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It takes but a few mere laps<br />
to know that this was a properly<br />
setup machine and I enjoyed<br />
the bike out on track with no<br />
complaints to report. That was<br />
until I jumped on the new 1100<br />
factory machine.<br />
Power delivery and braking<br />
was not where I would feel a big<br />
difference, but rather more-so<br />
in the handling department.<br />
Donovan Fourie and myself<br />
tested the new RSV machines<br />
for the first time at the end<br />
of 2019 at Kyalami and were<br />
blown away by how quickly<br />
the front-end steers on the<br />
1100 factory machine and that<br />
feeling was once again felt here<br />
around the RSR track. It turns on<br />
a dime and holds its line better<br />
than any “off the showroom<br />
floor” machine I have ever<br />
tested. It honestly feels like a<br />
proper setup GP or Supersport<br />
600cc bike, just with plenty<br />
more stink once the throttle is<br />
opened. The dog bone section<br />
of the RSR track is a very tricky<br />
section and one where some<br />
people suffer from sea sickness<br />
as you are forced to go from<br />
left-to-right and back again<br />
in a matter of seconds. On the<br />
RSV4 1100 Factory this was a<br />
very simple and pleasurable<br />
exercise. No struggle, no<br />
hesitation, no convincing<br />
necessary - just point, SQUIRT<br />
and SMILE. Ok, that CAME out<br />
a bit wrong… that too, but you<br />
know what I mean.<br />
Needless to say, after<br />
the test both myself and<br />
the customer were left well<br />
satisfied after riding the new<br />
bike, and yes, it looks like the<br />
deal has been done and my<br />
mate is now the owner of the<br />
only 1100 Factory machine in<br />
the country so far. That is set<br />
to chance very soon, probably<br />
even as you read this with<br />
Aprilia SA set to receive their<br />
fresh new shipment of <strong>2020</strong><br />
models any second now.<br />
So, they say that third time’s<br />
a charm but I can tell you not<br />
on a new Aprilia. My first time<br />
was, and my second even<br />
more so. It does not take long<br />
to fall in love with the charm<br />
that exudes from an Aprilia<br />
machine, especially one like<br />
the new 1100 Factory with all<br />
that carbon fibre splashed all<br />
over and those gorgeous wings,<br />
which take you on a joyful<br />
flight of pure enjoyment and<br />
excitement.<br />
If you are keen on sampling<br />
a new Aprilia machine I suggest<br />
you get hold of Sean at Aprilia<br />
SA and book a test ride on the<br />
new <strong>2020</strong> range, which as I said<br />
are arriving any day now. Tel<br />
010 443 4596.<br />
RIDEFAST MAGAZINE MARCH <strong>2020</strong> 79
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