Aprilia Pegaso Factory (2007-2011): Factory looks, supermoto riding tendencies.
The bike tested was a 2008 model, with 17000 km (10500 miles) on the clock.Engine: The single cylinder liquid cooled 659 c.c. engine delivers 50 bhp / 6250 rpm and 6.2 kgm / 5250 rpm (45 ft lbs / 5250 rpm) torque, claimed figures.
Actually the engine will require at least 2500-3000 rpm according to the selected speed in order to obtain surge free acceleration. Performance provided is smooth, it will be satisfying to novice riders, although it will feel too user-friendly to expert riders, seeking colorful rides. The rev limiter intervenes at 7200 rpm. An average indicative fuel consumption figure is 6.5 l/100 km (44 mpg Imperial).
Riding position: The saddle height is average, 780 mm (30.71 in). The width of the saddle is small towards the front, allowing short riders to step a confident foot on the road. Concerning the rider, the saddle slopes gradually to the front.
The dimensions of the bike are average for the standards of the category. The handlebar is the widest part of the bike. The weight of the bike, 168 Kg, (370.5 lbs) is increased comparatively to what someone would expect from a single cylinder 650 c.c. bike. Rider is placed mostly over the bike, riding position is neutral, the handlebar is wide and high enough.
On the road: Suspensions are set soft. A non-adjustable 45 mm fork is equipped at the front. The spring preload and the rebound damping may be adjusted at the shock absorber.
Tires fitted are Pirelli Diablo, with dimensions 110/70-17 at the front and 160/60-17 at the rear. They are considered an average choice for this bike by modern standards.
On town rides, the Pegaso is a neutral and pleasant bike. There are no compromises asked to the rider. Because its a neutral bike, the riding provided is not really exceptional.
On downtown rides, agility is the key riding element. Steering lock is quite good.
Filtering is relatively good, given the character of the bike. The height of the handlebar is slightly greater than car mirrors, the height of the bike¢s mirrors is the same with SUV mirrors.
Street imperfections are absorbed very well. Thus, comfort to the rider is really good, while feedback to the rider while cornering is preserved on urban environment.
On B roads agility is the dominant riding element. That doesn¢t mean that stability is inferior to what a rider would expect, no, not at all. The bike simply reveals a playful character, just like a bike from this motorcycle category is supposed to do.
At the fast pace, Pegaso will soon require compromises from the rider. The tires fitted to the bike don¢t provide adequate feedback to the rider, especially on low friction factor roads.
Suspensions are very soft for such a use. Rider may adjust the rear easily, which is not the case for the front though.
The engine performance is rather smooth to thrill an experienced rider. However as a whole, the Pegaso will partially fulfill the expectations of riders fancying occasional blasts, even if its not as fast a bike as the fully committed supermoto rivals.
On the highway, air protection is negligible. Rider will feel the air pressure building up at any speed above 120 km/h (75 mph). The maximum travelling speed will be 160 km/h, (100 mph), air resistance is quite strong then due to the upright riding position. Consequently the screen provided does not really improve travelling comfort.
Pegaso¢s top speed is just greater than 180 km/h, (112 mph). Tank range is quite good for a single cylinder bike, 220 km (137 miles). Unsurprisingly, the single cylinder engine feels small for frequent highway rides.
On dirt roads, comfort provided is really good. The on-roads tyres will set the riding limits, soon.
A 320 mm (12.6 in) disc brake together with a four piston radial caliper is equipped at the front. Á 240 mm ( 9.45 in) rotor at the rear along with a single pot caliper is equipped. Brakes are powerful.
In order to improve the feedback from the front end under braking at the fast pace, the non-adjustable fork has to be stiffened.
Model history/reliability/quality build: The Aprilia Pegaso Strada model (2005-2011), is closer to the supermoto standards in terms of riding, than the on-off category where the previous Aprilia Pegaso belonged. For the on-off enthusiasts, the Pegaso Trail version was available.
The Factory model is distinguished from the Strada due to the radial front brake calliper, steel brake lines, alloy spoked rims, carbon protections, aluminium handlebar clamp and graphics. There are no specific reliability issues. Quality build is very good.
Comments: The engine is the same with that of Yamahas XT660 and MT-03. The display provides numerous indications, e.g. lap timer!
At the top of the fuel tank there is a gloves compartment storage area, suitable for a mobile or a GPS. Additionally under the seat there is a small storage space.
Pegaso¢s riding is between the best of both worlds, sporty and neutral. However its not as fast and direct as the fully committed supermoto bikes. The edge in design is an advantage for this Factory version.
+ Town - B roads use
+ Design
- The name Factory is not enough to make it a really faster bike
- Soft front end for fast riders
Thanks to the motorcycle shop Baxevanis - Honda, tel.+302109237000, Kalirois 12, Athens, Greece, http://www.baxevanismoto.com/ for the test ride.