Drive M7 Honda’s Eugene Laverty says that in comparison to the World Superbikes he has ridden in recent years, the Production RCV1000R Honda feels like a toy because it is so small and the tank allows much more movement.
Even comparing to the relatively-small Aprilia RSV4, Laverty reckons you are able to scrape both elbows with no effort as the bike is a lot lower than production-based Superbikes.
“They are very different bikes, this feels like a small toy in comparison to the bike I have been riding before. The tank is small and allows me to move around more. Already I have touched both elbows down so it is a lot smaller and lower than I have been used to,” said Laverty, speaking at Valencia.
“The Aprilia looks small but really it is a long bike. The fuel tank makes a bike small or big because that’s what you’re hugging and the position on this bike means you are a lot lower and that’s why you see riders with their elbows down because there are no restrictions.”
Laverty ended today in 20th place on a 1’33.509 and has identified that he needs to work on corner entry strategy as he is overworking the front Bridgestone already after only a day and half of dry track time.
“I would have liked some more dry track time but with what we had it was positive. Most of the time I was riding with a full tank of fuel and it was only the last exit that I tried less fuel and I realised what laptime I could achieve.
“It’s good to have a team-mate like Nicky where I can compare the data and learn. I got a feeling for the bike but it will be different in Sepang. We need something to help in corner entry but my exits, I have been able to spin more and get more control with my wrist.
“There is definitely more to come with corner entry, engine braking and the stability on the front. It’s a surprise for me to see on the data that compared to other riders I am braking stronger upright and at lean so coming from a different tyre where you aren’t able to do that I expected to be weak but I am asking more of the tyre than it is capable of.”
