Help an old newbie?

[flyer]

Recently converted to an 03 Mille and love it(some of the time!)Ok,Ok, most of the time. Previous bikes included VFR and Triumph Daytona but I thought I needed to become more sensible hence the RSV.(Yeah,I know). But I am 63 after all therefore my mental thought processes will be suspect! Incidentally, am I the oldest lunatic in this asylum?
Enough already! I have never changed much on my previous bikes but after reading this forum I feel I need to do something.Most of my riding is commuting(Yeah,ok I KNOW) with the all too occasional blast.My question is this.Should I change the gearing? The bike is quite unpleasant to ride in traffic, constantly slipping clutch in 1st. I am not too concerned about losing some top-end.What should the standard sprockets be?:dunno
Also, how do I tell if the bike is still restricted and should I get an open airbox.I have just ordered an Eprom from Dr.Rossi so I am serious about doing something.Also fitted a FUEL high rise exhaust recently.Sounds much better even with baffles in.
Can anyone help this old codger?

 

[yorksrsvr]

17 42 is standard gearing I believe, I commute 100 miles per day so know what you mean about clutch slipping, I did have a 15 (I think) on the front but didn't make any difference in traffic that I noticed ... I'll leave your other Q's to those more in the know :devious

 

[RSV_Ecosse]

Go for 16/44 gearing m8 and I pretty much guarantee you will not look back. :thumbup

Props to you for riding a Mille at 63, no offence intended!!!. :biggrin

I have an Evo airkit and aside from the performance boost, the induction noise alone is worth the price of the kit itself.

Commuting at that age?. Why are you not retired?!!!!.

 

[flyer]

Thanks guys. I strap my zimmer frame to my back and off I go! Why not retired? Love my work too much plus high maintenance partner!

 

[RSV_Ecosse]

Ahh...I see.

I have 12 years to go before I can finish up and retire from being a firefighter. Love the job but after almost 20 years now it's getting to the point where the job is changing for the worst and although I love doing it I cannot wait to be out of it and done.

 

[LEGS]

I can only reiterate what Ecosse has said. Assuming your bike is the older model 2003 RSV Mille, your bike comes with comes with 17/42 gearing as standard. These bikes are way over geared as standard. Either drop 2 teeth off the front to 15/42 and keep the standard length chain or go for 16/44 with a new 110 link H/D chain if your chain is getting worn. You'll be amazed at how much more rideable the bike will be. Try B&C Express.com

See here for derestriction proceedure

http://www.apriliaforum.com/techtips/1000/derestrict.htm

 

[Sabre]

Respect to you Flyer although you cant claim ownership of the age thing. My mate Ron rides a 00 Mille and is the same age as you. Growing old disgracefully - sweet. Welcome to the site.

 

[flyer]

Understood. To be honest if I could afford to I would.Ahem! Incidentally, do you have any experience of the Falkirk dealer Jim Allan? Booked in for service next week.

 

[RSV_Ecosse]

Understood. To be honest if I could afford to I would.Ahem! Incidentally, do you have any experience of the Falkirk dealer Jim Allan? Booked in for service next week.

Heard mixed opinions on the servicing done there to be honest although having never used them myself I can't comment personally on the subject.

 

[apriliamoto]

Thats hardcore that mate, fair play to ya!