My first test ride and a few more Q's

So today was the day, a mate had organised a decent test ride for me at one of the shops he has had a lot to do with on an '06 RSV. got there nice and early meet the bloke I spoke to on the phone and sat down to read some mags while they got the bikes out of the show room, the RSV was out the back. I heard the bike start up then got a glimpse of it as he went around the front. HOLY **** thats a factory woohoo. Thought I was testing an R.

The bike looked quite ratty and unloved, it had fallen off the stand at some stage and had a lttle bit of damage, 14000km on the clock, front pilot pure Race was stuffed to the point of being illegal. had aftermarket pipes unknown brand.

Got out into the traffic, very heavy clutch (which had the end broken off) but it was quite comfy, I have no idea why some people bag out the rsv ergos. rear brake sucked, the gear change was heavy, a lot of heat around my legs, Why the hell did they put the indicator switch there:confused.

Was not a nice bike to ride in the traffic but as soon as I got into the hills it was great. I thought the suspension would be stiff and harsh but it was very compliant over bumps and crappy roads, which we have a lot of in OZ, actuall the suspension was bloody great even with the **** front tyre and wet patches everywhere it was very stable and steered very well and did not deflect off bumps or shake its head, I wish I had checked the steering damper and backed it off if possible. Once you had some speed up the g'box was still chunky but so positive, did not even feel like it would ever miss a gear.

At the top of the range I swapped bikes with my mate who was testing a 2011 speed triple, that thing was super easy to ride, changed back to the RSV and it felt great again straight away, the engine is to die for just wind the throttle on and it was smooth and grunty. The front brake had a shudder at medium force but was good when braking hard, I suspect it had a slightly bent disc. The rear brake was improving too, at first I think I was pressing on the lever itself once I got my foot on the tip where it shoud be it was a lot better.

We rode back via some tight roads signed about 25-40kmp/h I did stuggle a bit here, the twin, I think needs a little bit of a different technique to the 600 4cyl I have now, it felt like it would not like to go around the tighter corners unless I opened the throttle, not a lot just, a fly **** then I would be on rails, and at very small throttle opening it didnot snatch or hesitate very pleased with that, just need to adjust my style a bit, but I should save judgement until I ride one with a decent front tyre, maybe some setup changes will help in the tight stuff. One other thing I noticed was that when using the front brake with the bike layed over a bit it would want to stand up, normal? set up type thing or something I need to change with how I ride it?

Once I got back I had a good look over the bike. Unfortunatly it has been very unloved, the carbon infill top panels have come loose, all the carbon looked very weathered, some faded paint on the rear, right rearset bent, the left can had a dent and some scrapes, and had been in contact at some stage with the swing arm and there is a wear mark into the swing arm where it had been rubbing so much it had left a small hollow you could feel, to much to polish out. Why would you get a $32,000 sportsbike and treat it like this:jack

Shop wants $14000 for it, with a new diablo rossi front tyre, loose panels fixed, a CRG clutch lever to match the front brake, nice levers I might add, bent rearset fixed, disc straightened and a full going over and service.

But I'm very sus on this bike, it rode great, my mate loved it too, but it has not been well cared for in my opinion, I bet the owner payed as little attension to the mechanicals as he did the cosmetics, there was some damage on just about every panel.

So a couple little annoying bits, will the right type of aftermarket lever ease the clutch pull, Dynamo I think it was suggested Titax in another post?
can the exhaust be wrapped or ceramic coated to stop cooking my legs.
For a similar price I can get a '07 R with 7500k's and in top condition, is the light wheels and ohlins shock worth it? And I prefer the natural alloy frame to the gold.

overall I really liked the RSV and more time on one and set up for me it will be great. Cant wait to have one in the shed.

One other thing. it was an 06 but the frame was gold, shouldn't the frame on an 06 factory be black 07 onwards had the gold frame?
the build date was, I think 09/06

Hi
Mines an 06 registered bike, but I believe its an 05 model and so has a black frame, I've seen 06 registered bikes with gold frames.
Hope that helps.

Sounds like the Rsv could be for you! But not the particular one your looking at-too neglected! Wait for one in a better condition with service history rather than inherit someone elses problems as an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Get the suspension set up for you, sag etc, you can make them turn quicker by dropping the forks through the yokes by a line or so, or raising the rear. You definately adapt your riding style when switching from inline fours to twins as anyone on here will tell you!! But once you do (may take a little time) and can make the magic work,you may not want to go back...:thumbup

Yes you've spotted all its foibles on your test ride,rear brake{who needs it)indicator pos. you get used to it.Heat underneath your thighs(like we get that over here about one ride a year!:biggrin)
Like others have said, wait for a better one.:thumbup

Same as always, take your time & get the one you really want. I was offered a few ex demo R's in odd colours by dealers who didn't have a Factory & am glad I waited.

When you do get one give yourself plenty of time to get used to it. I think it took me 12 months to unlearn inline 4 riding.

using the front brake with the bike layed over a bit

Click to expand...

It's a twin, just back off the gas and it brakes for you. what's a brake!!?

Checked out another one today, no test ride as it was raining, but it is mint,'07 RSVR had some genuine carbon panels from the factory version, ohlins damper and carbon acrapovic cans, all the original bits wrapped in bubble wrap and in perfect condition, 13,000ks, dealer serviced and his brother owns the dealership in NTH queensland, all his bikes and cars and house are in immaculate condition, he looks after his stuff, BUT it is the red and silver colour, and I want the red and black, aaarrrr what a Dilemma

But its common knowledge that red and black ones are faster!:biggrin My regret was that I didn't buy an RSVR as people told me the ohlins suspension, Oz wheels, carbon etc are only bling The RSVR's that i looked at were a bit neglected. Very happy with the RSV I got though... full service history, under 10000 miles, not owned by a nob,not crashed/tracked,HPI clear, not mint but very good condition, well looked after,good price etc. But... its not an "R"!.... If you buy this one, will you not always wish it were a red and black one? Good luck with your hunt:thumbup

I would sooner buy an R rather that a neglected Factory. I like the polished frame, too. You still get the Ohlins front.