Joined Dec 2009
12 Posts | 0+
Wow...what an unbelievable machine! Many thanks to Amauri from the Long Beach Aprilia California dealership for setting the bike up for me with sag and safety-wiring, I finally rode my new RSV4 Factory for the first time on the Streets of Willow racetrack.
The first session was on the Sport mode, which allowed me to concentrate more on the handling rather than the power delivery (SOW is a 1st to 3rd stock gearing track). With a top-heavy feeling at 5mph, the bike became very agile and nimble at higher speeds...flicking through corners with high stability. I'm not sure if it's individual components like the Ohlins suspension, etc., but the overall package with the stock geometry, sticky Pirelli tires, and rider position gave a really good feel for the front end. My other sessions were on Track mode, which made it seem like I was on a different bike! The power delivery of the ride-by-wire is incredibly strong, smooth, and linear; providing great feel for the rear, and predictability on when the front end begins to lift (especially while leaned over exiting the corners).
I was concerned about dropping the bike on the first trackday (with alot of well-read spectators/critics watching, and the racers drafting just to hear the roar of the V4 engine at 100+mph), so I packed up early, and still reminiscing on the experience. I expect you will most likely hear and read different opinions about the bike, which will be difficult to compare since it is quite a different overall package, from different skill levels of riders..it is definitely not a beginners bike (riders who have been on the track will appreciate the performance level more). And, I think the dealership now has all three colors (the mfg #72 Factory model) on the showroom floor at the Long Beach Aprilia
BTW: the stock exhaust sounds and looks great, especially when the bike is leaned over at 100mph!
Ride Safe!
The first session was on the Sport mode, which allowed me to concentrate more on the handling rather than the power delivery (SOW is a 1st to 3rd stock gearing track). With a top-heavy feeling at 5mph, the bike became very agile and nimble at higher speeds...flicking through corners with high stability. I'm not sure if it's individual components like the Ohlins suspension, etc., but the overall package with the stock geometry, sticky Pirelli tires, and rider position gave a really good feel for the front end. My other sessions were on Track mode, which made it seem like I was on a different bike! The power delivery of the ride-by-wire is incredibly strong, smooth, and linear; providing great feel for the rear, and predictability on when the front end begins to lift (especially while leaned over exiting the corners).
I was concerned about dropping the bike on the first trackday (with alot of well-read spectators/critics watching, and the racers drafting just to hear the roar of the V4 engine at 100+mph), so I packed up early, and still reminiscing on the experience. I expect you will most likely hear and read different opinions about the bike, which will be difficult to compare since it is quite a different overall package, from different skill levels of riders..it is definitely not a beginners bike (riders who have been on the track will appreciate the performance level more). And, I think the dealership now has all three colors (the mfg #72 Factory model) on the showroom floor at the Long Beach Aprilia
BTW: the stock exhaust sounds and looks great, especially when the bike is leaned over at 100mph!
Ride Safe!
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