2004 V-Twin Shootout Track Photo Gallery

Photos of the 2004 V-Twin Shootout Track. 2004 V-Twin Track Test.

2004 V-Twin Track Test

Shawn Roberti collects V-Box data on the RC51.

Ken Hutchison masters the famous cyclone.

The RC51 is outfitted with a set of Nissin 320mm discs with four-piston calipers.

Our test crew was split on the aesthetic appeal of the 999S.

Roberti chases Mitchell as they get onboard footage at the bottom of the cyclone.

The Mille Factory was unanimously picked as the toughest looking bike out of the three.

We sent BC out to collect V-Box data, but his lack of speed left us with useless information.

The Ducati instrument cluster is difficult to read for taller riders as the windscreen obscures the upper echelon of the tach.

Ken thought the RC51 was under appreciated on the track.

A pair of 320mm discs with radial-mount 4-piston Brembo calipers do double duty on the rear brakeless Mille Factory.

The Mille is the quickest steering of the three machines as we found out when navigating the cyclone.

2004 might be the final model year of the highly successful RC51.

Mitchell has plenty of experience racing the solid RC51.

No longer a girl, and not yet a woman, Korf tries to keep up with the rest.

Don finally gets a knee down on the 999S.

Chamberlain fell in love with the Duc and all her butt burning under-seat exhaust glory.

The 999S is extremely narrow, thanks in large part to a slim tank.

Korf, a legend in his own mind, takes a look through Turn 1 at Thunderhill and likes what he sees, open track.

Mitchell loved the Mille Factory so much he picked it as his personal favorite, praising the aggressive motor and quick turn in capabilities.

Roberti's head is so small he can hide it behind the miniscule mirrors on the 999S.

Try convincing Ken that the RC51 takes a back seat to the Italian Twins.

Korf shows the world his best side as he heads into a corner at Thunderhill Raceway.

For some reason BC is the most photogenic rider we've ever come across thanks to Photographer Tom Lavine.

Don couldn't get his boney arms around the fat, angular Mille tank.

The Mille Factory's quick turn in capabilities were nice, but we would've liked to see more mid-corner stability.

BC found the Showa suspension on the RC51 to be down a few notches compared to the Ohlins set up on the other two machines.

We can't for the life of us figure out why Don has to wear his 'Special Backpack' every time he rides.

A quick glance at the front end of the Mille and 999S reveal two very different design schemes.

Ken disappears down through the bottom of the cyclone.

All those who think the guy in green is taking the wrong line raise your hand.

Though a former RC51 owner, Don Becklin didn't feel as composed on the Honda as on the Italian Twins.

The Mille Factory had us grinning from ear to ear thanks in large part to an aggressive motor and quick turning.

Shawn Roberti loved the brute strength of the front binders on the Mille Factory.

Ken Hutchison expected big things from the RC51 after it won the street portion of our shootout

The 999 and Mille take a breather between test sessions.

From left to right: Ken, BC, Don and Korf take a break from the blazing heat of Nor. Cal.

We couldn't get Roberti off the 999 once he hit his stride.

Mike Mitchell has won championships aboard an RC51 so we thought he was a perfect fit for this test.

The Aprilia Mille Factory oozes with Carbon Fiber and other trick components like radial mount brakes and the Ohlins equipment.

The Factory looks good from all angles. Check out the ultra-light blue Oz wheels.

Keeping both bikes and riders out of the direct sun was a very good idea.

Sure, we may look silly with our silly llittle back packs on but we can live with it just so long as you, the users, enjoy the videos.

Don and BC follow Ken around during one of the on-bike video sessions.

Roberti and Mitchell try in vain to keep up with Don and the 999 on T-Hill's straightaway.

Ken and the Mille didn't get along with eachother as well on the track as they did on the street.

Roberti, the elder statesman of our group, is also a collector of high-end motorcycles.

The above graph shows Don Becklin's speed as he navigates the 15-turn circuit of Thunderhill Raceway. Click the graph for a larger image.

Shawn Roberti's line around Thunderhill is shown above. Match Don's speed in the above picture with the turns and it gives you a good idea of what these competition inspired V-Twins are capable of. Click the graph for a larger image.

BC waits for Korf and Ken at the track entrance as they head out for some hot laps.

Here's Korf warming up the tires on the 999.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this particular job has to be getting the on-bike footage for our videos. Here, BC and Don get up close and personal on the brakes.