| TEST NOTES |
| 2010 APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY |
| + |
Magical chassis |
| + |
Superb engine |
| – |
A bit pricey |
| – |
Plank for a seat |
| x |
If it had a bit more power and traction control… |
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front: Spring preload - 8.5 turns out from full stiff; rebound damping - 10 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping - 12 clicks out from full stiff; ride height - 2 lines showing above top triple clamp
Rear: Spring preload - 13mm thread showing on shock body; rebound damping - 11 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping - 14 clicks out from full stiff
| TEST NOTES |
| 2010 BMW S 1000 RR |
| + |
176 horsepower |
| + |
DTC/Race ABS |
| – |
ABS holds it back on the track |
| – |
Race/Slick mode throttle response very sensitive |
| x |
Give it more midrange and agility and it'd be unbeatable |
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front: Spring preload - 5 lines showing on adjuster; rebound damping - position 8 of 10; compression damping - position 7 of 10; ride height - 4 lines showing above top triple clamp
Rear: Spring preload - 9mm thread showing on shock body; rebound damping - position 8 of 10; high-speed compression damping - position 7 of 10; low-speed compression damping - position 7 of 10; ride height - lower position
| TEST NOTES |
| 2010 DUCATI 1198S |
| + |
Super midrange-strong engine |
| + |
DTC standard |
| – |
A little down on top-end |
| – |
Narrow rev-band |
| x |
Give it a little more rpm capability and it'd be tough to beat |
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front: Spring preload - 14 turns out from full stiff; rebound damping - 9 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping - 7 clicks out from full stiff; ride height - 2 lines showing above top triple clamp
Rear: Spring preload - 12mm thread showing on shock body; rebound damping - 14 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping - 12 clicks out from full stiff; ride height - 2mm thread showing on linkage rod
| TEST NOTES |
| 2010 KAWASAKI ZX-6R |
| + |
Best engine in the 600 class |
| + |
Fantastic brakes |
| – |
A little overweight |
| – |
Needs quicker handling |
| x |
The advantages of a middleweight are getting smaller each year |
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front: Spring preload - 15 turns out from full stiff; rebound damping - 3.5 turns out from full stiff; compression damping - 4.5 turns out from full stiff; ride height - 11mm from triple clamp to fork tube cap top
Rear: Spring preload - 15mm thread showing; rebound damping - 6 clicks out from full stiff; high-speed compression damping - 3.0 turns out from full stiff; low-speed compression damping - 2.5 turns out from full stiff
| TEST NOTES |
| 2010 MV AGUSTA F4 |
| + |
No more abrupt throttle response |
| + |
Monster engine, excellent chassis |
| – |
Footpegs are too small and slippery |
| – |
Brakes lack feel at the limit |
| x |
A work of art that goes as good as it looks |
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front: Spring preload - 3 turns in from full soft; rebound damping - 10 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping - 10 clicks out from full stiff; ride height - 5 lines showing above lowest point on triple clamp
Rear: Spring preload - 23mm from top of spring to end of threads on shock body; rebound damping - 10 clicks out from full stiff; compression damping - 10 clicks out from full stiff; ride height - 4mm thread showing on linkage rod
2010 Bike of the Year
Aprilia...
2010 Bike of the Year
Aprilia RSV4 Factory
|
Aprilia |
BMW
|
Ducati |
Kawasaki |
MV |
| RSV4 |
S 1000 |
1198S |
ZX-6R |
Agusta |
| Factory |
RR |
|
F4 |
| Fun to ride |
9.5 |
9.25 |
9.0 |
8.0 |
8.5 |
| Quality |
9.5 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
| Instruments & controls |
9.0 |
9.5 |
8.5 |
9.0 |
8.75 |
| Ergonomics |
9.0 |
9.25 |
8.5 |
9.0 |
8.5 |
| Chassis & handling |
10.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
| Suspension |
9.5 |
9.0 |
9.25 |
8.0 |
8.5 |
| Brakes |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
| Transmission |
9.0 |
9.5 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
| Engine power |
9.0 |
10.0 |
9.0 |
7.5 |
9.0 |
| Engine-power delivery |
9.5 |
9.0 |
9.25 |
8.0 |
9.25 |
| Total |
93.0 |
92.5 |
89.5 |
85.0 |
88.0 |