NEw bike question

[Paulpt]

I put a deposit on an 04 factory. The last digits of the vin are 142.

Now, I've been reading lots about the recall on the swingarm (I believe this unit falls into it), the early production (with the Haga/Collins, signatures which this bike has), vs. later production etc etc.

The bike is new, any suggestions? anything I should know before I take delivery with recalls or problems this production may have so as to have them corrected before I pick it up?. I've been reading about the clutch, the rear brake master cylinder, throttle jamming, etc, but I am confused already with so much info. on what should I tell the dealer and I want to go with all my homework done (recall numbers etc. etc)

All help is appreciated. thanks

PS> note to all, I had a similar bike this year but only for a week so I did not have much of a chance to experience any problems. Had to go back to the dealer for reasons I will not discuss here. (not mechanical or financial on my behalf) long and boring story.

[amauri]

Where are you located?

The biggest misunderstanding with these bikes is the ECU mapping and software updates.

There is no throttle jamming problem.

The rear brakes, clutch and swingarm are easily fixed.
Hopefully you have a good dealer to work with.

[Paulpt]

Hi there.

I am in NY, I am also looking at exhaust systems. I was looking into the Arrow slip ons titaniums (I have an old post about this) and also at the Akra Titaniums offered by Aprilia in their catalog. I am not sure if I am right on this one, but with the Akras I won't need an PCIII as the factory ECU is ready for it. On the other hand I am not sure as well if the Akras offer any HP gain and solution to the mid-range problem of the Factory. The other option is get the kit from Mossback and re-core the stock cans and get the PCIII, (I am trying to save some $$)

I am not sure if I am making any sense with all this...help please

[amauri]

Go see John at Rolling Fast.
http://www.rollinfast.com/

He'll fix you up and help clear-up some of the confusion.

Since you're on a budget, just get some slipons, a 15-T counter sprocket and have John set Map-2 with the latest ECU updates and a throttle body synch.

Later, you can get a PC3 w/custom map if you think you need it.

[Paulpt]

Thanks for your suggestion but I believe they are out of 04 Factory. I spoke witht them a while ago. I prefer something closer to home and buy/install any mods at the dealer where I will buy the bike from.

[kwagga]

Paul,

Here are some good advice posted by amauri, I would like to add to that.

If you are looking to save some money I would suggest gutting (remove the catalytic converter/Mossback Re-Core) from the stock pipes. This is a very simple and cheap mod and gives you 3 advantages: great sounding pipes (better sounding than both Arrow/Akra. Only the Tigs are loader), a couple of hp more and a few extra $ in the bank. You can also fit a K&N/BMC high flow air filter. Ask you dealer to load the latest map and you should be well on your way.

I would if I have some extra $ ask the dealer to degree your cams and balance the throttle bodies.

[derrickhackman]

Where in NY are you? Near the Albany area? Spitzies in Albany can help... they sell and service Aprilia, Buell and HD. They are pretty good guys and I have used them for my 600 mi. maintenance and MAP 2 change. They also did a warranty replacement on my LHS control unit (directionals, horn etc...).

If you talk to John at RF, ask about the TigCraft slip-ons Depending on what you are looking for you may be very happy with these.

[Paulpt]

Derrick,

I am in Westchester, about 40 minutes out of Manhattan, so Albany may be a little too far for me. As much as I can easily travel to pick up the bike, I like to build a relationship with a dealership with easy access because of service and parts. So as much as I considered others outside my area I have to stick to my hometown if I can.

In regards to the mossback kit, that seems like the way to go, the stock Aprilia cans IMHO are better looking than any of the aftermarket out there and it seems the quality is very good. I've heard the sound on Mossback's site and they sound pretty good (even with the poor computer quality sound). Besides it can be a nice project for the winter and ease the anxiety of not being able to ride. I will talk to Amauri.

Thanks for the advice and if there is more of it, send it over.

Paul

[Paulpt]

Talked to Andrew yesterday. He was great and very knowledgeable about the Factory. I am going to go with his kit once I get the bike and ride it a few miles (this will probably happen in March, not too much riding in Jan-Feb in NY) and will keep the stock ECU. Later on if I need a PCIII will do it, but I am not racer so 2 or 3 extra ponies I can get with the PC will not really make a difference to me. So it looks my only mods will be core-kit, evoluzione air filter and not sure about the sprocket. I shall see about that.

Andrew, thanks for your time on the phone and your patient advice. I will talk to you in 06. To the rest of the guys, thanks for all the responses and if I am missing anything please let me know. To Rob, a public thanks for your input.

This forum is the best source of info.

Happy thanksgiving everyone!