New Bike!

Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille R

It's here...

As previously mentioned, I'd decided to change class for the remainder of the year. The choice was between a GSXR1000 and an Aprilia Mille. For various reasons - and after riding both a Mille and a GSXR750 (pretty similar in size, shape and style to the 1000), I decided on the Mille.

Some pushing from Dave at Bemsee meant that Ian Newton of Aprilia Racing UK pulled all the stops out and managed to find me a bike. Apparently the fact that it's yellow helped - they sell much more slowly than the black ones. Personally I think it's lovely - a shame I've got to strip off all that bodywork and put my own badly-painted stuff on instead.

Here's some brief specs...

• 1000cc
• 60 degree vertical twin (Harley style)
• 135hp at crank with race exhaust (120 at the wheel)
• 185kg
• Fuel Injection
• Ohlins rear shock, titanium nitride forks & steering damper
• Brembo brakes
• Oz Racing lightweight alloy wheels

More soon, but there's loads of preparation to do before Thruxton next Sunday...