include:
- Removal of ABS System
- Removal of vapor recovery system
- Remounting the voltage regulator
- Installed race radiator overflow bottle
- Full carbon frame & swingarm protectors
- R&G engine case protectors
- Upgrade to RCS master cylinder
- Customised Akra exhaust system for track/race use
- Aprilia Race Map flashed
- Re-wired & mounted Starline GPS timing

I still need to swap over the clip-ons from standard and install my race switchgear but at present, it's not a major issue. After fitting the fairings I decided to add some extra grip to the tank, so I purchased an eazi-grip tank set and some of there generic sheets that I have cut to fit. Moving around on the bike with everything now setup feels more stable, however, I need to get out on track to fine-tune the configuration.

Here are the current plans for the full livery, colours are still being finalised, the idea is that it's a take on the 2020 1100 Factory livery.

The exhaust has been repacked when it was customised and at present is rather loud, as it is used in anger it will soften a little. My best attempt at reading the DB levels placed it around the 100-103db mark, which is manageable for UK tracks.


With the bike now ready to hit the track I wanted to get the throttle, fueling and power delivery just right. So headed over to Chris at CJS Racing, he supplied me with the original Aprilia Race Map and spent a day fine-tuning it to ensure there is a good safe map that balances power and drivability. Overall I was really pleased with the results, with a completely stock engine, stock headers and air filter it pushed out 199bhp at the wheel in a hot Dyno booth.




So in summary... it's coming together Next stop Donny on 2nd July.

 

It's a trackday @Paul55

 

Finally, I have the bike ready for racing

The engine has been out and replacement valve springs installed along with all tolerance's check, so it should be good for another 6k ish of track/race use. I have also fitted my livery and been out for a short (& wet) shakedown at Donny.



Happy with how it's going, still a lot to do to get 100% comfortable but it's a huge step forward from when I last rode it in anger at Portimao. I'm no longer feeling unstable on the bike, I can grip with my feet and thighs, and most of all I don't feel like I'm going to slide off the back of it

Off to ride the Val De Vienne and Le Mans Bugatti Circuit a week Monday, which will give me a further 4 days of set-up time and getting more comfortable before kicking things off the following weekend

 

Thanks, I’m Racing with No Limits in there 1000 Newcomer series. I also planned to do some North Glos races but I think that will be out the window this year.

 

Good question, based on the base map yes. But the base was a generic map so it’s not a big surprise there are good gains to be had.

 

My bike is a 2017 RF though, so it should be around 190-200 at the wheel. What year is yours?

Chris will do a great job if that’s the route you want to go down.

I’m on route back to the UK at the moment after two days at Val de Vienne and then two days on the Le Mans Bugatti track. Bike did well, but had a small off so need to do some fixing.... I’ll post more details once I’m back.