Having seen his last chance too remain a full time MotoGP rider next season, on a third Kawasaki, evaporate Shinya Nakano has officially called an end to his ten-year grand prix career by signing to ride for Aprilia in the 2009 World Superbike Championship, alongside Max Biaggi.
"I am happy indeed, for me it is a joy to belong to the Aprilia family," said Nakano, whose deal includes an option for the 2010 season. "Here I have found a big tradition and extraordinary competence in the races that Aprilia faces with high professionalism, and the 33 world titles won up to today are confirmation of this.
"Superbike is a new challenge, I want to risk all of my experience to help the new Aprilia RSV4 project. It will be a honour to be able to race beside Max Biaggi, he is a hero of mine and he was an inspiration to me in the first phases of my career, I am sure that together we will succeed in developing the best motorbike and to already get good results in the season 2009," added the Japanese.
Aprilia launched a new website at www.aprilia.com. Not much to say about it go check it out yourself!
They also launched a new accessories website which is really nice, now the Aprilia owner can actually see whats available for their bikes. Check out the Accessories site here
Nakano has been frozen out of MotoGP after the San Carlo Honda squad released him to make way for Toni Elias.
The collapse of a third Kawasaki deal with Jorge Martinez during last weekend’s Sepang GP in Malaysia ended Nakano’s hopes of a last-minute reprieve.
Late moves by Kawasaki to salvage the deal have proven to be unsuccessful so far, and MCN understands Nakano can't keep an interested factory team in World Superbikes hanging on for an answer on his future much longer. That team is Aprilia, with Japanese sourcess confirming to MCN that the former 250GP title runner-up is in talks with the Italian factory.
Nakano’s failure to clinch a MotoGP deal looked like he might have to take up a test and development rider role with HRC.
But Aprilia is desperate for two experienced riders to lead its factory WSB assault in 2009.
Rumours that Gianluca Montiron, current boss of the JIR Scot Honda MotoGP squad, will run Aprilia’s World Superbike assault, has added to the speculation about Nakano.
Montiron signed Nakano for his Konica Minolta-backed Honda squad in 2007.
Roland Sands the famous custom motorcycle builder has been working on several new prototypes which are basicly MX bikes fitted with road race suspension and fairings. After building prototypes for the big japanese four he decided to turn the Aprilia SXV into a road race prototype as well. You can see the results above. For more info go here
At Valencia this past week Max Biaggi had his first outing on the Aprilia RSV4 he will race for the next two seasons in the Superbike World Championship. The two-day test was made possible thanks to the kind authorization of Marco Borciani's Sterilgarda Go Eleven team, with whom the Italian still has a contract for the remainder of this season.
Biaggi encountered damp conditions on the first day, which prevented him from getting to grips with the new four-cylinder Italian bike. The weather cleared up on day 2, and he was able to concentrate on getting the seating position, ride height and handlebar adjustments sorted out. He made frequent visits to the pits for technical debriefings with his future crew chief Giovanni Sandi and Aprilia engineer Gigi Dall'Igna.
Biaggi, who lapped on standard Pirelli SC3 road tyres, made no comments and no times were released from the tests.
His first official test with the Aprilia RSV4 will take place the week after the Portimao race on November 2 at the Algarve circuit.
Hi everybody, Tomorrow there will be my debut on the Aprilia. I want to say thanks to my Sterilgarda Team that has approved this test before the end of the Championship. Thank you! I write you these few lines to tell you that I cannot make any declaration regarding the test, so you will have to wait the end of the championship. However, I do not hide my feeling for the" Return to my home place… where I have born. We will be on track for two days and then I will come back home waiting for the last GP of the year in Portugal. The tests will immediately continue in Portimao after the race and in particular 4th and 5th of November. Take care guys,
The RXV450 Africa prototype ridden by Alessandro Zanotti of team Giofil came 3rd in the overall standings of the Pharaons rally.
Alessandro Zanotti came first in the 450 class. His teammate Angelo Barbiero came in 7th overall and 3rd in the 450 class. Paolo Ceci the 3rd member of the team came in 11th overall and 4th in the 450 class.
Small piece from the press release:
The other leit motiv of the Rally organized by JVD International, the debut of two Italian brands with unusual motorcycles (Aprilia and TM, both in the 450 class), has been the most passionate challenge in the challenge. The winner has been Alex Zanotti with Aprilia, after a fight lasted the whole competition with the TM of Luca Manca. Not only a splendid class win for the rider coming from San Marino of Aprilia Giofil Team, but above all the third step of the podium of Pharaons – a thing absolutely unimaginable at the eve. The tension for this last stage was immense, but Zanotti has had the precious help of his team mate Paolo Ceci, who has waited for him and “escorted” for all stage. In order to return the favour he is stopped before the finishing line, few more than two minutes, enough to make win the stage in the 450 class to Ceci. Luca Manca has had to be satisfied of the fourth absolute place and of the “plaza of honour” in the 450, result however that has underlined the validity of the project TM, as the one of Aprilia: two Italian brands launched in a world that for a long years has been too much similar to a KTM monobrand. Excellent the race also for Oscar Polli, fifth, to complete the Italians finished nearby the two unattainable riders.
Aprilia released their SX125 in new colors at the Intermot Show in Cologne. The technical side of the bike is the same as the 2008 model but the 2009 has black rims and blacks fairings with new decals. Also the frame received a new lick of red paint. To bad this model won't be available in the US since its faster than the Kawasaki KLX250SF & Honda CRF230M.
Some technical details:
- 30hp 125cc two stroke engine - 10 liter tank (2.6gallon) - 115kg dry weight(252lbs)
Together with the new ABS Mana,Shiver and Dorsoduro we also see 3 new colors. The Dorsoduro and Mana also comes in white now. And the Shiver get a black and orange duotone.
HAVING DOMINATED THE SUPERMOTARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND EXCELLED IN ENDURO TOO, APRILIA’S REVOLUTIONARY OFF-ROAD PROJECT HAS JUST ACCEPTED A REALLY TOUGH CHALLENGE: TO TAKE ITS V TWIN ENGINE TO VICTORY IN MOTOCROSS. THE APRILIA MXV IS THE BRAND NEW CROSSER FOR RIDERS WHO KNOW NO COMPROMISE.
APRILIA MXV 450 In a new ‘challenge within a challenge’, Aprilia is betting on the most revolutionary engine design of recent times in the tough, competitive world of motocross. The latest standard bearer for Aprilia’s off-road design concept is the MXV 450. With its incredibly compact V twin engine and amazing performance, the Aprilia MXV 450 is the definitive crosser for riders determined to win. As you can see from its essential and unmistakable styling, the MXV 450 is born to win. Its decisive, clear-cut lines tell you at a glance that you can expect light weight and fantastic build quality. Aprilia’s designers have made full use of the style emblems that define all Aprilia motorcycles to launch a brand new look in motocross motorcycles.
ENGINE The extraordinary 45.2 engine has already accumulated titles and victories in enduro and supermotard racing. Now the same engine has become the heart of the new MXV 450, the first motocross bike in the world to be powered by a twin cylinder engine. In this dedicated motocross version, the 45.2 engine maintains the unique configuration that has distinguished it from the start. The V angle remains 77°, and the cylinders with wet liners remain integrated in the crankcase. The extremely rational arrangement of the engine’s accessories has made the Aprilia V2 engine one of the most compact V twins in the world, smaller than many singles of similar displacement. The engine’s amazing light weight is the result of radical choices in materials. The valves are in titanium, the crankcase in aluminium silicon alloy, and all covers are in magnesium. In fact, everything about the engine is designed for minimum weight in conjunction with maximum strength and reliability. All design solutions on the uncompromising MXV 450 have been dictated by the need to achieve the highest possible level of performance while extending the bike’s range of use. The under-seat exhaust, for example, features a new path for better motocross performance with more torque at lower revs.Valve gear based on a single overhead cam and four titanium valves per cylinder gives the best possible compromise between compactness, light weight and performance.Thanks to its advanced technology the 45.2 engine is extremely civilised and silent running even in this motocross version, and complies easily with FIM rules for noise emissions (94 dB threshold). The MXV 450 affords beautifully easy access for maintenance (plugs, oil filter, air filter), and boasts extended maintenance intervals, far above the average. The engine has a dry sump lubrication system with the oil tank integrated inside the crankcase to eliminate unnecessary oil pipes and reduce weight even further. The starter motor has been eliminated for the same reason. Starting is by kick-start only in order to minimise weight.The sophisticated electronic engine management system also introduces a number of motocross firsts. The Dell’Orto fuel injection system with 38 mm throttle bodies is managed by a programmable ECU that lets you switch between two different mappings at the touch of a button on the handlebars.The "full power" mapping is for use in conditions of good grip while the "soft" mapping delivers smoother power for use on more difficult surfaces. One click is all that it takes to obtain exactly the performance level you need.The salient specifications of the 45.2 engine on the new MXV:- electronic fuel injection;- dry sump lubrication with the oil tank integrated inside the crankcase. Separate lubrication for gearbox and engine ensures that the engine oil is not contaminated by clutch plate particles, and remains fully efficient for far longer;- single overhead cam, titanium valves;- single-piece crankshaft;- cylinders integrated in crankcase, wet liners;- “Hard/soft” mappings selectable from the handlebars;- electronic stepper motor idling control; - maximum engine speed 12,500 rpm;
CHASSIS: LIGHTER THAN EVER The dimensions of the perimeter frame have been optimised for motocross use, and the entire frame has been developed to complement the engine. Its design is unique among motocross frames. A tubular steel trellis is interference fitted to pressed aluminium side plates to form a single structure. The engine also forms an integral part of the chassis, acting as a load-bearing element and contributing to exceptional overall rigidity. Particular care has been taken over weight distribution. Weight has been centralised as far as possible to improve agility under all conditions.Weight reduction (one of the most important aspects of any motocross bike) was central to the design of every part of the MXV, from disc brake to frame.The swingarm is new, lighter and more elastic than before thanks to hydroformed members. The rising rate linkage system is damped by a fully adjustable Sachs racing monoshock with two damping settings for high and low speed riding. The Marzocchi upside down fork has 50 mm stanchions and is also calibrated for motocross. The fork is fully adjustable, so that you can set up your own suspension action exactly as you want it. The fuel tank has been redesigned to keep the bike’s centre of gravity as near as possible to the physical centre of the machine. Attention has also been given to eliminating protruding parts to reduce width and improve ergonomics.The centralisation of weight has led to a complete redesign of the filter box. The filter itself has been moved to the front of the bike to leave more space for the fuel tank which now extends back over the rear shock absorber.The new filter box also holds the throttle bodies and facilitates filter changing.The ECU and all the components of the electrical system are also housed securely inside the filter box.The exhaust system is new, with an under-seat silencer with twin tail pipes made entirely from titanium (collector pipes and silencer) especially for the BigBang engine.The minimal, batteryless electrical system is new too, and fully integrated inside the filter box. Engine and electrical system therefore form a single block.The two-tone stepped seat helps the rider hold his position at all times.
BRAKES The unrivalled technology and performance of the chassis are supported by a fantastic braking system. The MXV is equipped with Nissin floating calipers and super-lightweight wavy discs (270 mm at the front), for unrivalled braking control in even the most challenging conditions. A 240 mm rear disc with single piston Nissin caliper provides the perfect balance between stopping power and ease of control.
INNOVATIVE, VERSATILE, SPORTY, COMFORTABLE. THE APRILIA SHIVER 750 GT ENTERS THE WORLD OF HALF-FAIRING SPORTS TOURING BIKES WITH THE INTENTION OF STEALING THE SHOW. WITH AN UNPARALLELED TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN, THE SHIVER 750 GT HAS NO RIVALS IN ITS CATEGORY, AND CAN SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF EVEN THE MOST DEMANDING MOTORCYCLIST.
APRILIA SHIVER 750 GT
After bringing a breath of fresh air to the naked bike category, with Shiver Aprilia raises the technological bar once again in the sports touring segment with the Shiver 750 GT, an innovative Sports Tourer, the perfect combination of sports handling, versatility and value in true Aprilia style.
A two-cylinder engine with almost limitless torque, comfortable for two, excellent aerodynamic protection and a chassis that has become a benchmark, are just some of the distinctive features of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT which, thanks to its dynamic and technological characteristics, is without a doubt a point of reference of the segment, proving once again that Aprilia has what it takes to offer even the most demanding motorcyclists exactly what they want, also with a high technological content.
The equipment of the bike brings the technical level of the segment to new heights, with Aprilia’s offer far above that of its competitors. The integral Ride by Wire accelerator, the mapping management controlled by the rider (Sport, Touring and Rain), and the brakes with radial calipers, are truly unique solutions for the sports touring segment and make the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT a sophisticated bike, and a real one-of-a-kind.
The half-fairing gives the Shiver 750 GT the chance to exploit the full versatility of its Naked sister. The added aerodynamic protection in fact, expands the range of use of the Shiver 750 GT notably, making it a “all-round” bike with a complete range of use. From daily commuting, to a trip in the summer, the Shiver 750 GT will meet your needs to perfection, making your rides a pleasure - intuitive, brilliant and safe.
The main characteristics of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT are:
90° V2 engine with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft and liquid cooling;
ride-by-wire electronic throttle technologywith 3 different mappings (Sport, Touring and Rain);
electronic fuel injection with latest generation injectors;
mixed gear and chain valve timing;
modular steel trellis and aluminium side plate frame for high torsional rigidity;
aluminium swingarm with reinforcement truss and lateral shock absorber;
43 mm upside down fork;
brakes with radial caliper at front;
latest generation two channel ABS (ABS version only);
The Aprilia Shiver 750 GT comes with the same sophisticated technical package as the Shiver, except for the engine which is a modern 90° V-twin - Euro 3. This engine, the first every mass-produced engine to use the integral Ride By Wire system, made its mark immediately thanks to its dynamic characteristics. Delivering 95 HP, it is not only the most powerful twin in its category; the engine also has a torque curve which comes in right from low revs making the bike competitive even with bikes fitted with bigger engines, as far as pulling power goes.
The perfect engine for this type of bike, its full and brilliant delivery are just what the rider of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT is looking for from a bike that offers not only the very best performance, but which is also easy and intuitive to ride, with the wide torque band notably reducing the need to change gear even when fully laden.
This is where the innovation that only the Aprilia engineers could apply first comes into play, the generous power and torque of the V2 are filtered by the Ride-by-Wire system for the best possible power delivery for all type of motorcyclists in every possible condition. With the Sport mapping setting, the behaviour of the engine is the thrilling sports performance of the Aprilia twin. The Touring setting gives you a softer power delivery for those relaxing moments when sports performance is set aside for the pleasures of touring, using more of the engine’s torque. Finally, the Rain Map, which reduces the torque delivered by 25%, helps the riders avoid spinning the rear wheel when starting on slippery roads.
The sophisticated chassis of the Shiver 750 GT sets the standard for the competition. A composite-type frame (steel trellis and aluminium side members) designed to work in perfect symbiosis with the 43 mm upside down fork and the strong aluminium swingarm with reinforcement truss. The adjustable laterally mounted monoshock is another characteristic mark of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT. Its position leaves ample room for the exhaust under the seat, which means a very linear exhaust system with an optimal volumetric design to bring the very best out of the engine.
The first class chassis couldn’t be complete without top class brakes. Radial calipers act on 320 mm discs, and the ABS version is also equipped with a sophisticated 2-channel ABS system to bring riding safety to the very highest levels.
Having seen his last chance too remain a full time MotoGP rider next season, on a third Kawasaki, evaporate Shinya Nakano has officially called an end to his ten-year grand prix career by signing to ride for Aprilia in the 2009 World Superbike Championship, alongside Max Biaggi.
