The above sentence sums up the new Mille quite nicely. First ride sees you stretching the throttle cables to revel in that oh-so-typical V-Twin growl and the corresponding torque surge that only a V-Twin can supply. Sure, the latest open class four-bangers are the current talk of the town but for mere mortals and for most street riders, a Vee will see you faster out of a corner than some mad 150 horsepower bike will.

For the introduction of the 2004 Aprilia we were invited to the Nevada desert in late August. 110 degree late August? Never fear though, the Pahrump track more than made up for the repressive heat. The bike itself more than made up for the weather too. Lashings of fine quality water and vented leathers all round, I say.