thats lovely!! i have a first generation tuono thats now 10 year old and absolutely love it. i,m 40+hp down on the new one and still grin like a kid every time i,m out on it. enjoy her buddy!!!
Classic! LOL I can see you've had practise at the justification process (hence the stunning 1098) so bow to yours and Jimbo's obvious experience.
Must admit dude, Jamie is a legend at diversion tactics. You wouldn't believe the calls that have gone on today. He makes out he's under the cosh but the bling on his blade, the duke, and his latest.... (Ssssshhhhh) would make you realise he is a Jedi master in motorcycle purchase approval. I on the other hand am a mere apprentice, I go for quantity... And lack the finesse of Jamie's quality... His template will take you far
I normally just use "blame someone else" tactic, Jo still thinks Jimbo booked our two tours without me knowing, he also made me buy my can! I keep telling her he's a bad influence.
"Honestly Jo, jimbo tricked me to do it!" You'd think being so much older and wiser you'd know better Dave? And as for bad influence.... Think that's firmly the other way round lol
Right then Lee711, you've had the bike for a few days now - what's your opinion of the the new steed? You've kept us in suspenders long enough. Or is it just me? LOL
Ok OK .. give a guy a chance.... The verdict is all good guys, havn't had a full on day out yet ( fingers crossed this weekend ) but up to now i can definately say i've made a good purchase. The build quality is up there, the riding position is very commanding and gives great confidence and a great view ahead over traffic, very easy to manoeuvre with the lightest of imputs to the bars and the only minor gripe is the seat is a little on the firm side but there is an option of a gel seat available. The power map modes (Road, Sport and Track) only used R & S up to now, Road softened the throttle response nicely whilst commuting in the rain the other day with fresh un-scrubbed rubber on then sport livened it up and in the dry conditions giving a more direct response. Traction control and anti wheelie has been left on max. The engine pulls with pure grunt, 5k let the clutch out at the lights and your ........................gone with a grin, once shes back up to 5k + apply pressure to the gear shift and the quick shifter instantly cracks 2nd then 3rd, silky smooth, quality. Wind blast on the m/way at 80 is bearable but i suppose i'm just getting used to a different riding position, sort of leaning into the wind and using the ball of turbulence around your belly to lean on if you get me. Fuel consumption, .. yes she is a bit thirsty and the light did seem to come on quite quick until i realised that the tank holds 17l but the reserve light comes on and there's still 3.5l left in the tank so i'll have to do some sums to work out roughly how many miles the reserve will leave me, but roughly i got 80 miles to 13.5l town commuting. That aside the noise, pull, character and grin factor are worth the increased mpg alone, need to see what she returns on a good country side blast. Ride quality is on the firm side but with fully adjustable sachs front and rear there's plenty of scope for playing around. Brembo stoppers are awesome with braided lines as standard front and rear. All the electronics can be adjusted on the fly they just take a bit of understanding how too, hold this for 2 seconds, press that for 1 second etc etc. There is zero/zilch/no, underseat storage, but thats not an issue for me as i usually carry a bumbag thingy with me bits in anyway, there is however a small tool kit on the underside of the main seat and thats your lot. So there it is, love the bike, love the looks, think i'm gonna love putting lots of go juice in and replacing lots of worn out rear tyres . go get a test ride tomorrow.
Thanks for the write up sounds like you are bonding with the bike nicely. I must admit I really like the bike and was going to buy it over the CB1R but the fuel usage and the fact I got offered a great deal on the CB1R influenced my choice. Do you regret losing the sports bike or are you finding this more usable, therefore more fun ?
in the perfect world Jamie i would have both. Yes i miss the blade but on the same note i'm extremely happy with the Aprilia, i can see it definitely being a more useable, fun bike and its the sensible option for my needs.
Glad you said that as I'm still worried I may be making the wrong choice. But every sensible bone in my body says I'm doing the right thing and it will be more fun and enjoyable for me
Good review, I thought R1 thirsty at 34 mpg but the 26.6mpg you are getting is shocking! Blade uses prob half that so it's like paying £2.80 a litre for petrol....
26.6! My X5 gets better mileage than that! I average a shade over 10miles/litre according to the blades instrument panel. 1 tank does 2 days commute into the Tower. With yours, the train would be cheaper for me... H
All this talk of fuel economy is missing the point. It's like saying you'd avoid a steamy session with Megan Fox in case you'd have to buy her a few Margaritas afterwards. I'm not saying we shouldn't consider such things, especially with the price of fuel now, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. I've got to have a demo on this bad boy, and I'm expecting a grin from ear to ear afterwards.
Just got back from a progressive country side blat and I've done over 110 miles since fill up and no reserve light yet, display is showing 37.5 avg mile per gallon
So what you've done there Lee, is have the steamy session without having to buy the drinks after. Result!
Good going, 72 miles untill reserve light came on for me yesterday ......... how ever it was a VERY spirited ride for an hour
