New to RSVZone

Hey all, just joined up after checking for forums on the internet.
I have a 2001 RSV Mille which i have had for 3 years - and i love it!
Got a couple of issues though.
1st - engine 'tapping' noise. Not sure if it's just started or i've only just noticed it but i have a tapping noise coming from the top end on the front cylinder (i think). Noticed it a couple of months ago and now i'm sure it sounds louder. Going to France in 4 weeks and i'm a bit concerned. Anyone have any advice or suggestions or have similar noises?
2nd - took it out for a blast yesterday after changing the oil and filter only to find that when i ride hard and go through the gears the clutch is slipping! Doesn't happen when riding at normal road/revs. I used to use 10/40 semi synthetic oil but changed to 15/50 semi synthetic this time - can this cause clutch slip? although it did it a couple of times before i changed the oil but its doing it all the time now.
Please help as i want to sort before i go to France!

hello and welcome to the zone arry :thumbup

have you had the valve clearances checked since you've had it :dunno might be worth having it looked at. Fusebox (griff) in Tamworth is the man for all things aprilia matey :thumbupHe has his own workshop if your near there.

http://www.customrestoandrace.co.uk/html/how_to_find_us.html

Your clutch slip might be due to you changing the oil type, It happened to mine after a service last year. I had to take the clutch plates out and clean/rough them up with some fine wet & dry paper and it's been fine ever since :doug

Loads of good clever guys on here to help you through any problems you come across fella, enjoy the banter and don't take anything they say too seriously, just give em some stick back :biggrin

Where are you from and where's the bike pics :dunno :biggrin

Cheers for that sprocker. As far as i know the valves were checked by previous owner at around 8000 miles. It now has 13500 on it. It has seen some trackday abuse and gets ridden hard! Thanks for the link to the man in Tamworth, i'll certainly give him a call. I'll have to take a look at the clutch plates and maybe try your solution or get some new plates if they aren't too much dosh.
Only just joined the forum so i haven't had time to post pics of the bike yet - its a 2000 model RSV in yellow.
I live in Leicester, so Tamworth is just a short blast away.
Hope to enjoy plenty of banter with fellow members and advice on all things aprilia.

Evening `arry !

New here myself as well, but a great friendly lot, and loads of good advice to hand.

Enjoy ! :thumbup

:dougsee that guys....another YELLOW one :doug

Ahhhhhhhhhhh Sprocker a man after my own heart:biggrin
I will post some pics of my yellow peril soon:devious
I am going to give fusebox(griff) a call/email tomorrow to see if i can take it to his workshop to have a listen and give me his expert advice. It's good to know that he comes highly recommended and it gives you confidence in somebody working on your pride and joy.

ahhh!
caught the other post first ( clutch slip)

look forward to the call mate!
Catchya tomorrow!

Griffer

Griffer you da man!:thumbup
I will call you tomorrow and hopefully you can sort me out before my trip to France.
Thanks to all who have replied to my threads i feel at home already:thumbup