Aprilia Pegaso Strada…mini review

[rictus01]

I had to work a little to find a bike to test ride as following a policy change by Aprilia to not use outside engines anymore the Pegaso although Aprilias first “big bike” was dropped from the range at the end of 2009, although as it was a good seller a lot of dealers over ordered, so you can find 2010/2011 registered bikes, so what do we have, a 50bhp single 660cc street bike, with a nod to the supermoto side of things, the engine is a Yamaha unit taken from the XT660, but Aprilia have breathed on it a bit and stolen some of the bottom end to give it a bit more zip up near the top (where traditionally these type get a little breathless).

Looking around the bike it’s a fairly modern design with some styling in common with other bikes in the range, RSV design wheels in the striking blue (although obviously narrower) being one, a small fairing/binnacle houses the headlight and instruments, those being the single rev counter, multi function display and various indicator lights, it’s fitted with fairly chunky straight bars and conventional switchgear with a mode switch and a button (under the L/H cluster) to open the integrated glove box type thing built into the tank (nice touch that), the seat is fairly contoured meaning you sit lower than you’d think with a seat high of just 780mm, the pegs are slightly forward to make a relaxed riding position and the bars aren’t a stretch either, the pillion isn’t bad either, perhaps not as generous as a dedicated tourer, but far better than most sports bikes, this one had the optional rack fitted, but as standard a grab rail is provided, the seat lifts to reveal possible the largest underseat space I’ve seen on a bike in a very long time, easily get a rain suit under there or even a big lock and chain, the bike has twin underseat (sort of to either side) pipes and the rear is finished off with a smart led tail light (and indicators front & back are also leds).

I’ve filled in the paperwork, signed my life away, had my licence copied and have the key in my hand, time to use it, sitting on the bike it’s quiet narrow and moving it about proves to be easy as it’s a light bike, stick the key in and turn it, the needle goes round to about 5k before resets to zero and a fancy sweeping road graphic is displayed before resolving into the digital speedo (also clock and trip meter), by going through the modes you can select various other things like gear indicator, even things like a service manual in many languages, loads of stuff in there but I’ve no time for more than a quick look, hit the start button and the single kicks into life, the bike has standard cans fitted and is a bit subdued in the sound it makes (which is to be expected I suppose), not as much vibration as I expected, but that’ll be down to the balancer shaft that’s fitted.

The near 60 miles getting here had been mostly drizzly grey and the day hadn’t improved at all, I pull away and I’m slightly surprised how rev happy and willing the engine is, a very different beast to the twin scrambler I had out a couple of days ago although both had the same power, the bike is quiet “wiggly” and as I snake up through the gears I find myself enjoying zipping through the traffic, the front forks although not adjustable; you can feel there‘s some quality there, but the back is a little soft for me (but apparently this is something most owners address with a heavier spring or aftermarket replacement), as at idle the engine is surprisingly lacking the vibration I was expecting at normal road speed, approaching a set of lights I apply the brakes; the single calliper on the front 320mm disc is most effective, well being a brembo 4 pot you’d expect nothing less really, not a bad town bike at all.

Coming out of town I open the bike up a bit it sits at 70 with no problem and unlike most singles of this type that would tire you out; you could hold that speed all day if you wanted to, leaving enough in reserve for the odd overtake when needed, fortunately that private runway from Tuesday has miraculously followed me down to these parts, so I take full advantage, flat out the speedo shows 111mph, the surprising thing is you get very little warning of the power tailing off, it pulls quiet nicely and then it’s gone, not like a rev limiter or anything it just gets so far and then has no more to give ( an SV would obviously have more top end, but I’d be surprised if it out pulled the Pegaso up to the 75-80 mph or so by much at all), one worry I had was could I live with the limited power, and that is answered, yes I could, this is fun, handling is “zippy” because of the light weight, slower corners had me sticking my leg forward (motocross style) at times, the engine is a dry sump, meaning good ground clearance, decent mirrors help to, a few back roads after an hour see me headed back to the shop, stopping at a petrol station to top it up (as agreed) I’m momentarily vexed, where’s the filler cap?, then I remember it’s within the little cubby hole on top of the tank (it’s divided off from the glovebox bit), I’ve done 52 miles and it was full when I picked it up, although I wasn’t taking it easy it takes only 4.84ltrs, which by my reckoning is about a gallon


So to sum up, light, zippy, modern looks, a few gizmos, and fun, I like it, I think a day spent up & down the motorway or heavily loaded would show the limited power, as that’s not really what this bike is for, but it’ll do the rest happily.

http://www.serviceaprilia.com/public/lumAprilia/Pegaso%20650%20Strada-Trail-Factory/PegasoStrada.jpg


Cheers Mark.

[littleoldman2]

Nice write up, thanks.

[The Idle Biker]

He keeps finding those private runways, its a sixth sense he's developed ;-)

[Bibio]

nice write up Mark. 780mm that's 30mm down on the SV , i could get on that with tippytoes down:-)

have you thought about Yams bigger brother?

[dyzio]

Factory?

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200907/aprilia-pegaso-650-f-6_460x0w.jpg

[rictus01]

to be honest the factory doesn't get a lot extra, the spoked wheels mean you need tubes, which means you can't use a puncture kit, for someone like me that kind of thing is important.

[dyzio]

Didn't look into the Factory, didn't even realise the Pegaso has a F. version.

So overall, sounds a decent bike as long as you accept it's limitations?

[rictus01]

yeah, not one for the power hungry, but real world it's got enough and being narrow and light makes it better than most in town.

[andrewsmith]

Thanks for the review Mark, all the bikes that have the XT660 lump seem to be cracking

[rictus01]

So ended up getting one of these

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=178178

Not really the plan and as titled got on impulse, a bit rough around the edgesbut at a really good price, a quick service and then onto a bit of heavy cleaning, fitting a few bits the previous owner provided and addressed the side pods which were scratched up a fair bit, I'd normally respray, but I didn't have any plastic primer, but did have some decent 3d carbon look vinyl, so I gave that a go, here's the results of an hours work.

the vinyl comes in a matt finish (3rd image), I prefer the gloss look (4th image), so a quick layer of clear over the top done the job.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/533002_10150808320439135_589152854_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/558704_10150808320734135_621884134_9668628_7152736 44_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/547907_10150808321004135_621884134_9668632_1032024 439_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543356_10150808329809135_621884134_9668656_6495688 67_n.jpg

also a good clean of the wheels and new decals applied made a world of difference , as you can see they were pretty grubby to start with.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401641_10150790433609135_621884134_9649935_1766897 582_n.jpg

But came up really well I think.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530305_10150798885399135_621884134_9655624_4520001 23_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/156422_10150798885154135_621884134_9655622_4205456 91_n.jpg

Also fitted the handguards I got with the bike, nice chunky metal reinforced ones to.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/531325_10150798547854135_621884134_9654798_1639716 093_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/581110_10150798548089135_621884134_9654799_2001426 306_n.jpg

coming along nicely, still more to do, exhaust clean, fit some electric bits (Alarm/12v socket & HID unit), then more mechanical stuff to service, swingarm pivot,suspension linkage, wheel bearings, nothing wrong with any of them, but I like to make sure they're well greased.

I've done 600 odd miles on it now and it's a fun ride, well pleased with it.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

this afternoons installment, exhausts, far from perfect, but better I think.

From this

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/181305_10150810267734135_621884134_9675457_1507043 127_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576398_10150810267994135_621884134_9675458_8413103 0_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550834_10150810268284135_621884134_9675459_1629718 998_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/154722_10150810268584135_621884134_9675460_1306346 286_n.jpg

To this

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576472_10150810268899135_621884134_9675461_3997802 91_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554793_10150810269234135_621884134_9675463_5406806 11_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532690_10150810269679135_621884134_9675464_7822323 39_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/550490_10150810270404135_621884134_9675467_1052307 556_n.jpg

and finally for comparison

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485820_10150810270934135_621884134_9675469_3789179 68_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/528734_10150790424674135_621884134_9649870_4572428 59_n.jpg

Cheers Mark

[littleoldman2]

Bloody Hell you must be in love. Well done Mark

[andrewsmith]

Cracking change mate!
Whats the total then?

[rictus01]

:smt082.... no not really, although a fun bike, like all my machines I go over as much as I can at the start, less chance of surprises later, I now know for example that one exhaust clamp was seized (another ordered), but otherwise all the exhaust bolts undo, the bike will get a once over on most of the parts, might as well give them a bit of a clean whilst I'm there :smt102

Can't ride today anyway, knee not up to it, might as well do something useful.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

so far apart from a footpeg ( the previous owner had provided a new pegaso trail one and I wanted one to match rather than the strada one) and a £9 12v power socket. I haven't spent anything bar petrol on it, I still have a fair few bits to put on that came with the bike( heated grips/HID kit/alarm), once they are done, i'll think about cans debating whether to get a new set (MIVV £328) or get a couple of cans and get the pipework made up.

the costs so far are

£1500 - bike purchase
£23 - foot peg
£9 - 12v socket

Cheers Mark

[andrewsmith]

That ain't bad at all TBH. You saved about a grand over what they're worth

Anyways you know you want Arrows ;)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ARROW-ALLOY-EXHAUST-SILENCERS-PEGASO-650-3-1997-2000-/220520183537?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item335806f6f1#ht_500wt_841

[rictus01]

actually no I don't, I don't like alloy cans, Mivv make the standard cans for it and their stainless race pair are only £328, but as I said, I might look for a pair of cans secondhand and spend £100 on pipework.

[rictus01]

Todays update, been out and about, after a weeks ownership (3 days good riding) I've addded 1097 miles, absolutely no issues with the bike at all, runs sweet, I'm not over keen on the tyres, but then I've never liked Bridgestones and their "muted" feel, still they'll need changing soon anyway, the chain & sprockets will need changing soon to, as the first gear is a little short (really designed for off road on the XT660 yam) I might drop to a 40 rear sprocket from the standard 44.

I've spent a bit of money on a new seat (£77), the higher version, from 780mm to 820mm, although the current riding position isn't bad the extra leg room will ease the knee a little, also the current seat will sacrifice it's pillion seat as I'll mount a topbox on it, so I'll have a pillion seat or a topbox single, changeable with a turn of the key.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

right last spend for now just ordered these

http://www.bs-motoparts.com/Exhausts/Exhaust_MIVV_Oval_2_Aprilia_Pegaso_650_Strada_05-10_Stainless_steel_i3176_5810.htm

will update when they are here and fitted, bikes to dam quiet just now.

[NTECUK]

I did as was stated (not by me I'll add ) like a compressor Friday.
;)

[rictus01]

Had my eye appointment at the hosp today, so my sight is a bit blurry, and supposed to be a rest day, but done a couple of bits

12v socket added

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/574765_10150815133409135_621884134_9691934_2033660 277_n.jpg

chopped the airbox snorkel

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/536524_10150815133554135_621884134_9691935_1542365 467_n.jpg

Oh and the nice clean silver pipes I did last week are already turning a gold colour...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/75228_10150815133679135_621884134_9691936_14645161 0_n.jpg

Cheers Mark

[rictus01]

spend so far

£1500 - bike purchase
£23 - foot peg
£9 - 12v socket
£77 - high seat
£298 - Mivv race cans
£33 - K&N air filter
£9.99 - iridium plug

total = £1,949.99

[rictus01]

Pipes turned up today, fitted in about 35-40 minutes, sound nice with the baffles in, sounds like soneone punching you in the face with them out....:thumbsup:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/317922_10150836173414135_621884134_9750825_1686148 688_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403480_10150836173669135_621884134_9750827_8957667 5_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401693_10150836174024135_621884134_9750831_1628296 418_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/537735_10150836174444135_621884134_9750834_9131538 87_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/550368_10150836174614135_621884134_9750835_1117773 179_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319749_10150836174724135_621884134_9750836_1340181 544_n.jpg

And here's some video, not that the sound does it justice, but hey....

from standard to race baffled

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621884134&sk=photos#!/photo.php?v=10150836182294135

From baffled to unbaffled is still loading so I'll edit that in shortly.

update, here's the baffle in/out video.

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?v=10150836302874135&set=vb.621884134&type=2&theater

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

After a few hours this morning I decided the open pipes were just too much, fortunately I had a pair of DEVIL baffles which are a bigger bore than the Mivv ones, I've fitted them, the result, well about 2/3 of the noise and a slightly less harsh sound, but still pretty meaty though, and of course it looks more compliant then just open pipes, I'll get some pics tomorrow to show the difference.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

right from this (open pipes)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/536749_10150839891729135_621884134_9762344_1275647 443_n.jpg

to this (Devil baffles fitted)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487239_10150839891884135_621884134_9762346_5322834 90_n.jpg

and here's the comparison between the two baffles.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/551209_10150839891789135_621884134_9762345_7166171 12_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

well it's been a little while now and nearly 3,000 miles, so what have I found, well the bike is far more sophisticated than I'd initially though, logic circuits for the indicators (to turn them off) and even a voltage sensing to let you know if a single one of the 20 (4 x5) LED's blows, adjusted the CO setting (this acts like a mixture screw, for want of a better explanation), has a 10,000 kilometer service interval, all the service stuff is mega simple, for instance it has proper "rockers" adjusted like the worm drive on the SV clutch, I still haven't been able to get it to drink less than 56mpg and without really going for a mega economy run got 63mpg, the suspension seems to be just about spot on for me, short of taking the fork caps off to check the oil condition; I've no plan or need to do anything else, new set of Storm Ultra's fitted (make a world of difference), my pillion topbox is wonderfully comfortable and I've added some padding to raise the lower seat to the same height as the new one as well, should be getting a rack for it at the weekend just to add to the usability, performace is enough and it's just so much fun (and easy) to ride, even two up it seems to make no difference, On my personal runway (yes it's still following me around) it sat nicely at 90-100 mph with two on it, the only notable difference to solo riding was a little more effort on the brakes, but that was all.

So still having fun, which is the point really....:P

Cheers Mark

[rictus01]

I know topboxes aren't deemed cool or trendy, but they are useful, and given the twin high level cans, panniers are problematic (but I'm working on that), anyway I got a rack really cheap and it came with another 48 ltr box, pretty basic, but I've reinforced the base, added a back rest,the lock hook, a high level brake light and this evening a automatic interior light.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/563307_10150913603509135_629995003_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553953_10150913603434135_132231269_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283691_10150939014134135_284131743_n.jpg

79dzxYPh9Zc

not bad for a total cost of nothing but what I had laying about.

Cheers Mark

[NTECUK]

When's the arm rests ,coffee maker and tv going in? :)

[rictus01]

coffee maker is a meths stove in my camping gear, the rest is just silly, bikes are for riding, anything that aids that is a good thing, I've done 4 camping trips this year and another three planned, these economic modification are useful and cheap, perhaps to someone else as well who doesn't have money to burn :smt102, I'll leave channel selection to someone more experienced in that sort of thing....;)

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

Oh as I was asked, the led strip would cost about £3, the switch £1, the lead perhaps £5 (although mine is a cury cord to a permenent live 12v socket under the seat, you could wire direct to the battery to save money if needed, I just prefer being able to remove the box easily), all the bits I had around and about so my cost was only a little effort, but even buying new under a tenner total.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

helping out a fellow pegaso rider rebuild his top end got me a good deal on his luggage, new this would be £224 for the pannier rails and £179 for the semirigid 50 ltr pannier bags, mine for £50

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/558437_10150943058974135_1813541979_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/314784_10150943059909135_759446983_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/531264_10150943060179135_655137112_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431806_10150943060669135_844382487_n.jpg

The rails could do with a clean and repaint, but basicall all sound, so that's full luggage/ rack/ 48ltr topbox/ pannier rails and bags 100ltrs for £75, if nothing else cost effective.

Cheers Mark.

[NTECUK]

That is a result :)

[rictus01]

I was stripping the hardware off the panniers to give them a good clean up when I noticed something, went and got a pair of brand new (well about 4 years old, but never used) givi voyager panniers I had, yep they are the same as the original bags

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/556987_10150945164709135_6353376_n.jpg

you can see here how the mounting kit fits.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165926_10150945164844135_1216030821_n.jpg

so do I go with original black (needing a dam good clean up) or the brand new blue GIVI ones and put the mounting kit on those ?

just offered them up to get an idea

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/581972_10150945164909135_836304641_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179516_10150945165009135_1267830876_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

OK the next step, as I got effectively a free topbox with the rack and it's the same as the one I had, I converted then into panniers with the Klick fix system off the semi ridged ones, 135 ltrs over the three boxes for a total cost of £88, need some prettying up, but the basics are there.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/205420_10150973350329135_1207833937_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/582060_10150973350519135_490822460_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/561252_10150973350794135_299096883_n.jpg

[rictus01]

hard luggage well on the way, I madeup two 10 inch x 16th" steel plates for support on the back of each pannier

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552472_10150984638549135_517265728_n.jpg

the decals came in so they were applied

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/530123_10150987603419135_1897287900_n.jpg

next job on the pannier build was the locks, I ve two different type one pair to lock the cases to the rails and another to lock the cases themselves, I couldn't do anything about the rail locks as I didn't have a key to start with so £8 got me two replacements, the other two locks had a pair of keys for one and a single for the other, after dismantling the tumbler and pins of both locks I was able to swap and reprofile some pins, now all three keys fit both locks, sweet, re-fitted in the cases and all works wonderfully.

just some finishing off and Lacquering to do now.

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

couple of decals to tie in the topbox, that's three box hard luggage for £88 so far, couple of little bits left to do, but nearly there.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422274_10150990486949135_439085876_n.jpg


Cheers Mark.

[markc123]

Nice work, I have been toying with the idea of building a rack for the SV to take eBay top boxes as panniers. Looks like I may have to steal your ideas on the mounting system :-).

[rictus01]

well the panniers are all finished, foam lining, mono key, 135ltrs capacity (between the three boxes) and the final cost of £94, not bad, should make camping far easier now anyway.

Here's some pics.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246865_10151015615209135_304541710_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/524354_10151015615304135_646516973_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388052_10151015614599135_1803210591_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380561_10151015614829135_205483287_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/417241_10151015614999135_140812137_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390899_10151015615104135_1979634240_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.

[NTECUK]

Looks quite wide.Maybe an optical illusion?

[rictus01]

not that bad Martin, about an inch and a half more than the handlebars, just got to remember to leave 2 inches gap then....;)

here's a walk around I did at the same time

V6eCbC_NZg8

[DannyPrigg]

well the panniers are all finished, foam lining, mono key, 135ltrs capacity (between the three boxes) and the final cost of £94, not bad, should make camping far easier now anyway.

Here's some pics.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246865_10151015615209135_304541710_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/524354_10151015615304135_646516973_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388052_10151015614599135_1803210591_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380561_10151015614829135_205483287_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/417241_10151015614999135_140812137_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390899_10151015615104135_1979634240_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.
Hello mark just come across this page and am amazed that you have managed to get a pannier rack for your bike. Is this a custom made rack or did you buy it? Could you please take bosomed pics of the rack it's self on the bike? Thanks danny

[rictus01]

the pannier rails are OEM Aprilia ones (£224 new), however as I have the Ventura rack the rear top mount of the pannier rail I cut off the fixing and welded the bar directly to the rack leg.

Fortunately I've got the rear plastics off just now so I've just taken some pics and uploaded them for you.

This is where the pannier rail fixes behind the pillion peg mount
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297113_10151108326144135_598425945_n.jpg

here you can see where the pannier rail is welded to the rack frame leg at the back
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/400341_10151108326334135_1574896330_n.jpg

and the bar running under the can mounts to the subframe via a M6 bolt
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/30966_10151108326364135_1796315511_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/46240_10151108326269135_1257857952_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.

[DannyPrigg]

thanks for that it looks good! ive searched the internet and cant find the pannier rack that you have. the only aprilia one i can find is the one for the soft panniers. did you buy them new? thanks danny

[rictus01]

the pannier rails are designed for the "kickfix" system (most well known for their pushbike luggage), which comes with the semi ridged panniers

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431806_10150943060669135_844382487_n.jpg

I took the kickfix bit off and fitted it to a couple of cheap topboxes was all
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165926_10150945164844135_1216030821_n.jpg

You can see the kickfix on the back of the panniers here
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574708_10151010389854135_12730805_n.jpg

And this is the support plate on the inside.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/555650_10150984638424135_1283018874_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.

[rictus01]

added a media centre on the bike, fits very nicely in the tanktop compartment.

25w amp underseat.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248860_10151156387684135_1416159869_n.jpg

leads from amp/ power to device & speakers all behind tank breather pipe
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/486302_10151156387779135_1552141003_n.jpg

Device in craddle and cables to it
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/534542_10151156387859135_152552515_n.jpg

without using a sim card it has wifi and a video player as well as the music stuff.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/59592_10151156388079135_1232515458_n.jpg

handlebar mounted speakers, probably will end up painted black
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/311139_10151156388159135_1024407284_n.jpg

speakers fron the front.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/75929_10151156388259135_1844830792_n.jpg

Not sure about the coloured LED's that are music activated, still easily hidden by black paint.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/35936_10151156388459135_442623965_n.jpg

I'm not intending to use it on the move, mostly for when I'm camping or working outside on bikes, anyway as I got the Blackberry for nothing the amp and speakers were a hong kong ebay purchase, so total spend was £14 which I don't mind spending, you could do the same with a cheap mp3 player (you can get them for £3-5 on ebay), so possible for under £20.


Got a bit of video here
O0QnxoIrKOI


Cheers Mark.

[maviczap]

Blimey Mark, you are a flippin cleaver cookie :smt038:smt038:smt038

[rictus01]

you pickup the odd bit of useful stuff along the way, but rather than find reasons to not use the bike I choose to make it as useful as possible, of course it never over shadows the basics of service/ tyres and what not.


Cheers Mark.

[NTECUK]

No personal head sets for this man :)
You got me fink in'

[rictus01]

Oh I have a run out for headphones if I want, but I don't listen to music on the move so not really what it's for, I've given it a trial and it's loud enough through the speakers for about 50mph even over the loud thumping single, so you could use it like that if you wanted, of course spend a bit more and a more powerful amp and speakers would make it motorway usable.

Cheers Mark.

[dizzyblonde]

Oh I have a run out for headphones if I want, but I don't listen to music on the move so not really what it's for, I've given it a trial and it's loud enough through the speakers for about 50mph even over the loud thumping single, so you could use it like that if you wanted, of course spend a bit more and a more powerful amp and speakers would make it motorway usable.

Cheers Mark.

It's ok, we know you are turning it into a Goldwing and hope we don't notice Mark :eye:

[rictus01]

well you're right it a way, it does have all the bits on it I want (well one job left to do), but what it doesn't have is the bulk, weight or cost of a goldwing, I wouldn't like to take a goldwing in London traffic, where the pegaso is awesome.....so the BMW gs12 is a do anything bike? I bet to differ......:P

[dizzyblonde]

When you getting a trailer then?














And you know I'm pulling your leg really :)

[rictus01]

you've seen the hard luggage darling, do I need anymore capacity ?

[dizzyblonde]

Of course......always room for more :)