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New to a big Twin

J

-james-

Joined Sep 2009
23 Posts | 0+
Blackpool, Lancashire
Hi, new member here :). Other than 'don't do it' what advice would you give to someone who is riding a big V-Twin for the first time? I'm looking at getting an RSV in the next few weeks and am scared of highsiding it or flipping it over lol.

I have been to a few dealers and sat on a few of them and they feel surprisingly light. Lighter than I expected which is good because they look big and bulky for sportsbikes and I expected them to be a bit unwieldly. It was a little tall for my comfort but I could still get both feet on the ground so I'm satisfied with the height.

What do you have to do in regards to throttle and clutch control? Should I slip the clutch when setting off or let it crawl away from the biting point? If you're supposed to slip the clutch to smooth out the power delivery what revs should I use. I just want to ride as smoothly and carefully as I can for the first week or so.

Thanks everyone :)

James
 
You just need to take it easy mate if you get one. It's hard to specify revs required for pulling off etc. If you open the throttle fully and slam the clutch out your going to get yourself in trouble (and it'll be costly and probably hurt!). Like on all bikes, just feel for the biting point on the clutch and accelerate gently until you get used to it. There's a huge amount of torque on these motors and it needs to be treated with respect - especially if your coming up from a 125!

These things handle brilliantly, but again, it takes time, so don't be trying to get your knee down first time out. Mine's a bit tall for my liking - I'm just over 5ft 7in and manage ok, although uneven or loose ground underfoot can be a bit tricky at times!

Just take it easy and ride safe.:thumbup
 
Hi James,welcome to the fold.

My observations may not be too relevant as I was used to a Suzuki 1000cc V twin before the Mille but here goes.

I always hold the front brake on whilst gently finding the biting point of the clutch on any new bike ( saves that embarassing stall in front the watchers) just put a few revs on and be gentle with releasing the clutch,it certainly won't need the sort of revs & clutch slipping of a 125.

If this is your first big bike after a 125 please take some time to get accustomed to the size ,weight and power before getting too enthusiastic with it (unless your middle name is Valentino)

One thing I found when I came to a 1000 V twin from a CCM R30 SuperMoto was that is a big mass to change direction on when you are used to something that handles and changes direction like a large pushbike.

Just take it easy and treat it with respect until you feel comfortable with it,then you can join the rest of us in the modding and throwing money at it game.:thumbup
Ian
 
Thank you very much. I have to say I didnt expect this reaction at all! I expected people to hurl abuse at me and tell me its impossible and I should get a crappy Straight four 600 lol Your comments give me a lot of confidence because I realise that it cant be impossible because the only disadvantage I have is lack of experience, but I can make up for that by being extra careful.

I think I have pretty good clutch control. I can set off on the 2 stroke 125 at as little as 2500-3000 rpm and keep it in the powerband whilst slowly releasing the clutch

I understand how its hard to specify revs for slowly moving off but I just dont want to throw it forward or highside it on a mini roundabout with cold tyres etc Would 2-3000rpm be right? lower or higher? haha

Once again thanks for the comments guys
 
2-3k if fine, just feel for the bite and release the clutch slowly and use only small amounts of throttle. These things pull like a train from very low in the rev range.
 
I'd say the opposite. You may have to dip and slip the clutch in town to smooth out the bottom end.
Just get some miles in, there's nothing like it for getting a feel for a new bike.
 
Ahh, the abuse usually comes later :devious ...............But if it makes you feel more comfortable.....

I have to say that I never give the revs too much of a thought,I just ride by the feel of the thing,if it's a pre 03 model then they had lower 1st & 2nd ratios than the later models.

You just get used to the large rev /torque band and ride it ...well...like a V twin really.

It's a totally different style to an I4, just give it some time and you will either come to love it and have twins evermore, or hate it and move to a bland,characterless,revvy jap thing.
 
On a side note, if you buy a pre 03 model then you may find it helpful to wind the tickover up a tad to begin with (say 1800rpm) and keep the clutch lever covered (small amount of pressure) as you exit very slow roundabouts and the likes. Small throttle openings are the way if you are pulling from 2500rpm and below, especially if it is still on standard gearing. Wait until @3500rpm and upright before opening hard and you'll steer clear of highside fears.

One other tip, get used to the power of the brakes. It's all very well worrying about the throttle, but it's the brakes that will save you or alternatively send you skittling in wet conditions if you are over eager and lock the front wheel. Find a decent stretch of quiet road or an industrial estate and play with the front brake, it'll be quite an eye opener for you :devious

Last but not least, enjoy! You won't stop smiling :D
 
yorksrsvr said:
and the engine braking :doug
Click to expand...

Oh yes,I forgot about that as I was used to even more coming from the big SV.

When up and running,if you ride smoothly you can almost forget about using the brakes except in an emergency,minor adjustments of the throttle are all you need to make very spirited progress,and it really mess's with the people behinds heads as they come barrelling into a corner after you and find they are in the wrong gear going much to quick. :devious

TIP
When following a big V twin always read the road far ahead,never rely on a flash of brake lights to tell you if you need to slow down !!

I know we should all always ride the road and not the rider in front, but it's amazing how many people just follow the brake lights in front and end up running wide or worse.
 
ok so I think I've got it now:

Feather the clutch below 3500rpm when setting off or turning on roundabouts/junctions.
very small amounts of throttle above 3500 unless ur in a straight line.
Use the engine braking.
and be careful with the anchors because they pack a punch.

couple more questions:

What is the indicated top speed of a pre 2003?

When viewing an RSV are there any particular parts I should inspect or noises to listen for?

Any questions I need to ask the seller? (for example have you changed this or that)

Where can I buy a Mivv can In the U.K because I think they're the dog's
 
Dont run the standard size sprockets on the road.
Ask what size sprockets the bike you test is running.
For pre 03 RSV's standard is 17t front 42t rear, I run a 15t front on mine and it maxes out at 150mph.

By the way these engines are nornally a bit rattly sounding.
 
Last edited:
New bike - put a sticker on rev counter depicting max useage until you are happy and comfortable i.e used to it.

Slip the clutch until you get used to the gearing of your bike at low speeds. Still drop into 1st on some of the nasty pock-marked on my ride to work.

Front brakes are great - rears not so good. Since riding the RSV have started to use 2 fingers on the front lever at very low speed manouvres, as my confidence has built, returning to rear at those low speeds.

Had mine a month and still only open it up on the straights if high revs. Got a better feel for the bike and can now lift the front wheel when I choose but not ready for full wheelies!


-james- said:
Where can I buy a Mivv can In the U.K because I think they're the dog's
Click to expand...

MIVV you say........
Apologies cannot tell you where it came from, as bought it fitted on the bike.

Picture192.jpg
 
yorksrsvr said:
and the engine braking :doug
Click to expand...

Yeah, second that one mate.

Watch that engine braking especially if you ride with mates who are on IL4's, can get a little hairy if you back off on the throttle mid corner as the bike gets all outta shape due to the engine braking.

Take it easy and get used to the bike before trying to take on the local Rossi wannabees.

Remember that smooth is fast. :doug
 
The Lone Ranger said:
Dont run the standard size sprockets on the road.
Ask what size sprockets the bike you test is running.
For pre 03 RSV's standard is 17t front 42t rear, I run a 15t front on mine and it maxes out at 150mph.

By the way these engines are nornally a bit rattly sounding.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the zone mate. You'll love the mille.
Not sure on the pre 03 bikes but i've had an 04 and currently on an 07 bike. Im running a 15t front sprocket and standard rear and mine did this last weekend and was still accelarating:doug
picture.php


Top speed is irrelevant on the road other than for pub rights. its the torque and drive out the bends on the twisties you'll love. No jap 4 can compete on the roads i use. yes on a dual carriageway i might get slaughtered but i hate straight roads anyway there boring.

Just take time to get used to the bike. Go steady and increase your throttle action with experience and confidence. My mate slid his new R1 last weekend because he did not give himself enough time to get used to it. Tried to get his knee down following me despite me telling him god knows how many times to take it steady and get used to the bike. He got his knee down alright, followed by his thigh, arse, elbow, belly pan, brake lever, side fairing....:bawling you get the idea.
 
T5R+ that bike looks brand new lol good show
I'm undecided on the Mivv cans, not sure whether to go for the X-cone or GP stubby

No-one would let me test ride one due to my age hehe

Sounds good spud monkey. I anticipate a lot of fun to be had with this next bike
 
Last edited:
Steady as she goes James, I highsided mine pulling out of a junction giving it a little too much throttle (mixed with ***** dunlop tyres) and i had it for two months :eek:

I came from a cbr600 to the RSV so just be very careful these bikes will bite you if you dont respect them :pirate

Having said that it's the best bike i've ever owned and will give immense pleasure :doug
 

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