Noob saying Hi and wanting some pointers...................

Hi folks, My name is Andy and I have recently got me a 2003 RSV, I've been riding for near a decade but have only recently (apr2013) passed my DAS, was a Lunatic Plate Limpit until then, I have had 3 RS125's and after passing my test I got myself a 95 Blade, loved the blade until her head gasket went so I decided to sell her (missed like a limb) as costs for repair were pretty much as near as what she cost to buy, so after suffering severe depression for 3 days I hit the for sale ads and have lined up a very clean, low mileage 2003 RSV (the old boy had one of the first factory 2004's and I've wanted one since).

now I was by no means frightened by the jump from the 125 to the blade, but I am feeling rather apprehensive about the RSV, I understand the differences in power delivery between the IL4's and the Twins, and was wondering if the more experienced on here could give me some pointers in what to watch for, some do's and don't..............basically some tips for bedding myself into the bike, as I have a 350 mile trip back home after picking her up LOL

I'm getting the RSV from a well known and reputable dealer (although they are more known for their Yams) so she will be coming with Full MOT, 3 months warranty and brand spanking new rubber (I opted to have Michelin Pilot Power put on as I had these on the blade and really liked them) has a full service history, and has only done 13K.............................so on the mechanical and condition side she is near mint, it's the actual riding that has me a bit nervy.

yeah, I've had experience of the engine braking on a twin, was on ER650's for the DAS, took a bit of getting used to, I've been reading that the rear can lock up on the RSV on the downshift due to the engine braking, had that with the blade but generally when going into 1st, I have no idea what blipping the throttle (as I never had to do it on the Blade) is but I understand that helps reduce the chance of a lock up?

cool, I was under the impression that the design of the clutch allowed it to act like a slipper but on the closed throttle so you would drop the throttle and downshift having the system activate and allow it to slip a little easier and reduce the torque helping reduce lock up........................is this correct

Thanks...............

Thanks...........wonder what the cans sound like, my neighbour hated the blade..................so shes' really going to love this lol

ach if she protests too much i'll just have to get her to sit on it and give her face the smile it's been missing for decades ol

well my 95 fireblade had the powers on, and the rsv is pretty much the same weight as that, and I found them to be great, plenty of grip even when cold, only spun once and that was on brand new tarmac that was freshly laid and it had rained so it was very greasy, wouldnt go Dunlop due to price, I won't be throttling the life out her anyway, have to get used to the beast, and by then I'll be looking at new rubber anyway, so they will do for breaking in, but thanks for your input, id probably go bridgrstone or pirelli after these

well I had a few RS125's, amazing little machines, frame was only 10kg in weight, agile as hell, nice 150 rear tyre, had that knee down plenty of times lol, hoping big brother handles in a similar manner, just put your weight on the pegs and she leans in, but will be a slow steady induction on the beast, not long now, brimming with anticipation, have a few days down south on the country roads planned so I can scrub in the new rubber before heading home..............