Aprilia Mille R Factory...I'm in love.

[AR5ENAL]

I went to Moto Italiano in Santa Cruz yesterday, to pick up a bar end mirror.  As I pulled up, I see this HUGE Aprilia truck, and a bunch of new bikes out front.  I walk in, ask what's going on, and the guy says, "Oh, Aprilia came out today and they're offering free demo rides on any of their bikes...do you have a motorcycle license?".  I fell down, got back up, stammered "Yeah, is that all you need?".  He responded that as long as you had proper gear (i.e., helmet, gloves, long sleeves and pants) that would be it.  I was wearing all of the above, so I go to sign up for a demo ride.

Guy:  So, what bike do you want to ride today?
ME:  Well, what do you have left?
Guy: I have a red Mille R Fac...
ME:  Okay, I'll ride it.

That bike is the farking dog's bollocks!  We took Hwy 1 south to Old San Jose Rd.  and then went for a ride in the twisties.  There were about 12 of us in all, a couple of Mille R's, some Tuono's, and a few Moto Guzzis.  I had a chance to get a feel for the big litre twin, and it was absolute heaven...I was scared at first at riding the monster, but it was very confidence inspiring.  Totally flickable, well balanced, and the powerband is fantastic.  This is an awesome bike!

Now, my only problem is where I'm going to get 17k to get one of these.  I could start kidnapping important personages... :dunno: