AF1 Racing Lowering Links

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

We've been hearing for a while that many Aprilia owners would like the option to lower their RSVR, Tuono, (and now) RSV4, without unnecessarily sacrificing handling.

In February we set out to research how this could be done and now we have an intelligent lowering option for the '04-'09 RSVR, RSVR Factory, and '06-'10 Tuono.

And an option for the new RSV4.

RSVR/ Tuono Lowering Links (http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=8280)

RSV4 Lowering Links (http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=8279)

http://www.af1racing.com/store/ProdImages/st3/af1-v4_lolink.jpg

[marksim]

Any chance of anything for the Dorsoduro.
Thanks Mark

[Ace07]

Just to throw it out there, how much does this lower the seat?

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

The Dorsoduro is a straight rate rear shock set-up (no linkages).

Your options for lowering a Dorsoduro are therefore restricted to shortening the standard shock or purchasing a lowering shock like the one we sell online at the link below:

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7199

The Links for RSVR, Tuono, and RSV4 as well as the above linked shock for Dorsoduro all lower the bikes saddle 40mm, or roughly 1 and 5/8 inches.

[racersdad]

Are there any downsides to this conversion. I like the handling of this bike but it would be nice to have both feet on the ground.

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

I did a pre and post trackday on our demo RSV4. I did not notice any adverse handling characteristics with the lowering links installed. Top speed was 140+ with no apparent loss of stability. Cornering attitude was not noticeably effected either.

I have to qualify that statement of course by admitting that I am an intermediate level rider and hold a novice race license, not expert.

More to to the point, any time you lower a motorcycle, you will change the handling due to the relative changes of chassis geometry and center of gravity, among other considerations.

Did the lowering link make noticeable adverse changes to the RSV4 that I tested? No. But a faster rider may have discovered something that did not surface at my skill level.

[RSV1000DSR]

are these out yet for the 04 rsv's? i am really interested in ordering some, asap

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

are these out yet for the 04 rsv's? i am really interested in ordering some, asap

Yes, in stock:

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=8280

[RSV1000DSR]

awesome thanks man...are these easy to install? or shop recommended?

[Havnfun]

awesome thanks man...are these easy to install? or shop recommended?

My quest was to install the links myself but without a proper torque wrench I took it in to the local (non aprilia) bike shop and they charged me $50.00 .

I really like this upgrade, I certainly don't ride any slower just a little closer to the ground :)

[RSV1000DSR]

awesome thanks man...next pay check its on lol

[panoptical]

I bought a set of these for my 04 Factory and they are great. The bike is more comfortable and confidence inspiring. I have not noticed any negative effects on handling. The bike is still great in the twisty.

[PlatinumRSV]

I bought a set of these for my 04 Factory and they are great. The bike is more comfortable and confidence inspiring. I have not noticed any negative effects on handling. The bike is still great in the twisty.
That's great to hear! I ordered a set last year and finally installed them last night. Bike is still in pieces and weather is crap but should hopefully get a ride in next week. :peace:

[Db71]

Anything for a 2000?

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

Anything for a 2000?

Yes we do:

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=9084

[RSV1000DSR]

Would I have to lower the front as well to balance out the steering?

[Ed / AF1 Racing]

yes, you should lower the front to match....slide the forks in the trees to lower the front

[LaMalanga]

I'm 5'3 and i'm on the balls of my feet. Sure would be nice to be a little closer to the ground. I have an 01 Mille. Anything available?

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

I'm 5'3 and i'm on the balls of my feet. Sure would be nice to be a little closer to the ground. I have an 01 Mille. Anything available?

We do not have any lowering options for the '98-'03 Mille. The linkages of all later models are different, and we have not researched them for safety on anything but the bikes for which they are listed.

[LaMalanga]

Ok. Thanks :-)

[LaMalanga]

on that note...i was thinking that perhaps if i switched out the stock seat for something thinner, that might get me closer to the ground. I'm a small person 5'3 115 pounds and it would be much easier to balance my mille if i wasn't on the balls of my feet. I would HATE to get rid of it because i'm short. Any suggestions?

Also, a forum member sent me this in response to my lowering link question. What do you think?
http://www.soupysperformance.com/catalog/item/4408900/7544641.htm

[norcolmille]

One technique is too narrow the seat - to get your leg closer and find an inch or two
I think I have an old G1 seat.....if you want to try that

[Depdog]

Any chance of these working with the RST1000 Futura? Or are you perhaps working on some?

Thanks
Glenn

[Steve / AF1 Racing]

Any chance of these working with the RST1000 Futura? Or are you perhaps working on some?

Thanks
Glenn

No, and no, I'm afraid. It may be possible to reduce the rear ride height by shortening the shock, but we have never tried it.

[d1000rr]

Will a new kickstand be necessary (shorter)?

[Ed / AF1 Racing]

not needed...u can add one, but not required. Bike does stand upright a bit more, but is still stable

[sno]

Used them on the wifes bike and they work like a charm. Kickstand still the same. Very nice well engineered item.