I was very tempted to try the SPS when I checked your garage out Can still help out though if needed Donna and I could have a cruise about or follow you on the Desmo :-D
Dave, Nice stable there! When does the new toy arrive? Hope you get some decent weather to give it a good run out in. Just noticed you don't have a rear hugger on that one in the piccie. You will need one of those to protect the rear of the bike a bit. I have the Ducati Performance one (which was silly expensive as ever) but there are fuelcell ones that are a lot cheaper and could be far higher quality as the Ducati one is pretty average. The QB carbon fairings, seat unit and undertray all fit the bike (even if they are a little tight fitting for some reason - must have been shrinkage in the mould taken) as they modelled the bodywork off my bike and someone else I know's. There is therefore a full GP7 rear seat unit and undertray all in GRP for track use. It actually still has rear tail light holes so you could fit OEM kit to it. Give us an update when you get it. Want to see what you think!
Bike arrives on Thursday. JHP are setting it up and fitting a hugger and double bubble screen for me I'd settled on full QB bodywork via JHP but 749er tells me he rejected his in favour of Composite stuff from the US. I've asked him what the problem was but haven't heard back yet.
Brilliant - you are going to love it. The boys at JHP know their stuff and can setup your GP7 system properly too. Mine pulls 200bhp on their dyno with the PCV, but they have their own map for it now which is awesome. Apparently they have another newer one, but I haven't tried that yet. Derek will have rejected his bodywork as it is track level finish - as I said - but his Composite stuff was far higher quality and far higher cost. Depends what you want. It was also only available for the normal bodywork at the time I looked, there was no GP7 compatible bodywork - but there possibly might be now. The QB stuff is "OK" rather than great, but if it's track bodywork then it is very robust (which is good) and the finish matters less. Once painted, it's fine. I wouldn't bother paying twice as much for the Composite stuff myself, but I know Derek liked his. Going for the 17" rear yet?
Thanks - that's all useful to know. I'm waiting on a price inc. shipping from Composite. Given lead times it looks like bodywork and 17" rear wheel will be going on over the winter once I'm through running-in and need a new rear tyre.
Yep Dave that'll be t'other way round new rear tyre and then you'll be able to finish running in. ;-)
No shit! 600 to 1000 miles to a rear on the standard Bridgestones if you abuse it. Even in the first 600 miles I bet you'll abuse it.............................
Roy is right, they are 600-800mls per tyre! It's a joke really. You can see it peeling off even in road use. Can't imagine they last long on track. I can't remember how much the BT01's were too, but I remember them being silly money and increasingly rare at the distributors. 240 each or something for 800mls?! Am running Dunlop NTecs on mine and I get 1,200-2,000 out of a rear (E compound) even with the 200bhp tune. And they are 190 each. Makes a massive difference. I think it paid back on the cost of the rear wheel in one summer! I need to get my track bodywork resprayed this winter too. Just pondering which scheme to go for...... the Stoner 07 is a classic. But I have seen a few other nice ones around too.....
JHP are currently asking £342.78 for a single rear I'm hoping I can make one last 600 miles of running-in.
Whooah Nelly! 350 a tyre??!! WTF..... that's the rare piece premium right there..... Just bite the bullet and change the wheel. Honestly, there is no point at all sticking with that at those prices. Payback will be three months!
Dave We will need to have a V4'in when you get hold of it. You'll be shocked at how physically big it is compared to the new generation of litre bikes and how light it is. Just remember to have your ass on the back of the seat stop when you hit the anchors cause it will stoppie with remarkable ease if you are up at the tank (yes the seat is that roomy). Oh and did we mention the tank range and oil consumption? Enjoy...... Roy
Roy, Good point on oil and fuel....! Dave, remember after 85 miles on a tank you will be pushing! Reserve comes on when you hit about 65mls. On track I got 67 miles and ran out of fuel! I once got fuel light on after 42 miles in London use and then it ran out with 8.1mls showing on reserve! And it drinks oil. About 250ml every 500mls. That's "normal"!! You are still going to love it. Best bike ever.....and nothing beats the soundtrack...... it never gets old.....
This only litre sports bike I've ridden in the last 6 years or so is my SPS. I think the 16 is going to be quite a revelation!
Suggest you try out the BMW, the Priller and the 1199, forget the MV. I haven't ridden newer Japanese bikes. They are all tiny and starting to be tamed by electronics. The Desmo with JHP setup and GP7 will stomp on all, the BM being closest, but they are all rather composed and neutered compared to the Desmo. 1098R will be the best bet for the same experience without the soundtrack.
