What did you do today?

[118811]

Your new bike!!!!?

[Speed 3 Pilot]

He always does that, throwin' out a teaser...

[DRKWNG]

No, just something I took out for a test ride today.

[MadDuck]

No, just something I took out for a test ride today.

Glutton for punishment.  

However it is a "R" so that scores points.

[DRKWNG]

[118811]

 

I saw that bike (black & white versions) down at the local dealership 2 weeks ago.....such beauties!!

[DRKWNG]

I flogged this one on the same roads that I demo'd the RC8 on yesterday.

[118811]

comparison for us less fortunate.....

[DRKWNG]

It's no where near as comfortable as the RC8, but it definitely has that WOW factor that the KTM was missing.  The bike is really compact, and just feels so small with the possible exception of the area directly under the seat.  It flairs out slightly, but not really enough to be distracting.  You sit much more on top of it than you do the RC8 as well.  It's almost like comparing a 999 (sitting in) and an 8/10/1198, or my old Daytona (sitting on), with the Ape being a very committed seating position.  Over all I would say the Ape is an animal.  The power is REALLY there, but in a controlled sort of way.  It comes on a little soft until you get above 3500rpm.  From there, twist the wrist and it just builds and builds and builds, all while feeling very smooth about it.  It also handled a bit skittishly at lowish speeds, but open it up, and ride it aggressively, i.e. really put it into corners, and it is close to telepathic.  The thing is a homologated race bike after all, and wants to be ridden with just as much conviction.  I have always heard that they put a tremendous amount of heat, but it honestly seemed to run cooler than the KTM did, and that was with getting stuck in more traffic on the Ape as well.  And the sound...  Oh my the sound was amazing!  That little V4 snarling its way through the Leo pipe was just...  It really has to be the best sounding motorcycle I have ever heard.  To be completely honest, the only downsides I could see to owning one of these bikes is the potential for spotty after sale service and the fuel consumption.  We were out for something like 40 miles and the trip computer said that I averaged 21.1 mpg.  But hey, like I said; it's a race bike. 

[118811]

Thanks B....for the insight & details!

I enjoy riding vicariously thru you and others here.
I haven't actually ridden a sport bike since I owned my 87' Honda Hurricane....remember those!!?

[DRKWNG]

No worries.  We've got a shorter riding season than you do down there, but I wish you guys could come try some of what we have on offer here.  There are some roads that are just plain amazing.  It's not as good as say California, or Colorado, but we've got some choice spots.  

Anyhow, I also took an R1 out today.  It was on a controlled factory supported demo event, so nowhere near as fun (I led the test ride on the Ape   ), but it gave me a bit of insight to that bike.  I was really impressed with what I was able to tell about the cross-plane crank motor.  It felt as if it had ample low end grunt (more so than the V4 on the Ape), and was oh so smooth.  Couldn't open it up for shit though, partly due to the chosen demo route and partly due to the fact that the tools leading the route were just putzing along.  One thing for sure though, the R1 was very natural feeling.  I quickly saw why so many people love them.  The best way I can think to sum it up would be that they are incredibly easy to ride fast due being so neutral/natural (Rick will understand this from his days with the GSX-R), but no where near as fun to ride fast as the Ape.  The Yamaha just seemed to flow in a way that was... wait for it ...fluid while the Ape required a touch more involvement.  But once you gave the Ape your all...  Can you tell that I really liked that bike?

I'm taking a Panigale out on Tuesday, so we'll see how that compares...

[118811]

"but I wish you guys could come try some of what we have on offer here.  There are some roads that are just plain amazing.  It's not as good as say California, or Colorado, but we've got some choice spots. "

You're in Va?
I am looking into transferring to NC or SC.....I am originally from NC.

I look forward to your opinion of the 1199.....arguably the best looking bike currently....IMHO!!!

[sta]

Given two sliding doors a fresh coat of white paint, installed FP's mirrors finally, so I'm ready for sunday.

[MadDuck]

Waiting on the Tuesday report.   

[DRKWNG]

Waiting on the Tuesday report.   

I tell you what, that thing will have to be mighty impressive to beat out the Ape.  That V4 was pretty damned amazing.