1996 Aprilia Pegaso 650 review from United Kingdom

Rear shock leaked.

Big change from my last bike, which was a BMW K100LT, which was a big change from the bike before that - a Kawasaki ZZR 600, but I've kept this the longest so far! Totally reliable, starts first time every time with no choke, pulls very well for a big single, and stops and handles great.

Build quality seems good, handling much improved by fitting Metzeler Tourances rather than the original Bridgestone Trail Wings, rear shock leaked all its oil out, which gave a very bouncy ride, beware shocks off a "cube" model won't fit the earlier models like mine, I had to adapt one, and added an extra 3 inches of ride height at the same time.

Does about 100 flat out, but will sit happily at 90, windblast much reduced by fitting a Skidmarx flip screen. Great in the town, and fantastic on country roads, but a bit out of its depth on a motorway.

Great for wheelies and stoppies, but a bit top heavy for proper off roading, but fine for dirt tracks. Fitted a Loobman chain oiler, which is a great little device, haven't needed to adjust the chain once in 1500 miles.

Mine has a Predator stainless exhaust system, which sounds great; original exhausts last no time at all, I'm told. This bike is basically a BMW F650 at half the price and twice the style. Aprilia built the 650 for BMW at the beginning... That's a great endorsement!