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PREPARATION The bike is beginning to take shape with the first run on the dyno and preparing the chassis for racing. The dyno was used to get a base setting for the standard bike along with runs using a link pipe and Austin Racing and Akrapovic end cans. The Austin Racing system gave the biggest gain of over 8 bhp nearly two more than the Akrapovic. The second stage engine development after the first track day will be to fit the Austin Racing Inconel headers, racing air filter and power Commander V with a custom map which are expected to deliver another 10 bhp based on development work carried out by Austin Racing and Dynojet.
The chassis mods included reducing steering lock, moving the ignition switch to avoid damage in a crash, fitting racing fairing and seat unit, SES clip-ons and footrests and SBS Duel Carbon brake pads supplied by Auto Moto Racing. MCT resprung and re-shimmed the front forks and resprung the rear shock
Before the second test day an Ohlins TTX race shock will be fitted again set up by MCT and a 520 chain conversion. The bodywork will also be painted by Raptor Superpaints. FIRST TEST DAY – Snetterton - 27th February 2010 The day dawned wet and cold, so wet weather tyres were fitted to the bike and suspension softened to cope with the conditions. Jon could not wait to get out on to the track after the long winter break. The last time he rode a bike was last November at Snetterton on Roy Armstrong’s 1098S Ducati in similar conditions. The bike sounded awesome even with a DB killer installed with many spectators commenting how quick Jon was in the wet conditions.
Jon takes up the events of the day - “Considering the weather and limited track time my first impressions of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory are positive. The purpose of the test was to blow out the cobwebs and familiarise myself with the bike. Fortunately I felt comfortable immediately and it didn’t take me long to get back into the groove despite the tricky conditions. The bike did everything I wanted it to and has a lot of potential. The Metzeler rain tyres had plenty of grip even though I had been used to Dunlop wets used on the KTM RC8 last year. It has the handling of a 600 but with more power. I am now looking forward to the next test day at Cadwell Park and putting the RSV4 through its paces in the dry! The bike should also have added performance with the developments taking place over the next two weeks. This will give us a good idea of how the bike is going to perform compared to the opposition.” Photos courtesy of Barry Clay
Our partners for the 2010 season include:
The 2010 Season – It seems to have been an extremely long winter but the wait is almost over! I have been working hard to maintain and improve my fitness over the winter in preparation for the coming season. I am pleased to announce that I will be riding in the National Superstock 1000 Championship for IN MOTO Corse Aprilia this season. In Moto are a family run motorcycle dealer based in Croydon founded in 1999 headed up by Roberto Ingignoli. The dealership is a main agent for Aprilia, KTM, Vespa, Gilera and Piaggio. IN MOTO Corse ran Kelvin Reilly and Pauli Pekannen in the KTM RC8 Supercup championship last year.
This is a great opportunity for me to progress and develop my riding in what promises to be an extremely competitive class. I will be up against ex-Superbike riders such as Karl Harris, Steve Plater and Glen Richards as well as a TT lap record holder in the shape of John McGuinness. I cannot wait to ride the Aprilia RSV4 Factory! It is an awesome looking and sounding motorcycle not to mention that it should be really competitive. With adjustments to the chassis available as standard it will be a steep learning curve to understand how the changes that can be made affect the performance. I am looking forward to testing the bike for the first time at Snetterton on 27th February 2010 weather permitting. We hope to be able to fit in further test days and a race meeting in March to get everything prepared before the first BSB event which is to be held over the Easter weekend at Brands Hatch. Having collected the bike just over a week ago preparation is well under way to get the bike race ready. Much of the engine development has already been done by Austin Racing with particular regard to the exhaust system and mapping using a prototype Power Commander V. The exhaust system sounds awesome just like a Moto GP bike. Well worth a visit to the Austin Racing website for a listen where there is a YouTube link. http://www.austinracing.info//mall/infopageviewer.cfm/AustinRacing/VIDSOUNDCLIPS Austin Racing specialise in all things Aprilia RSV4 from full race exhaust systems to carbon fibre fairings.
Aprilia RSV4 with Austin Racing exhaust and carbon fibre body kit. Carbon fibre unfortunately not allowed in the Superstock class. Auto Moto Racing based in Bellerby near Leyburn, North Yorkshire are supplying brake pads and sprockets. AMR provide a range of services for the motorcyclist including servicing, MOT’s and dyno work. They also supply and fit tyres for cars and motorcycles. AGIP will be providing lubrication for the Aprilia RSV4 through their sole UK distributor Moto World (UK) Ltd. AGIP manufacture a full range of quality products for motorcycles and cars.
Our partners for the 2010 season include:
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