Whether you are into motorcycles or not, it is difficult to argue against the fact that motorcycles have (through necessity in some degree) faired infinitely better than cars when it comes to compact, functional design. This in-terms of optimised size, weight and functionality of all of the components found on the bike. Because of this better design, I wanted to use as many motorcycle parts as possible in this build. Unfortunately for me though, the whole kit car fraternity seems to be hopping onto the 'bike' bandwagon so my initially novel idea may not be so novel anymore.
The most prominent bike part I had chosen to use was a bike dashboard. I had chosen to use a digital / analogue unit (depicted below) from the Italian, APRILIA RSV MILLE.
The APRILIA RSV Mille is a 1000cc, twin cylinder machine designed to show that Aprilia was not only able to design and build world title conquering two-stroke race bikes, but that it was also able to take on the might of Ducati et al in the world four-stroke superbike arena.
Already having proved their continued success in the world of two stroke's that is GP's, Aprilia entered the superbike series, presumably in preparation for the rule changes ready to take place in GP's where 4 stroke machines will eligible to run alongside the two-stroke machines on the GP circuit.
The excerpts found below have been grafted from Aprilia's corporate web-site www.apriliaworld.com. The exact specifications and details on the dashboard were obtained from the Aprilia RSV Specifications page at www.apriliaworld.com/spec.html. (See disclaimer below)
"Another major innovation in this motorcycle is the analogue-digital dashboard. This represents a true onboard computer (click here to view functions or scroll down) able to supply the rider (soon to be driver - Auke) with all necessary information at any given moment.
A sophisticated and exclusive chronometer / digital clock actioned by flashing the main beam can memorise up to 40 track laps (yihaa - Auke). The rev counter 'red zone' is indicated by a flashing light (this can be set by the rider (driver - Auke) at the required number of revolutions), enabling gear changes to be optimised and carried out so as to win precious seconds...."
- Current Speed
- Average Speed
- Max Speed
- Odometer
- Tripmeter
- Water Temp
- Volts
- Clock
- Lap Timer (40 lap recording)
- Oil pressure warning light
- Side stand warning light
- High beam warning light
- Indicator warning light
- Shift light
- Fuel level warning light