this is copied from the press kit for the bike.
"the evil one"
Let us introduce you to the most Evil Aprilia motorcycle ever
created... the "Clarkie".
The Aprilia RSV Tuono Clarkie was built from a standard Tuono
that had a wicked interaction with gravity earlier in the year.
Sure the bike could have been fixed back to stock... but that
would be boring. Thus the Tuono Clarkie was born.
Named after the 2000 Aprilia Cup champion and Aprilia Demo
Manager, Aaron Clark, the Clarkie features everything he
wanted in the most twisted full-bore project bike Aprilia has
ever had. Aaron ordered a pile of the coolest stuff available
from his friends at European Motorcycle Accessories.
A bike capable of squeezing the rider between the gas cap and
the asphalt called for an all black (very very black) paint
scheme -— so complimenting that scheme, the stock Brembo
wheel and brake package was replaced with black superbike
class PVM wheels, calipers, and rotors.
If twisting the planet off it's axis was the goal, the addition of
the Translogic QS2 Quickshifter makes it happen without
clutching. The Clarkie barks through a Harris Performance slipon,
cranking out 130 horsepower and 80 ft. lbs. of torque to
the rear tire. With the basics taken care of, it was time to
control the evil one and only the best Ohlins shock and steering
damper were up to the task.
EMA is proud to sponsor the RSV Tuono Clarkie and help you
build your own bike up to your high standards. EMA distributes
only the highest quality components for your performance
motorcycle. All the stuff you thought you could not get is
available by calling 925.606.5761 or log on to www.emausa.
com.
Screw average... let EMA and Aprilia show you the way.
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Ohlins Adjustable Steering Damper (SD133)
Ohlins unique deign, the oil is held under pressure to avoid the problem
of free play in the damper. The damping range is adjustable in 16 clicks.
$289.00
Ohlins Fully Adjustable Rear Shock (AP841)
"Piggy back" reservoir with floating piston. Featuring adjustment for
compression, rebound, length, & hydraulic preload adjuster. One of the
most advanced single shock absorbers around. $919.95
Harris Frame Sliders
These machined nylon crash mushrooms are designed to protect the
body & engine from damage in the event of the crash. $64.95
Harris Adjustable Rearsets
Harris has developed their rearsets over years of competition. These
kits are CNC machined from solid billet aluminum and available in
polished, black or gold. $429.95
Harris Oval Slip-On Silencers
The oval race silencer is a natural development of the successful round
body shape. These silencers have been developed to offer optimal
performance in terms of unsprung weight savings and durability.
$529.95
Translogic QS2 Quickshifter
This system is a full spec superbike quickshifter with Intellishift, the
world's first adaptive quickshifter. The system also comprises of a
remote mount mega-bright shift light for optimum rpm gear shifts.
$455.11
PVM "5 Spoke" Forged Aluminum Wheels
Completely CNC-processed, it is more stable and rigid than any
traditional cast wheel. The street homologated aluminum version is up
to 30% lighter than comparable cast aluminum wheels. $1795 per set
PVM 6 Piston Mono-Block Calipers
PVM 6 piston mono-block calipers combine form and functionality. This
caliper features titanium pistons and a compact design, which provides
a weight reduction of 20% over 2 piece calipers. $950.00 per caliper
Custom caliper adaptors CNC machined from billet aluminum also
available. $169.95 per set
PVM "EVO" Narrow Track Rotors
This rotor has been optimized for mono-block brake calipers and made
from heat-treated steel. $419.95 per rotor
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Inside the Evil One...
After EMA had taken care of the external bolt-on goodies, it was time to
go inside the beast.
First up was a call to Don Lemlin at Scuderia West in San Francisco
(415.621.7223) who had his suspension guru, Coelho, revalve the stock
Showa forks with 20mm Ohlins superbike internals ($599.99).
Making the Evil One breathe was the next project. Ken Zeller from
Evoluzione.net (805.306.9705), provided the project bike with his
54mm throttle bodies and high performance airbox kit ($599.99). He
also threw in his Clutch Slave Cylinder ($179.99) and License Relocator
Kit ($39.99).
Azione Moto in Florida (954.535.2941) provided the STM Slipper Clutch
($924.95) for the Aprilia motor. But it already has a slipper clutch you
say? The STM ball and ramp design makes the clutch slip in a more linear
and progressive fashion than the stock design. The STM Slipper Clutch
can also be adjusted to slip more or less by changing the internal spring
rate, just like the factory boys.
I was up late one night when I thought to myself, 'screw it, let's make it
insane!'. After a call to Bill Himmelsback from Blackman's Racing
(610.965.9865), we had a set of their 100mm piston kits ($799.99) on
the way to Mike Arrington from Millennium Technologies
(920.893.5595). The stock cylinders were bored and plated ($200
each) and in less than a week they were on their way to catch up with
me at Seacoast Sport Cycle in New Hampshire.
With all of the different modifications that had been done to the Tuono, I
had to make the fuel injection work with the 'big' airbox and 'big' pistons
(see a theme here?), so I called in a favor from Dusty at Dynojet
(1.800.992.4993). He supplied a Powercommander ($329.95) and
worked a full custom fuel map. It doesn't matter how much horsepower
you have if the fuel injection isn't right, then the power isn't usable.
Remember, this is a bike for the street, not the track.
The Evil One was almost complete. Out of the blue, I get a box of
bodywork from Aprilia's Robert Pandya. When I unpacked the various
pieces of bodywork, I saw the coolest custom paint job that I had ever
seen. Robert had contacted his friend, Taylor Blair of Blair Graphix
(512.259.6759), who put the final touch on the whole project right
down to printing the sponsor decals. If you ever need a cool custom
paint job, give Taylor a call.
Two months after the bike fell off a cliff at a demo ride, the project has
been finished. The RSV Tuono Clarkie is a true piece of roadside
Americana, assembled in different Aprilia dealerships and Walmart
parking lots across the country.
Hope you like it. I definitely do.
Aaron Clark
clarkie49@hotmail.com
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