First time out on the MC18 at Oulton Park yesterday and the bike stayed in one piece, including the motor. Since this is the first time I have run it I have a few questions - it picked up well to about 8,000rpm then much more slowly to 11 when I had to change up to get anywhere. In the third session it suddenly started pulling into the limiter at about 12,500 (I think, couldn't really look!) and felt far better - the 600s were not blasting too far clear by the next corner. Then it suddenly went back to a sluggish pick up from 8000 to 11000, frustrating. Reading a recent topic from an MC21 it may be the powervalves (or one of them) or should I be looking elsewhere. Is it easy to diagnose?

How would I know if it is still restricted, as it seemed to pull through in all gears other than at the highest revs.

Third, should the clutch be so heavy - my left wrist is still in agony.

Lastly, it registered 104.5 db on the noise meter, and they nearly didn't let me out. I have standard end cans on so was surprised. This means I may not be eligible for some tracks. A bloke told me that I could re-pack the stingers, but what with and will this bring the noise down a bit?

Other than these I was very chuffed that the old girl held together. Bit frustrating when the big lads totter through the corner then blast off though...

Maybe try Cadwell next. Any suggestions gratefully received.