Monday, May 28, 2007

Shiver Presentation Articles

After the official release several articles about the new Shiver SL750 have been popping up around the web.

Motorbox (Italian)

Motorfreaks (Dutch)

Infomotori (Italian)


Raptors & Rockets (with Video)

Also some rumours about some future models:

-A 1200cc naked bike
-A Shiver 750 with fairings(this is no rumour)
-A Factory version
-A light version of the Shiver (125cc?) for small bike drivers licenses

These are all rumours but still it would be nice if these models would see the light of day.
Also the price they mention in the articles is really nice. 5500 pounds/8000 euros. US price unknown.

Also check out the Official Shiver website with loads of pictures and movies here

Saturday, May 26, 2007

V4's Superbike debut delayed

Director Robert Colaninno of the Piaggio Group used the presentation of the new Shiver to announce that the comeback to the World Superbike series with the V4 will be delayed to 2009.

"We will return to Superbike and, possibly, MotoGP," declared Colaninno.

There are also rumours that the V4 is a bit delayed and will be released at the end of 2008. Kind of explains why the Superbike debut is delayed by a year.

Friday, May 25, 2007

A visit to the Aprilia Factory with V4 testbike pics!


Bulldog from the daidegas.it forums went to the official Shiver launch on the 23st of may, the launch was at the Aprilia factory where the guests got a tour of the factory.

Bulldog shot a load of nice pics wich include a pic of the
V4 test bike on a dyno. It still looks the same like the spy pics I posted half a year ago. Except the frame is a bit more visible now. Looks a bit like the new 250 GP bike frame. The fairings are from a RSVR Factory. It still has the huge endcan and headers.

These are really nice pictures and show a nice selection of the things Aprilia is working on at the moment. Also the pics of the Racing department with the GP bikes hardware are to die for.

Go check out the pics here

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Aprilia of the Week: Johnny's Race RSVR


Finally a new Aprilia of the Week. Sorry for the delay. This time it's the really sweet 2006 RSVR Factory racebike from Johnny. He is racing the RSVR in the Swedish twins championship. With success I might add because he won his first race on the RSVR beating a Ducati 1098s. Extra pics because it looks so nice!

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

My name is Johnny Cedergren and I’m from the land where the best looking blond girls exists, Sweden!

Which Aprilia model do you own?

I’m racing the Aprilia RSV 1000 R Factory.

Did you add any mods to your bike?

It’s pretty much stock except for STM clutch and a full Akrapovic system and the evolution airbox modification.

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

I’m pretty happy knowing what I got into. It performs well and does the job it’s supposed to!

If you could ask Aprilia to design a new model what would it be?

The next model must be more powerful.

And finally do you have any motorcycling tips for the readers of Aprilia News?

Ridie within your limits! Don’t rush forward thinking you’re Rossi!

Checkout Johnny's website here

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

Monday, May 21, 2007

Double Victory in GP of France

Both engineers and riders were deeply concerned about the menacing grey sky on the French circuit, as they feared it might have rained. But fortunately it did not and the 125 cc race kicked off on a dry racetrack. Unlike the last two races, the riders' pace today was extremely fast. Lukas Pesek, the Czech rider of the Derbi team even set the fastest lap of the circuit, improving the previous record by more than 0.7 seconds. Aprilia gets on the highest step of the podium, and places seven bikes in the first fifteen places.

Sergio Gadea, on his RSA of the Bancaja Aspar team, is the winner. He is followed by Pesek, currently leading the World standing, and by Smith's Honda. The race was very tight, filled with spectacular and unexpected performances. After performing a good start, Pasini increased his pace outdistancing the others and gaining a 1.5 second gap. Gadea began chasing him, and eventually reached during the tenth lap. The two sped away and alternatively led the race, until the twentieth lap, when Pasini’s bike suddenly stalled and forced him to withdraw, for the fourth time in five races. The Spaniard rider, therefore, got to the finishing line, as he managed to keep his gap from Pesek and Smith.

The 250 cc could also race on a dry circuit, even if its conditions were not the best, as many riders found the track very slippery, compared to the previous days. The race was spectacular, filled with overtakings and unpredictable till the very last lap. Aprilia’s performance was good, with three official bikes in the first four positions.

Jorge Lorenzo sprints home after performing a tight duel against Dovizioso and De Angelis, second and third respectively. Lorenzo's victory is the fourth this season and the twelfth on a 250cc Aprilia bike. The World champion performed a brilliant start from the pole and increased his pace trying to outdistance the others on a solitary escape. His attempt fails as Dovizioso and the others managed to reach him and eventually overtake him. From that moment on, Dovizioso and Lorenzo alternatively led the race, until their bikes clashed half way through it. Lorenzo, in order to avoid coming off the track after his late breaking, crossed the Italian rider’s trajectory, damaging his rear brake. De Angelis took advantage of the situation and went ahead. But he was soon reached by the other two, as his rear tyre was wearing out. The Spaniard took the lead, sped up and sprinted home leaving Dovizioso behind, despite the latter’s great recovery.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Success for Aprilia in first AMA Supermoto race


The first AMA supermoto race of the 2007 has been a succes for the
Factory Aprilia Rip-It Racing team. New rider Benjamin T Carlson won the Unlimited Class (450cc+) race in St. Louis in front of Husaberg ride Robert P Loire. Team owner Darryl Atkins finished in 5th place. Carlson also competes in the 450cc class. That race also was a succesful one because Carlson finished 6th of 19 riders. I think this is the beginning of a succesful season for the Factory Aprilia Rip-It Racing team. For more news about Aprilia's AMA supermoto results keep checking Aprilia News.
Next race is the 3rd of June at Raceway Park New Jersey.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Design your own Shiver


Aprilia has started a cool new contest on their website (A bit like the RSVR design competition).

You get the chance to design your own Shiver SL750 and win a trip to its official launch in Italy!

Entries need to be in before the 15th of may.

Check out the details here