New Boy

Hi, Just got involved in this V twin thing. Have been racing and R1 over the last couple of years and have sold that and bought an 04 RSVR Factory to race next year. I am going to Brands on Saturday to try it out out, never ever ridden a V twin before. What should I look out for?

Welcome to the wonderful world of Vees, the following you'll probably already know and there are people on the site who know a damn site more than I (feel free to chip in guys. The narrower rear tyre on the Factory really sharpens up turn in and even though oughtright power is down on the R1 you can carry out a few simple mods to free up lots more usefull horses (you don't say what series you race in but these should be ok for most classes). Pipes, open slip-ons or full system from decent manufacturers (aprilia, akra, renegade, tig, etc) always frees up extra ponies and dropping the stock cans sheds a good chunk of weight. Renegade or Evoluzione Air box kits + filters help it breath more easily and free up acouple more hp... though the really nice thing about this mod is the throttle response improves. If you're a bit flash then there is an Italian site that sells some fantastic velocity stacks which should help give even more power in conjunction with the airbox kit. PCIII with a custom map is never a bad idea. I believe (although I've not got all the info back on this yet) that you can upgrade and fine tune the front end with a replacement ohlins linear spring kit... but not got this yet so that's a maybe. If you use your back brake to adjust your line (some do some don't) then you either need to change style or do a rear brake mod. The stock has somewhere between 0 and very little power or feel. It would be worth checking to see if your bike has had the clutch m/c mod carried out. The original was badly designed and under hard use the circuit will gradually let air in and low gear and neutral selection will become either an absolute pig or at worst you'll get stuck in gear. bleeding is easy and take 5 mins but annoying. I'm sure there's loads of other stuff but hope that's of use. Have fun at Brands! [:D] 05 Factory... lots of shiny bits... hopless wobbler in charge!

As regards engine braking, on track it's fantastic. Even if you cog down a little agressively the slipper clutch kicks in and stops the back end locking up. If you down shift hard the back end steps out a little which is nice. It's almost like setting it up to back in slightly. Helps "hook turns" no end. You'll like it. [:D] 05 Factory... lots of shiny bits... hopless wobbler in charge!

Did Brands on Saturday after two laps, YES two laps the clutch gave out and smoke came pouring out the exhaust. The bike is now with PDQ. Itlooks like the previous owner had been prating around with the clutch with no bloody idea what he was doing. TWAT. Frustrated or what........!

SH*T!!!! Sounds like an absolute nightmare. Hope they sort it soon for you. If it's any consolation I've run Mille's as road and track bikes and never had the slipper fail. Hopefully it's not going to cost the earth and it'll be back with you soon. 05 Factory... lots of shiny bits... hopless wobbler in charge!