Busby Posted November 7, 2014 Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 With the full details of the H2 now released I have to say I am a bit disappointed. I have my place in the queue awaiting confirmation on the price but I can't see me going for one. I always knew that having a supercharger and the associated cooling was going to make it a bit heavier than its rivals but carrying an extra 40kg will certainly be felt when cornering and braking. Plus they haven't said whether the announced weight is wet or dry - if it's a dry weight then it is carrying any extra 60kg which is HUGE. I'm starting to see it as more of a Hyabusa/ZZR1400 type bike and that's not the type of bike I want. I'm sure the delivery of the power will be incredible. Indeed it may well defy the power to weight stats. The whole ownership experience I would suspect to be fantastic too but I'm just not sure it's for me now - certainly not before I get to see one in the flesh at the end of the month and by then I think it will be too late. New R1 - amazing bike but I make these purchases with my heart as well as my head and whilst the H2 ticks boxes in the "OMG look at it, it's amazing" category, simply put the R1 doesn't. 1290 R - I'm sure it would be a blast to own but I'm not sure I'm ready to buy a naked yet. Could well be a future purchase though. Panigale - breathtakingly good looking right down to the tiniest detail. I haven't ridden one but can only imagine that the grunt is both intoxicating and terrifying at the same time. But, I don't think I am a Ducati person. That'll make no sense to non-bikers but the bikers amongst you will get it! I'd buy an old, special Duke (996SP, 1098R Bayliss, etc) but a new one just isn't me. Which brings me on to the bike that I almost bought when I got the HP4. The Aprilia RSV4. A barnstorming 1000cc V4 which makes a hell of a noise, the chassis from a 250GP bike and what is regarding as the best electronics package on any bike. Why did I buy the HP4 over it last time? Straight answer is build quality but as I don't ride a huge amount and tend to change bikes fairly quickly maybe this isn't a big problem. Plus, it wasn't so much that the Ape seeming horribly put together, more that the BMW seemed much better and had much better quality hard parts - rear sets, levers, etc. The final kicker is that Aprilia announced a revised RSV4 a day or two ago - power up, new exhaust, electronics tweaked, couple of styling changes. They also announced a 400 run special edition (of which 35 are coming to the UK): No confirmed price as yet but ten have already been reserved. I go on holiday tomorrow so need to reserve one today if I'm going do it. So come on chaps - provide your wisdom (so I can blame it on you when the missus finds out!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted November 7, 2014 Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 That does look seriously nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted November 7, 2014 Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 I'm agreeing with a lot of the above : H2R - monster engine but that doesn't make it the best sports bike. Worried about the focus just being on the powerful acceleration (as per the Kwaka guy in the Jay Leno video). Yeah straight line shunt is great but we get our kicks in the bends! My 'bird and Gixxer are similar to each other in bhp but wasting different rides with the 'bird obviously not being the sportiest. I think many will see the H2R as a track sports bike (which to be honest it's very capable of being) but it's moving away from the perfect weight/performance balance. R1's have never set me on fire but I've never ridden one! I don't like the front "number plate" but do like the low slung lights. Aside from that it's not jaw dropping. 1290R - I just grin when I think about it. I'd have one as a 3rd bike : Commuter, track bike then 1290R. I'm sure it's a blast (but not on motorways)! Panni's - a couple of mates have them (even have traded in and upgraded models) and love them to bits. However they're set up hard and when we went to Spa one went in the van instead of riding it due to the suspension. A proper track tool but perhaps too focused on that. Lovely piece of art which I think only MV top. HP4 - still love - shoulda kept it RSV4 - good call. I nearly went with an RSV Mille R Factory instead of my gixxer as I loved the engine etc. I bottled it as it's an Aprilia with their electrics and quirks etc. Perhaps I should have done. When looking and test riding I did get tempted to move up the cost ladder to get an RSV4 but I was concerned I'd then be thinking about the cost rather than just ringing it's neck. I do like them but I think you def need to test ride one as they are on the small size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted November 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 Feck it, deposit placed 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mort Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 The H2 was never going to be a pure sports bike (but would have been great on the road). The RSV4R is a fabulous bike and the new incarnation looks awesome. I have spoken to a number of riders who love em on track but hate em on the road because of lack of comfort, demanding riding position and lack of tank range. Its certainly at the top of my list though. Good choice... I saw the new R1 and R1M at a show at the weekend. I must say I like it a lot. Everything that needed doing to the current R1 (my current bike) has been done and more. The final decision will depend on price. If they price it up with the likes of the BMW, Ducati or the Aprilia I am very likely to choose one of those. If its more reasonable I will go with the R1 again because I just love the engine and the the extra power and techno will be a blast... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 I quite like the Raleigh Chopper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimdiesel Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 Ichifanni 500! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Feck it, deposit placed Well done ! A mate has a 2014 he uses as a track bike, says it's a brilliant bike (had two S1000RR's before hand) Roll on 2015... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted November 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2014 Cheers Mort/Biscuits I'm really looking forward to it arriving. The other people in the street will be loving it at 0600 on Sunday mornings once a new exhaust has found its way onto the bike. One chap in the street has an E92 M3 and a V8 Vantage which they think are noisy so they could be in for a shock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted November 14, 2014 Report Share Posted November 14, 2014 Ha ha ha. The R1 has a set of Akra race silencers and they're not too loud, but that Aprilia will thump along nicely with a set Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted December 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2014 Exhaust is now purchased - I went with the Austin Racing GP1 in the end and they did me a good deal at the show. It doesn't look like the exhaust changes in the 2015 model but they have said they will send an updated can if it does change at all when they get hold of a 2015 bike in March. I also found a good specialist to look after it so the plan is to run it stock up to the first service and then it will go it for a thorough check before having the can fitted and being set up accordingly. I had lunch with the Aston/M3 neighbour over the weekend and he was just laughing - he wants me to store it at his on a Saturday night so we can start the M3 and the bike together at 0530 on a Sunday morning and then ask the other neighbours which one they could hear!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calm Chris Posted December 8, 2014 Report Share Posted December 8, 2014 The lad in that video is wearing trainers, and no socks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted December 8, 2014 Report Share Posted December 8, 2014 ... and a t-shirt and no gloves. That stubby is gonna be LOUD!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted April 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 So the bike has been in the UK for over a week now but nobody is allowed to start it! Aprilia contacted the dealer when it was delivered to say that they were producing a new map for it and not to do anything until the new map has been applied. Aprilia called me yesterday to say that they will have the map done sometime next week. I'm told that the issue is with the idle map so until it is sent to the dealer then I'm stuck in limbo. It's frustrating after waiting so long to not be able to collect it. I went to see it on Easter Friday and was meant to have it delivered on Tuesday but the delay on this new idle map has scuppered it. Also annoying that mine was the first into the country (it's number 24 of the whole run) but now others have arrived at various dealers. Fingers crossed there won't be any additional delays next week. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted April 11, 2015 Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 It all sounds jolly exciting, good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 11, 2015 Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 Being patient is one thing but when you've seen it and are still waiting that's just teasing! I hope you get it soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted April 11, 2015 Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 Frustrating, but it'll be worth the wait. When I sat on one at the show I couldn't believe how compact the bike was, guess that's the 250 GP derived frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted April 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 Thanks guys Frustrating, but it'll be worth the wait. When I sat on one at the show I couldn't believe how compact the bike was, guess that's the 250 GP derived frame. They are tiny for a 1000! The engine configuration helps too - I saw one out of the bike next to a 1000cc inline four and it was at least 25% smaller. It's one of the reasons I've had new rearsets made as being north of 6 feet tall I'm going to need all the help I can get finding a comfy position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mort Posted April 11, 2015 Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 A frustrating delay. Not sure I would have the same patience. Such a special bike though.... the wait will be worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted April 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Map has arrived at the dealers today - it will be in my garage on Wednesday afternoon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Map has arrived at the dealers today - it will be in my garage on Wednesday afternoon Happy days ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted April 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Happy days ! Not for the neighbours 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Yeah, I suspect I'm about to agrivate ours too :D 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busby Posted April 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2015 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted April 15, 2015 Report Share Posted April 15, 2015 Lovely lovely lovely! Get a tail tidy quick though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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