BikeBoy.org - RSVR Mille ’06 Model - Base runs, mufflers fitted and gearing info

RSVR Mille ’06 Model - Base runs, mufflers fitted and gearing info - Written Jan ‘07

Summary: ’06 RSVR before and after Remus slip on mufflers.

One of the first demo bikes we put on after becoming Aprilia and Guzzi dealers was a RSVR Mille. I took the opportunity to ride it home one night and a few things stood out at me straight away. It’s a very familiar feeling chassis, and later I realised it’s somewhat like my 851 in shape and seating position, so it’s not surprising that it felt nice. Steered nicely too. It’s also over geared, like most Ducati models are. But I was a little disappointed with the midrange, and the response wasn’t what I would expect either.

I was suspecting the midrange and response thing could be predominantly due to the std mufflers, something that you often get with a std muffler system. So we fitted a pair of Remus slip on mufflers and selected Map 2 in the ECU via the Axone diagnostic tool and off we went. For those that are unaware of this feature, the Siemens ECU has the provision to run one of two pre-stored maps. The first is the std Map 1, which runs closed loop via the lambda sensor as per emissions requirements. Map 2 was developed to suit open mufflers, and ignores the input of the lambda sensor.

Theoretically Map 2 gives you the ability to adjust the idle mixture, but an access code is required to get into that section of the software and we cannot get that. Usually the idle mixture will go from the closed loop cycling 1.0 – 2.0% CO to around 4.0 – 5.5% CO, though we have had some that stay around the 1.0% mark. And you can’t really do much about it, even with adjusting the air bleed screws when they’re not wound full in to begin with.

We did dyno this bike initially with std mufflers and Map 2 selected, so it’s a bit rich in the midrange. This may have contributed to the response thing as well. Then we fitted the mufflers and ran it again. The graphs below show the improvement. First is power, then torque and air/fuel. Green before, red after. You can see the filling of the torque curve through the midrange and the quite nice mixture, so all round it’s a good result. I was expecting more power from this engine based on what I’ve heard about them, but realistically 120ish is pretty ball park for a 1000cc V twin.

I’d expect the Aprilia genuine accessory mufflers, made by Akropovic, to work similarly, although with their slightly smaller outlets they may be a bit quieter than the Remus.

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