What to buy next?

[St0rmer66]

Getting a bit of an itch after 18months of the RSV... keep looking at newer bikes and wondering if I should change but for the first time I really do like my bike and there really is nothing wrong with it. It's plenty fast enough, handles pretty well (no chicken strips even though knee-down is evading me) and I've modded it quite a lot already.

It's a 2002 RSV-R (so got all the Ohlins etc). So far I've got: Akra single/Arrow shotgun can (undecided which I like more), redrat modded headers, sebimoto (like hooked) airbox, 57mm TB's, PC3 & custom map and a quickshifter.

What else can I get to try and scratch the "itch"? (no STD jokes please!).

First thing I'm definitely doing is renewing some scratched decals on the front but that won't cost much but then I'm a bit stumped. I saw a jester68 bodykit (http://www.jester68evokit.com/) on an RSV in the flesh last week and it looked absolutely lush (Alicé black/red/white paintjob, like when the RSV was in WSB). BUT I don't want it to be any more uncomfortable (THAT SEAT!) and I don't want to lose my pillion seat. It's also rather a lot of money with no performance gain.

Slipper clutch? Think Tash (guy on the Aprilia forums who runs a parts business) said he'd do one for £5xx.

Quick action throttle? Did a trackday at Cadwell and I think it really would have helped, my wrist was aching after twisting the throttle all that way for so long.

1060cc big bore kit? Another LOAD of cash and not sure if I really need the extra power right now and I'd still want to use it on the road so not sure about reliability (though I'm getting into track days now I've tried it!).

What to do?!

 

[Luke]

Without offending your manliness, how about some trackside training? Learn to use what you have already to go even faster.

 

[kidloco]

Hmmm body kits are great if you have binned your bike. But even you haven't people will think you have.

Slipper clutches are great if your doing 5-10 trackdays a year.

Quick action throttle, can get em pretty cheap so might be worth a punt if you like the way they feel. Again, more use on the track.

Big bore kit. A lot of cash for not that much gain IMO. Plus selling it after would be trickier.

Personally if it was me I'd take a visit to somewhere like maxton and get them to work their magic on your suspension. The fact that you have good stuff to start will save you a fair bit. But you will be amazed at what they can can do with a rebuild, service and custom setup just for you.

Failing that, get the RC8 and be done with it

 

[St0rmer66]

Don't worry, I know I'm not Rossi! Have always put myself in Novice group on trackdays. Good call on the training, I did California Superbike School Lvl1 last year and it was useful so might book Lvl2. Any other options for that sort of thing?

Yeah I think I'm put off the body-kit before I've even started, it has too many disadvantages and costs far too much. QAT, I think I'm pretty much decided on. They're not quite what I'd call "cheap" but compared to some of the other things I've bought then I suppose it is . Might see what Maxton can do, what sort of ball park price are we talking? Any other companies worth looking at? I'm in North Yorkshire if it makes any difference. Big bore is also a bit too pricey. I keep forgetting that it would cost me about half the value of the bike to do it! (I can afford it but it's just not worth it!).

You're the second person who's told me to get an RC8 though, even on the Aprilia Performance forum! . I have looked and at £7k-ish for a private one (2009 or so) it's not too bad. I do like my RSV though, so if I can get another year-18months out of it (more trackdays!) I'd be happy.

 

[helpimcrap]

track bike. i have one i might sell. lol

an 02 RSV nearly killed me but it's still the only bike i'd ever have as a road bike.... dunno why.

maybe the aprilia v4? similar bike but just 'more' in every department - including price lol.

 

[kidloco]

Might see what Maxton can do, what sort of ball park price are we talking? Any other companies worth looking at? I'm in North Yorkshire if it makes any difference.

Both Maxton and K-Tech are certainly worth contacting, just email them and they will send you a spec sheet on what they can do with your standard equipment. You are looking around £400 to have the forks stripped, cleaned, new piston kit fitted, and rebuilt and setup for your weight and riding style. They offer a simular service for the rear shock, thats normally around the £100-£200 to service and setup, it may need a new spring depending on your weight etc.

Im sending mine off to K-Tech at the end of september. They even will send out their courier to collect the parts (for a charge), do all the work then send them back.

Maxton also do the same, I think they have a ride in/ride out service although that would be more. They are based in Frodsham so just round the corner from me.

 

[St0rmer66]

I did consider a track bike but where to store it is the problem... already got 2 bikes in the garage (my dad's too). I'd get something like a CBR600RR with all the suspension done etc.

The RSV is a good road bike but it's just getting a bit old now and I just fancy a bit of a change at some point. I could probably hang on another year or so though, I do still like it. The RSV4 would be too small for me and too uncomfortable, especially on the road. If I could buy a new RSV4 APRC for a track bike I'd do it in a heartbeat, but £15k is a bit out of my price range for a "toy" .

I will consider the suspension thing, the only thing that puts me off is that I'm still not even at the limit of what the bike can do now! So adding even fancier suspension won't have such a dramatic effect until I can dial into more skill from me!

Lots of people on the Aprilia forum saying get an RC8 now! Crazy, that was the last place I thought people would suggest one. Might be able to get a 2 year old example for around £6k when winter hits... very tempting!

 

[kidloco]

Wouldnt worry about reaching the limit of what your current suspension can do. Its also about freshening the bike up. The bearings will prob need servicing, oils replacing as they soon turn to dirty water. It really can make your bike feel likes its just come off the production line.

Sounds like you are finding reasons NOT to buy the RC8 though

Awesome looking bike, been tempted to get one many times.

 

[St0rmer66]

I know I won't be able to resist spending a bit more and getting the RC8R... it's supposed to be quite a big improvement! . Had fork oil changed (seals had gone too) and rear shock serviced about a year ago so it shouldn't be too bad! If I end up getting a new bike anyway then all that money spent will have been a waste so I need to decide what I'm going to actually do!

Insurance renewal is March next year so could try find an RC8 in Feb. Will have to get a test ride, hopefully that won't be a problem though with me being 23!