“Great v twin power which took a bit of getting used to after years of inline 4's. A keeper though with unique looks. Like many everyday used bikes keeping it maintained is key to avoid expensive foul ups.”
“Chassis is excellent - grips like dog doo on a shoe, feedback, light and sharp steering with firm but compliant suspension. Also adjustable riding position (seat +/- 20mm, pegs, handlebar position can be adjusted for angle and height) and good wind protection from the fairing. Brembo M4 monobloc calipers and radial master cylinder are powerful and controllable.
Engine is something of a let down, a dyno tested 156bhp & 90lbs torque at the wheel after an 120bhp / 77lbs (+ an extra 10kg) Aprilia RSV ought to feel... Well, a bit less dull but the 10 yr old V60 Rotax made lump in the Mille felt faster and more exiting than than KTM's 1195cc, possibly because of it's flat delivery and slower revving nature (KTM put a heavier flywheel on the 2011+ model). Vibration is pretty crazy above 6000rpm. On the positive side cruising at 90 and returning 50mpg is not to be sniffed at.
Everything is put together neatly but paint is soft so you can soon see scratches on the black tank and orange wheels.
Instruments are comprehensive with lap timer, average speed, time, trip, air temperature, average and real time fuel consumption but why no fuel gauge?
Reliability... Only owned for 3 months and put 1000 of the 7000 miles on this example but it's always started fuss free and hasn't used a drop of oil, which is promising but time will tell.
One niggle I have had is stalling when pulling away from the lights but this it seems was to do with the JC exhaust a previous owner added and the ECU trying to match emissions parameters. The bike has had a remap by BSD and hasn't done it since.
Whilst at BSD I commented on the gearbox action being a bit slow and stubborn, Mark said these bikes only really loosen around 16k and the engine and gearbox become smoother and slicker.
On the subject of gearbox it's critical that the shift linkage and lever are adjusted precisely and the chain condition and tension is spot on or both the shift and throttle response will be bloody awful.
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