Aprilia of the week: Rebuilt 97 RS250‎

Please introduce yourself first. Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Steve Palmer and I've recently rebuit a written-off 97 RS250 (got to keep as many on the road as possible!).

Did you add any mods to your bike?

As well as new body work and a respray, it's got:

• Arrow pipes - ceramic coated
• Carbon front mudguard and hugger
• Double bubble screen
• Carbon Heel plates
• Trimmed rear number plate holder
• Removed rear footpegs and brackets
• About 12Kg lighter than standard

I have no record of any engine work, but it goes like stink and has no funny noises, so i'll just ride it for now, and maybe rebuild the engine in the winter.

Why did you buy an Aprilia and what do you like so much about it?

I've recently done my first track day (at 49!) and it's took a bike like this for me to do it. Everything they say about outbraking and riding around the outside of the big diesels in the bends is totally true.

And what don’t you like about your bike?

All I need now is a track short enough to stop them coming past again on the straights!

Do you want your own Aprilia to be featured in Aprilia of the Week? Go find out how here

V4 test bike caught on camera

Aprilia is still doing a lot of testing with the new V4 engine. Last week a photographer caught a V4 prototype disguised with RSVR bodywork on an Italian track. Still no sign of the final bodywork but the tank isn't a RSVR tank thats for sure. More pics here

New Scarabeo 125/200

Over 750,000 Scarabeo have been sold since 1993, to tame inner city traffic, dominate urban ring roads and carry their riders with natural elegance and unmistakable style.

As with everything else on the Scarabeo 125/200, the engine is brand new, and designed by Aprilia specially for Scarabeo.

Both are liquid cooled with four valve, double overhead cam cylinder heads, used for the first time on an Aprilia scooter of this size. By optimising valve timing, this technical solution, typical of high performance engines, succeeds in combining high power with low emissions. The 200 version delivers an impressive 14 kW (19 HP) at 8250 rpm, with generous torque (17 Nm at 7500 rpm), for sporty yet relaxing acceleration and excellent active security under all riding conditions.

Read more here

Aprilia day Franchorchamps video

The dutch website Motorfreaks.nl have posted a video of a 2007 Tuono Factory ripping up the Spa-Franchorchamps track during recently held Aprilia Day.

Go check out the video here

SCOOP The Shiver with fairings

This is the first picture ever of Aprilia's new semi-faired Shiver 750. Its still a clay model but I don't think it will change much in the end but time will tell.

Say no to the ugly golden frames

I think there are a lot of people out there who really don't like the gold frame craze that Aprilia has got going at the moment. Apperently someone high up in the Aprilia command was surprised by this and asked for a poll so that he could see how many people really dislike the golden frames.

So go vote now at Apriliaforum and lets hope the era of golden frames is history!

Double Aprilia victory at Assen

250cc


The weather conditions were perfect during the 250 cc race and riders could set record times pushing their bikes to the limit. Aprilia perfromed brlilliantly placing three official RSW on the podium.

Jorge Lorenzo gained the victory over Alex De Angelis and Alvaro Bautista. The reigning world champion started well from the pole, but was overtaken by Dovizioso in the first lap. The two riders pushed their pace hard, outdistancing their rivals. After five laps, the Spaniard changed his pace and rushed away. Meanwhile De Angelis, who had started from the seventh position, recovered ground, overtook Dovizioso in the eight lap and tried to catch up with the escaper. The Italian rider is also overtaked by Bautista in the sixteenth lap.De Angelis and Dovizioso are in the second position of the world standing, both with 155 points, 23 points behind Lorenzo.

125cc

The sun shines over the Dutch circuit of Assen, always been considered as the “Cathedral” of Motorbiking, despite the modifications made to the track over the last few years. The wide audience attending the 125 cc race today was offered an unique show. Aprilia perormed brilliantly placing five bikes in the first five positions.

Mattia Pasini, on his RSA of the Polaris World team, won the race. Faubel and Talmacsi, both of the Bancaja Aspar team, finished 2nd and 3rd. Simone Corsi started well from the second position and immediately took the lead. He was followed by Pasini who overtook him at the end of the first lap. The rider from Rimini pushed his pace hard. By half race, he had already gained an advantage of four seconds over the others and could get to the finishing line undisturbed , conquering the second consecutive victory.