As most of you know, I haven't really found the magic with the new Aprilia. I think it just doesn't really suit my (600-bred) style. I'm still working on geometry, on rear linkages, on suspension setup etc, and I'm sure I'll get it working soon.

In the meantime, I really miss the good bits of the old model RSV4. Having (perhaps prematurely) sold the trick '14 with WSBK electronics recently, I couldn't resist a deal on a 2011 with a new '13 motor and some cams and pistons etc. The motor was built by Ben Reid, who is Australia's doyen of making the V4 go very fast. I've always wanted to see whether the 'old' motor, but with some extra ponies, would deliver the mid-range torque and corner exit drive that seems to be a bit lacking on the new bike but was the highlight of the old bike, without also getting hosed down the straight.

Enter the X: