Aprilia have been reminded of "a big thing" that didn't help their MotoGP project
Jorge Martin A major setback to Aprilia has been pinpointed - and it is in addition to Jorge Martin’s trouble
The MotoGP champion Martin was Aprilia’s star signing but his title defence is already in ruin due to a spate of injuries
He first injured a delicate bone in the hand which ruled him out of the first few rounds
a scary crash left him with fractured ribs and a collapsed lung
Yet, the unfortunate Aprilia have been reminded another another significant blow they have absorbed
“Losing Romano Albesiano was a big thing,” TNT Sports’ Neil Hodgson said
Albesiano swapped his job as Aprilia’s technical director to join Honda
where his influence has seemingly already been felt this year
Honda’s rise in the right direction is in contrast to the difficulties faced by Albesiano’s former employers in Italy
Fabiano Sterlacchini replaced Albesiano at Aprilia
Romano Albesiano Jorge Martin’s first Aprilia feedback was goodThe highest-placed Aprilia rider in the MotoGP standings is Marco Bezzecchi in ninth
But it’s not all doom and gloom for Aprilia
“Martin was happy with the bike,” Sylvain Guintoli told TNT Sports about the champion’s first laps since leaving Ducati
“Even though he was in pain and couldn’t ride the bike as he wanted
“He was full of praise and it’s such a shame he cannot express himself on the bike
It offers hope to Aprilia for his eventual comeback
I am not just being positive because the poor lad has had three horrendous crashes
“To actually pass Francesco Bagnaia in the sprint race
fellow ex-Ducati rider Bezzecchi has been unable to get the best from his new package this season
“It would motivate both sides of the garage
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MotoGP’s Grand Prix Commission has amended the series’ rulebook to allow injured racers to test in private before returning to race action
something that Aprilia has been pushing for in the aftermath of three serious injuries sustained by reigning world champion Jorge Martin so far this season
Aprilia team boss Massimo Rivola first proposed the rule change at the second round of the season in Argentina in March
after it became apparent that Martin’s second set of injuries
sustained in a training incident while recuperating from his Sepang pre-season testing fall
would mean that he would miss a substantial portion of the early season
"I think we should think about what is good for the show and what is good for the safety of the rider,” former Ferrari Formula 1 sporting director Rivola told The Race
"Clearly we are right now very interested to change the rule eventually
but it is for the benefit of all the riders
I don't think anyone with decent respect for the riders or the show [would object]
"I'm not trying to sell something just for me
"But if you think about the racing format we have now
where already on Friday we are into qualifying
it's something that everyone should understand."
That proposal was initially blocked by Rivola's fellow factory team bosses
who believed that it gave an unfair advantage to Martin and
It seems that following Martin's third serious crash of the year upon his return to MotoGP action at the Qatar Grand Prix
opinions have softened - and he’ll now be able to test before his return should his lung injuries rule him out of both the French and British races later this month
any rider who has either missed three consecutive rounds or tests - or 45 days of the MotoGP season (with participation counted as leaving pitlane once during an official event) - will receive a single day of private testing
That test can be made at either one of the team’s designated testing tracks
or at any circuit that will not appear on the MotoGP calendar in that season
Any track set to hold a race within eight weeks of the test day cannot be used
Tyres for the test will come from a team’s testing allocation and a maximum of three sets can be used during it
which should allow for something in the region of 50 laps to be completed
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For 2025 Aprilia’s 2025 RSV4 Factory 1100 takes the prize of being the most powerful
It’s also cleverer than ever with refined electronics and an on-board datalogger that lets you set rider aids and suspension damping
It also gets new aero, more stable handling… the list goes on. Aprilia says their appetite for developing the RSV4 is as strong as ever, despite dwindling superbike sales and a 1099cc V4 engine too big to race in most superbike classes
After a day splashing around Mugello at its launch
but the new Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 still somehow manages to be friendly
It’s always been a sweet handler with loads of feel and mechanical grip
but the geometry tweaks add stability and the wider bars make life aboard less cramped
Although the effects of the new aero aren’t immediately obvious in isolation
extra grunt and polished electronics make the job of unleashing all that power impossibly easy
Its new predictive anti-wheelie is seamless
the quickshifter sublime and the ability to set rider aids corner by corner impressive
Despite its silicone softeners the V4 is still an alarmingly quick when it yowls along Mugello’s straights and every bit as capable as its newer rivals, which is a neat trick for a superbike that’s been around for the past 16 years
Each generation has sharpened the RSV4’s edge
It’s still compact and unapologetically focused
it’s hard to imagine how Aprilia could make it any better
For 2025 fork offset increases by 2mm, the engine is mounted 5mm higher in the chassis and the swingarm pivot raised 2.5mm. It improves stability and agility, but we can’t fully exploit its new handling traits in the wet, although the ultra-grippy Michelin Power Rain tyres fitted for our test (Pirelli’s Diablo Super Corsa SP is standard) still let us have fun
The Aprilia rolls through corners with total accuracy, changes direction like a pinball through Mugello’s flip-flops and sits on beautifully plush and controlled electronic Öhlins suspension. It’s still cramped for tall riders, but wider clip-ons provide more room to move around. New Brembo Hypure calipers, first seen on the latest Ducati Panigale V4 S
hiss with industrial-strength power and feel
Aprilia’s RSV4 became the first road bike to get MotoGP-inspired wings back in 2019
at the same time it went from being a 1000 to an 1100
Its aero has grown over the years and for 2025 the tail unit has sprouted stegosaurus-type fins and its new curved wings reduce straight line drag by 6% and side-to-side resistance by 8%
They also help direct hot air away from the rider
along with more powerful radiator fans and a repositioned exhaust cat (with a new sump to accommodate it)
It's tricky to say how the new aero affects the RSV4 in isolation
because it’s part of the overall chassis and electronics set up
but it's perfectly planted in Mugello’s hard acceleration and braking zones
Mugello’s start/finish straight is one of the few places where you can fully use 200bhp-plus in top gear and at the end of it you take a blind rise at over 180mph
it wraps you in cotton wool and keeps you safe with its smoother power delivery and unruffled rider aids
traction and engine brake control are refined for 2025 and there’s a new slide control system
They all combine seamlessly to make this fire-breathing superbike far easier to manage than it has any right to be
Its new predictive anti-wheelie system uses rider weight information as part of its algorithm and stops the front wheel leaving the tarmac before it happens
calming the RSV4 significantly under acceleration
Its delicious up/down quickshifter is almost seamless coming down from 6th to 2nd gear
A GPS datalogger is standard and lets you adjust traction
engine brake and suspension damping control corner by corner
It's too soon to tell for this 2025 RSV4 but our owners’ reviews are generally good for the previous RSV4 with a lot of love for that engine, and love for the naked Tuono version
It shouldn’t put you off buying the new version
The 2025 RSV4 Factory 1100 gets just about every conceivable bell and whistle included in the price: semi-active suspension
lightweight forged aluminium wheels and a full armoury of rider modes
Rear indicators now incorporate the stop and taillights
new backlit switchgear and a lighter aluminium top yoke
Accessories include carbon and billet ali goodies
tyre pressure sensors and an SC Project slip-on can
You can have any colour as long as it’s black
MCN Chief Road Tester - Neevesy’s been an MCN Road Tester since 2002
He’s reviewed everything from mopeds to Rossi’s Yamaha M1
and plenty in between He covers tens of thousands of miles a year on the world’s roads and racetracks in his role with MCN
and when he’s not working he’s still on two wheels
racing both modern and classic superbikes for a variety of teams
To cement his position as one of the most influential motorcycling journalists on the planet
Neevesy spent many years as an Elite Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School
based at the famous Donington Park race circuit
He regularly presents videos on riding tips and road safety
working alongside the likes of Highways England to deliver a strong and consistent message
The #1 is feeling better but remains in Doha following his Qatar GP incident
Aprilia Racing have provided an update on Jorge Martin as the reigning MotoGP World Champion continues his recovery following his Qatar Grand Prix crash. Read below:
Following the incident during the recent Qatar GP, rider Jorge Martin suffered a hemopneumothorax associated with multiple rib fractures.
The rider's clinical condition is showing a slow but steady improvement following medical examinations at the circuit's medical centre and later at Hamad General Hospital. He is currently under observation as the pleuropulmonary trauma required immediate drainage to allow lung re-expansion. The rib fractures are causing significant pain and are an additional limitation to basic physical activity.
To date, the situation is being monitored step by step. It is essential that the lung is stably expanded; only then will it be detached from mechanical aspiration and the drainage will remain in place. After a further X-ray check, it will be possible to remove the drainage. Once the safest conditions have been established, an assisted return to Europe will then be organised.
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Aprilia Racing has consulted with the doctors at Hamad General Hospital
Medical Director of Lifenet Healthcare; Aprilia Racing's partner
to ensure that first and foremost the patient and rider has the best possible care
a fundamental element for a perfect psychophysical recovery
At the conclusion of the more invasive treatments
a supervised recovery process will be required
led by the medical team and including pain management therapy
Aprilia then informed us that Martin had been discharged from the hospital but would remain in Doha
"for a few more days until his medical condition stabilises
an assisted flight will be organised to return to Europe."
Aprilia Test Rider Lorenzo Savadori will replace Martin for the upcoming Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera
Jorge Martin: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me
but now I'm starting to move a bit more and feel better
I will continue to fight to be one of the strongest ever”
MotoGP Medical Director: “Jorge Martín remains in the intensive care unit at Hamad Hospital
His injuries are progressing satisfactorily
The chest drainage for his hemopneumothorax is progressing favorably
he must continue with the pulmonary drainage process until it is 90% resolved
it will take some days before he can be transferred by medical aircraft to our hospital
We must give him time until the clinical process is resolved
Lifenet Chief Medical Officer: “Jorge Martín is currently undergoing rib pain relief and drainage therapy
which has had a significant positive effect on the re-expansion of his lung following the pneumothorax
has been providing the rider with maximum support and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him
As the Official Medical Partner of Aprilia Racing
Lifenet Healthcare will continue to be available to help manage this difficult moment as we await Martín's functional recovery phase and his return to the track”
© 2025, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By Aprilia USA
EXPERIENCE THE THRILL: APRILIA RACERS DAYS RETURNS FOR 2025
Aprilia USA is excited to announce the return of Aprilia Racers Days for 2025
This premier track-day experience offers riders the chance to test iconic Aprilia motorcycles in an exhilarating
Push the Limits with Aprilia Racers Days 2025
delivering passionate riders the ultimate opportunity to experience the precision and power of Aprilia motorcycles on some of North America’s most beloved racetracks – including
Whether you’re an experienced track rider or taking your first steps into high-performance riding
this exclusive event offers professional coaching
and an opportunity to ride Aprilia’s latest cutting-edge motorcycles alongside world-renowned factory team riders
A crucial component of the Aprilia Racers Days experience is the partnership with Pirelli
Every motorcycle at the event is equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires
These high-performance tires allow riders to fully experience the capabilities of Aprilia motorcycles on the track
That’s why Dainese and AGV continue their support of Aprilia Racers Days
providing industry-leading protective gear
Dainese’s advanced riding suits feature innovative safety technology
while AGV helmets deliver superior aerodynamics and safety
ensuring riders can push their limits with confidence
Dainese and AGV will be onsite offering demo suits and helmets during the events
More Than Just a Ride—An Unmatched Experience
Aprilia Racers Days is about more than just riding—it’s about precision
and direct support from Aprilia-trained technicians and brand representatives
every rider gets an immersive and tailored experience
Enthusiasts can ride the full Aprilia street lineup
and RS 457 or bring their own motorcycles for additional track time in skill-based riding groups
For registration and more details, visit https://www.aprilia.com/us_EN/aprilia-racers-days-2025/
Aprilia Racers Days events will be supported directly by Aprilia trained technicians and product specialists
Dainese and AGV to offer the best on-track experience with expert advice
The cost of participation in the events will not only qualify for an incredible track day experience with your existing motorcycle
but also include a VIP Aprilia Racers Days package
with ability to demo a new Aprilia for one of the track day sessions
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Though the chances of Aprilia keeping the #1 plate it acquired via Jorge Martin’s arrival were always slim
going into the 2025 MotoGP season even that unlikely outcome felt more plausible than the current reality of its factory squad being a distant 10th in the teams’ standings
And though Aprilia’s effectively been a one-rider team in Martin’s absence given his stand-in Lorenzo Savadori has used every race weekend as a test and development programme
it’s not like Marco Bezzecchi has delivered much - not just failing to even reach the podium so far in 2025
but never looking especially close to doing so
After half a decade in which Aprilia’s rise from embarrassing backmarker that kept sacking riders to genuine title contender has been such a heartwarming story
it’s now effectively absent from what should have been its biggest season yet
he’d be grappling with a far less wieldy RS-GP than he’d have expected to get
Aprilia’s corner-entry prowess was noted by rival riders on much better bikes
But that stability has been lost on the 2025 bike - not just on turn-in and braking where the previous designs had been especially strong
but on acceleration and corner exit as well
Bezzecchi hasn’t helped himself with errors such as his early trip off the road in the Spanish Grand Prix and difficulty executing single laps smoothly in qualifying
but how frequently he talks about getting a “big
big shake” of the kind that triggered his Jerez excursion shows this isn’t just a rider squandering opportunities
Aprilia feels aero changes (an area that was such a strength before) are needed
but it only has one shot at getting this right given the homologation rules around aerodynamic updates
It trialled some ideas on that front in Monday’s Jerez test
and has also run a new carbon swingarm that it hopes could solve some of those stability worries without having to turn to aero upgrades
There had been early flashes of potential that suggested Aprilia would be basically fine - or fine enough - while Martin was sidelined: Bezzecchi’s strong runs late in pre-season testing
Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura’s stunning start to MotoGP at the season-opening Thai Grand Prix
but for reasons that seem logical in hindsight
It was Bezzecchi’s race-stint runs that seemed so encouraging in testing and that’s the area where he’s still tending to deliver even now
His times relative to winner Alex Marquez on the well-sorted 2024-spec Gresini Ducati were confidence-boosting whenever he got clear air during his comeback ride from 23rd to 14th at Jerez
It’s often been clear in races that he has the speed to do far better if he’d started higher up
but the same instability that’s stopping him nail a full qualifying lap tidily isn’t going to help when you have a train of slower bikes to try to outbrake in races because you qualified behind them
It’s still Ogura who provides the most comfort for Aprilia
Discount his troubled Trackhouse team-mate Raul Fernandez for now
Fernandez’s post-race Jerez comments that “I don’t understand anything on the bike” and “I am slow
I am really slow” will be partly due to the 2025 Aprilia but even more due to his lack of affinity with it and his current confidence rut
It’s understandable that Ogura hasn’t yet replicated his Buriram race heroics as they were certainly helped by all the testing time he had at the circuit (note that he was still by far the best rookie there
But he’s Aprilia’s top rider in the championship by one point over Bezzecchi and if an Aprilia’s catching your attention in the races
His riding style and late-braking habits seem to allow him to improvise around the stability problems enough
And it’s easy to imagine a fit and healthy Martin doing the same given his own style
Aprilia had a complete fresh start with both works riders and technical leadership over the winter as Romano Albesiano left for Honda and Fabiano Sterlacchini (below) came in
That’s not a great situation to be in when your development path goes awry and gives you a problem to solve
but Sterlacchini’s contribution to Ducati’s rise when working alongside Gigi Dall’Igna shows he too can turn a bike with potential but problems around
There’s still a possibility that by the time Martin is finally recovered
Aprilia will have found its solutions and deployed the aero upgrade that unlocks its 2025 bike’s pace in a sustainable way
the manufacturer that went into 2025 with the most hope and expectation for a big step forward is just not a factor at all in the fight at the front
Updates to the 2025 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100 include a bigger engine
We tested the full-fat Factory version with semi-active Öhlins suspension at the Mugello MotoGP circuit in April ’25 and came away impressed
It’s so easy and confidence-inspiring to ride fast
it almost feels like cheating and the real magic lies in how the engine
chassis and electronics work in such harmony
The beefier midrange and more bombastic top end add urgency
its velvety front-end feel is sent straight from heaven and the sound of the V4 at full throttle would bring a tear to Pavarotti’s eye
It’s far roomier and friendlier than the RSV4 superbike it’s based on
It’s simply a blast to ride and never takes itself too seriously
Ever since its 2015 inception the Tuono V4 Factory 1100 has been blessed with one of the best front ends of any production motorcycle
whether it be the original’s mechanically adjustable Öhlins forks set-up
The Aprilia has incredible feel going into corners
on or off the brakes and now it’s even more composed and lighter steering
Flicking through Mugello’s quick third-gear chicanes takes almost no effort
increases the shock stiffness by 9% and damping by 8%
It glides around the track with such ease and accuracy, it almost feels too easy. It’s the most clothed of all the super-nakeds
but the Tuono’s generous plastics and small screen have always been welcome on the road and track
The tail has MotoGP-inspired stegosaurus fins and new ribbon-like front wings increase front downforce by 2.5kg at 155mph
which together with more powerful radiator fan
Stop and taillights are now integrated into the rear indicators
making them and the number plate holder easier to remove to reduce wind resistance on track
How the new aero performs in isolation is hard to say but working together with its sublime chassis and new electronics
Capacity is up from 1077cc to 1099cc, now matching the Tuono’s RSV4 superbike sister and power rises from 173bhp to a claimed 178bhp @ 11,800rpm. Throttle bodies grow from 48mm to 52mm and its new Euro5+ exhaust’s cat is repositioned to keep heat away from the rider
The V4 still isn’t the most powerful of the super-naked breed, especially compared to the new 211bhp Ducati Streetfighter V4 S and 207bhp BMW M1000R
Aprilia could easily have used the RSV4’s 217bhp motor
but by trimming the power the Tuono manages to be blisteringly fast without ever being a handful
almost all of Mugello can be taken in third gear
Aprilia have smoothed-off all things electronic
from the now perfect throttle response to the rider aids and up/down quickshifter action
They make what was already an easy machine to ride
none of its silicone sorcery takes away from Tuono’s majesty
Traction control is now adjustable on the fly
it now gets slide control and the power maps and engine brake control are refined
The biggest step towards trackday perfection is the new predictive anti-wheelie system
As before the ECU calculates IMU and wheel speed data but now adds rider weight into the equation (once you input your vital statistics into the dash)
It numbs a wheelie before it’s even started
the Tuono V4 Factory has a high quality finish and utilises numerous premium components from partners such as Brembo and Öhlins
it's not untypical for owners to experience the odd reliability blip on what is otherwise a dependable bike
Generally the scope of faults is limited to sensor or electrical gremlins under the skin
usually resolved with Aprilia dealer equipment
Some owners enjoy trouble-free riding and others bump into mechanical and parts supply problems
Doing your research and finding a dealer with a good reputation is a must
The 2025 model is arriving in dealers imminently, so there's no data on just how reliable the new overhauled model is. You can check out our Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory owners' reviews for the previous 2021-2024 model
to get an idea of how modern Aprilia ownership is and any issues with the outgoing Tuono V4 Factory
Its Spring ’25 price of £18,950 isn’t what you’d call cheap
you get a lot of snarling super-naked for your money
the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100 has been a perennial MCN group test winner since its 2015 inception
including last year when it went head to head with the bikes mentioned above
As before the Tuono V4 Factory 1100 is fully loaded with Brembo M50s
cornering LED headlights and cruise control
as well as a lighter lithium battery and backlit switchgear
A corner-by-corner rider aid adjustment system is also available as an accessory (standard on the RSV4 Factory 1100) and is a first for a road bike
engine brake and suspension damping control at every corner of a racetrack
Other accessories include carbon and billet aluminium trinkets
This Factory version is only available in black with red flashes
Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia focus on rear stability fix at Jerez MotoGP test
Marco Bezzecchi, 2025 Spanish MotoGP Aprilia’s quest to improve rear stability and cure Marco Bezzecchi’s qualifying headaches took centre stage at the Jerez MotoGP test
Returning to action just 24 hours after Sunday’s Spanish MotoGP - where Bezzecchi’s race was effectively over by lap 2 - the Noale manufacturer zeroed in on swingarm and aerodynamic updates
I went [wide] and ended up basically in last place,” Bezzecchi admitted after finishing 14th
despite showing a strong pace in the latter stages (see below)
but the result had already been compromised
Spanish MotoGP winner Alex Marquez's lap times vs Marco Bezzecchi Bezzecchi had been using some new rear aero in the race
Aprilia’s Monday testing work then saw Bezzecchi put a new carbon fibre swingarm through its paces
The goal was greater rear stability under braking and acceleration - a trait sorely missing in his time attacks this year
“For sure with the soft new tyre it’s really difficult to ride with so much grip and not having good stability,” Bezzecchi said
“We tried a swingarm which worked quite well and then some aero stuff.”
also helped work on the stability issue: “With more grip
With gusty afternoon winds at Jerez complicating matters for many
“The wind is good for trying aero,” he explained
probably without strong wind it’s working as well.”
The Italian was seventh fastest and the top RS-GP rider by the close of testing
Aprilia test rider and temporary team-mate Lorenzo Savadori confirmed the team’s direction: “We try to do more stability on the bike in the braking phase and also in acceleration… to stop a big pumping and movement.”
Team manager Massimo Rivola has made no secret of his belief in Bezzecchi’s race-day potential
but stressed qualifying remains the missing piece
you are doing a good race,” Rivola said in Qatar
“The question mark will be - if Marco starts 8th
Bezzecchi - who has a best race finish of sixth this year - is ninth in the world championship
one point behind Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura
heading into the French Grand Prix on May 9-11
He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues
© 2025, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By Aprilia
and Piaggio Group Americas are thrilled to announce that Cory Ventura will be racing the Aprilia RSV4 1100 throughout the entire Stock 1000 season
This exciting project is made possible through the premier partnership and technical excellence of Matt Spicer and Robem Engineering
Piaggio Group Americas proudly unveiled Cory Ventura’s stunning new bike livery during MotoGP at Circuit of the Americas
marking an exciting milestone ahead of the upcoming race season
Fans and industry insiders alike gathered to get a first look at Ventura’s race machine
setting the stage for an electrifying season as he prepares to take on the competition with Aprilia’s cutting-edge performance and style
Ventura also joined the Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse Racing teams’ MotoGP riders for an exclusive meet and greet
giving fans the opportunity to connect with their favorite racers and celebrate the spirit of competition
The MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season kicks off at Road Atlanta on May 2
followed by stops at Road America on May 30
Virginia International Raceway on August 1
and concluding at Circuit of the Americas on September 12
PS2 Racing represents the synergy of Plastic Surgery Racing and Powersport Supply Racing
bringing together expertise and passion for high-performance motorcycle racing
boasts an impressive track record with nine MotoAmerica wins and 24 podium finishes across multiple classes
“I fondly recall riding the Aprilia 660 in a few rounds of the Twins Cup and look forward to riding its big brother
I have always loved Aprilia and already feel part of the Aprilia family
I was at the VR46 Supercamp in Tavullia with Marco Bezzecchi
and I am excited to be on the same brand,” said Ventura
Cole is eager to help Cory maximize both his potential and the performance of the Aprilia RSV4 1100
“The opportunity to work with a gifted rider like Cory is exciting
and the team has a great dynamic,” said Cole
This project would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors Infinity Fall Protection
Technical partners include Thermosman Suspension
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Aprilia Racing rider Marco Bezzecchi has given his insight into the team's struggles during the first day of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend
The Italian finished 13th in the free practice session in the morning and 12th in practice 1
meaning that he hasn't secured a spot in Q2 tomorrow
Although the 26-year-old confirmed that some improvements had been made
he outlined the issues the team was still struggling with
"We made some improvements during the day even if we are still struggling
plus there were some yellow flags in the second time attack
To get into Q2 I would have had to lower my time by a tenth
That is the goal and I will give everything to succeed."
I took a lot of risks and I was able to do a good time
We are still a bit lacking in terms of stability in braking and acceleration
Despite the difficulties with stability and tyres
Bezzecchi claimed that Jerez circuit is "fantastic and now much safer in some corners."
with close corners and coming from a layout as wide as a highway like Lusail
it is not easy for our bike in light of the current problems
and we will have to roll up our sleeves to fix everything.
Friday proved to be more complex than in Austin or Thailand
we will continue to work to try to make progress.
I think it's the result of a mix of aspects
I'm not asking the team for anything specific
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport
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Years ago, early in my motorcycling career, the first bike to truly hit home surprised me. But when I swung a leg over that Aprilia RS 660, such a low, lean, powerful, and nimble motorcycle simply sparked a newfound love for true sport bikes. The experience also prompted some serious curiosity about Aprilia
a brand I knew of previously because my old Volkswagen/Audi mechanic rode Aprilias on the weekend to blow off the steam of working on Volkswagens and Audis all week
I started to wonder about other bikes in the lineup of Italy's "other" sportbike brand
Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta fit into the picture
but Aprilia still stands as the only Italian bikemaker to reach anywhere near the towering stature of Ducati
I also heard that top-spec Aprilias ride with a bit more spice than the best Ducatis
So I wound up quite excited when Aprilia offered me the chance to test the hottest of them all
on track at California's Buttonwillow Raceway
I started out at Buttonwillow wanting to warm up to the track, to take a closer look at the famously jumpy and inconsistent surface that I lacked any experience on in either cars or motorcycles. Fittingly, I decided to run a few laps of my first stint on an RS 660
figuring that quite possibly my favorite street bike might serve well for a track intro
the RS 660 allowed for a bit too much nosedive and felt unhappy with changing levels of traction mid-corner
so I thought until I swapped onto the RSV4 Factory for the next stint
This specific bike actually wore the limited SE-09 SBK livery
so I pulled out of the pits knowing that I needed to stay sane enough to keep this one-of-2,000 bike riding with the wheels down
but the RSV4 bones beneath mean ridiculous power
specifically 217 horsepower out of a 1,099-cc engine
at 92 lb-ft by 10,500 RPM on the way to a 13,500-RPM redline
Hence the "spicy" spirit that my friends and mechanic love so dearly
I noticed that 10% increase in weight immediately
and yet the RSV4 also seemed to carry the additional poundage nearer to the ground
Some of the sensation no doubt stems from the Öhlins forks and rear damper
which allow for electronic adjustment on the fly
but I just set the bike into a mid-level "Track 2" ride mode at first
A nifty button below the left grip controls helps to change traction control modes
but more detailed individual settings via the gauge cluster allow for customization of power output
Aprilia recommended keeping the power output, which most affects initial throttle response, at a 2 because doing so helps to smooth out on-off modulation while leaned over in corners. That proved wise, as I discovered immediately when I twisted the throttle gently—screwdriver method
of course—out of the first corner and into the racing line
bringing up the braking zone in orders of magnitude quicker than the RS 660
I needed to squeeze surprisingly tight to find any control
a mental adjustment to the physical response
Through the next few corners I wondered whether the brand-new brake pads needed a few laps to break in
I started sussing out the RSV4's weight and stability—not so much of the electronic suite yet
but more-so how my own body movements affected the chassis while sliding side to side in my low squat
Initial impressions revealed the RSV4 Factory's solidly planted footprint
But the tighter suspension versus the RS 660 also transferred minute shifts in my footpeg positioning and countersteering through to the tires noticeably
noting how quickly the little bumps and sketchy pavement sections that upset the RS 660 seemed to simply disappear on the bigger bike
I can admit that I never hit full throttle during my first stint out on the RSV4
Yet even at three-quarters and then seven-eighths on Buttonwillow's straightaway
bracing through acceleration and then braking started to tire out my legs
but never noticed my knees starting to tighten or ache as on other compact sport bikes
The body positioning just worked perfectly for me
though admittedly I prefer a high seat and low bars after years of road cycling
When I took the chequered flag and pulled into the pits after a cooldown lap
but vowed to myself to push harder the next session
A few Clif Bloks margarita chews and some chugs from the water bottle later
Pulling harder on the throttle to open up that V4 earlier and earlier
all of a sudden my confidence only began to grow
the front brakes started to make more sense at higher and higher speeds
since I needed to work physically so much harder under deceleration
Using some coarser muscles actually helped with modulation through the transition from hard straightline braking
as I let the tire contact patch swell while reaching maximum brake pressure
then started to release slowly as I tipped into corners earlier and earlier
Trail braking on this bike worked gloriously
the center of mass leaned over with my body even lower
starting to allow further distance in my knees and elbows while easing back into throttle
I often look cartoonish on a bike—especially in an XXL helmet for my thick skull—but scooting one cheek fully off the saddle still felt natural
took everything I and Buttonwillow threw at it with aplomb
I started passing other riders now and then
But building up the confidence to do so and still leave respectful gaps for a fun track day meant that I needed to twist into throttle earlier and earlier
I began to notice some traction control intervention
typically on the first quarter of the main straightaway when the gauges lit up in protest
I say protest because clearly the bike kept trying to save me from my worst inclinations
ready to rip out so much power from low revs that I risked either upsetting the wheelie control or simply spinning out the rear tire in my urgency
The electronics only weighed in more when I started blipping down an extra gear with the quickshifter to stay at even higher RPMs
engine braking to keep from winging out wide at my lowest lean angles in the hopes of finding the best line to pass slower riders
Or maybe I needed to step up into Track 1 mode
my Aprilia pro offered to set me up with a lap timer
preferring to just keep working on pace and focus on experiencing the bike rather than starting to race on the clock and risk damage to this number-zero SE-09 SBK edition
But loosening up the settings to get a teensy tiny bit closer to the edge only revealed more of the RSV4 Factory's capability
and I found more and more speed in every section of Buttonwillow—at least
according to the clock in my head and the seat of my leathers
To an extent, putting my trust in the machine's brain revealed the biggest difference between this RSV4 Factory and you know who, the Panigale V4 S that absolutely left me head over heels—in love
not in an ambulance—while lapping around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca earlier this year
Where Aprilia allowed me to explore just a little past the limit and then dialed me back
Ducati's programming makes the interventions much less noticeable
which only made me feel much better about my own skills as the ones and zeroes worked in the background
While my ego certainly appreciates the latter
in reality the former may well serve better for honing track skills
Ducati's use of the Öhlins suspension provided a bit more communication of physical traction than the tauter Aprilia
maybe I just needed to put some time into dialing in the bike's settings more specifically for my weight and preferences
The Aprilia also looks much more attainable
since even this RSV4 Factory with the SE-09 SBK livery stickers for $26,499 versus a $31,995 ask for the 2024 Ducati Panigale V4 S
Take off $500 for the livery that I don't need
but at this tier I certainly want the Factory upgrades versus a "base" RSV4 at $18,999 without the adjustable track (and road!) goodies
But of course, Ducati also revealed the 2025 Panigale recently
and a friend currently racking up his break-in miles on a brand-new bike already sounds seriously impressed
he claims the 2025 V4 S rides with the nimble handling of a middleweight
and that the intuitive software and unflappable stability make an insane liter-plus superbike unbelievably approachable
but with the kind of power to scare my pants—or
or maybe I should wait to see how Aprilia's inevitable response to the new Panigale turns out in these not-quite-power-wars
given how much EU emissions restrictions cap output to little more than current level
and aero improvements apparently factor in more for the new frontier of motorcycle manufacturing
the fun is worth more than ticks on a clock
And I can definitely call the RSV4 Factory worth a go
for any rider who wants to get out on track and explore the limits of power
Aprilia brings its performance brand to the lightweight sportbike category
and you have a beloved model name from the past
you might think about filing a trademark application for that name for a few reasons
The two biggest ones are: You plan to bring an updated version of that model to market sometime in the foreseeable future
or else you just want to protect that name against anyone else using it
The only thing we can say with certainty is that Piaggio definitely filed a wordmark application (that's a trademark on a word
or combination of words; often including a logo design but not always) for the name "RSV1000" in the US in January 2025
While it previously had a wordmark on file for the same name back when the bike was sold in the US
it allowed that older wordmark to lapse over time
This new wordmark only covers the term "RSV1000," and does not involve the word "Mille" at this point in time
anyone familiar with the original Aprilia RSV1000 (or its contemporary siblings that also used variations on the same Rotax V990 engine: the Tuono
and Falco) probably remembers this bike fondly
it went over well with both riders and reviewers; and like any good bike from the past worth its salt
I'm currently staring directly at a set of Aprilia Workshop Manuals from the era
as my partner is a longtime and very proud Futura owner
I can tell you that one entire volume in the trio of thick yellow binders is devoted solely to the V990 engine
thoughtful markings that tell you exactly what the little differences are between how this engine is used in each model (engine management
But there's not a whole lot of space between the RS457 and the RS660
and conversely there's a considerable power gap between the RS660 and the RSV4
Could a new RSV1000 make sense to fill that gap
Or does Piaggio simply want to protect that wordmark so it can't be used by anyone else
but was told there is no comment on this matter at this time
Are you a fan of the original RSV1000 Mille
Would you like to see it make a comeback in 2025 or 2026
Tell us all your RSV1000 thoughts in the comments
The Top Non-Ducati In MotoGP Right Now Is Ridden By This Talented Rookie
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Trackhouse Aprilia Showed Off Its Sweet Gulf Oil MotoGP Livery
we’ve been impressed with CFMoto’s fit and finish
which we’d put up against any of its contemporaries
CFMoto’s price point is one of its most attractive features
The entry-level sportbike for Aprilia fans
the RS457 carries clear DNA from its RSV4 bigger brother
An entry-level sportbike with a lot of performance and an attractive price
the 450SS is an appealing option for new or newer riders
I’ve come away very impressed with what CFMoto have done
The brand’s best-selling model (at least in the US)
the 450SS has been the most polished of the CF’s I’ve sampled so far
That’s all the more impressive considering it’s a complete in-house design whereas
the 800 NK is basically a re-badged KTM 790 Duke
But riding a bike in isolation is one thing. I wanted to know if the 450SS could hold its own against another new player in the small-displacement category – none other than Aprilia’s RS457. The little sportbike class is littered with bikes of varying performance levels, and after riding the Aprilia RS457 at its press intro
I was pretty enamored with its performance – at least on the track
which was my only experience with it thus far
Our particular RS457 test bike came outfitted with a slew of accessories like anodized pegs and levers
and the all-important bi-directional quickshifter
The Aprilia’s engine is a little bigger at 457cc compared to the CFMoto’s 449cc
the Aprilia reaches 457cc with a 69.0mm bore and 61.1mm stroke
the CFMoto’s engine measures 72.0mm x 55.2mm
I bring this up because it translates into how both bikes make their power
and in doing so it makes more power than the Aprilia
46.3 to 43.5 en route to its 11,500 rpm redline
a longer stroke (for a given displacement) equates to more torque and the RS457 showcases this
29.6 lb-ft to 27.8 lb-ft en route to its 10,400 rpm redline
and you can see the Aprilia outperforms the CF until the 457 engine runs out of steam
The two engines also differ in that the CFMoto has two counterbalancers
The Aprilia’s seat height measures 31.5 inches
with the CF’s only 0.5-inch shorter at 31.0 inches
Neither is particularly high considering the narrowness of the seat/tank junction
and my 30-inch inseam didn’t have any problems putting the balls of my feet on the ground
with the CF’s 53.5-inches center-to-center just a tick longer than the Aprilia’s 53.2 inches
Rake and trail numbers are again close; the Aprilia’s 24.1° rake just 0.1° more than the CF’s 24.0º
Both bikes share an identical 4.0 inches of trail
with a claimed curb weight of 388lbs versus the CF’s 370lbs
That’s all the more interesting considering the 450SS carries more fuel – 3.7 gallons vs
With such similarities, at least on paper, riding them would reveal the true differences between the two. Being sportbikes, naturally we took both bikes to Buttonwillow Raceway, where guest tester and former MO staffer Tom Roderick joined me on track as part of its Aprilia Racer Days trackdays
Then it was off to the street to see how both behaved in the real world
To level the playing field in tire performance
Pirelli Supercorsa SPs were spooned onto both bikes
Being road-legal tires with a track-focused lineage
these were the perfect do-it-all tires for the job
It doesn’t take very long on track to remember the RS457 comes from a lineage of track-focused machines
“Aprilia engineers gifted the RS457 with a little RSV4 chassis magic as I was able to comfortably get up to speed quickly,” says Tom
“It reminds me of its big brother’s friendly handling manners.” And by big brother
Tom could easily be referring to both the RS660 or the RSV4
Tom’s immediate reaction echoes what I felt when I first tasted the RS457 at its intro
The aluminum chassis (as opposed to the CF’s steel trellis) is far better than anything else in this class
but the RS’s bars are angled slightly wider
giving the rider more leverage to tip it on
The bars are narrow and not only are the pegs high
but they’re also relatively forward (instead of rearward like most sportbikes)
only to find the narrow bars require more effort to turn the bike
And since I’ve already mentioned how much better the Aprilia chassis is
you can guess what’s coming next for the CF’s
especially having ridden the Aprilia back-to-back
and if either of these are machines you’re starting your moto journey on
there’s no getting away from the Aprilia’s better chassis
getting comfortable with a loose bike like the CFMoto can be fun – if you’re wired that way
but at least the Aprilia offers preload adjustment at both ends
was “clearly better suspended for track duty.” I can’t say I necessarily agree
as neither bike handled high-frequency bumps very well
transmitting a lot of those jolts to the rider
Lowering the tire pressure was the last-ditch solution to help with that since we couldn’t change the fork or shock much
which only exacerbated the chassis impressions for both machines
The real difference between these two bikes is their engines
parallel-Twin engines with 270-degree firing orders
[but] their power delivery is surprisingly different
The Aprilia performs better when short-shifted
keeping the tach needle in the thick of its midrange
while the CFMoto’s Twin prefers climbing to redline before being shifted to the next gear
It never ceases to amaze me how two outwardly similar bikes such as these exude very different character traits when alternately ridden one track session after another.”
This right here is the heart of the matter
This means short shifting to keep it in the meat of the power for as long as possible
it felt like the RS457’s internal gearing was very short and closely spaced together; we were grabbing shifts quickly and getting to sixth in no time
This then exposes its weakness compared to the CF – horsepower
but you’d expect the 457 to have more than the CF with its bigger engine
the Ape would pull ahead a little bit only for the CF to reel it in once its engine was able to sing up top
The 450SS also felt like it had wider internal gearing
allowing the engine to stay in its power band for longer while also not requiring as many shifts per lap
our Aprilia test bike was fitted with the optional bi-directional quickshifter while the CFMoto shifted the old fashioned way
Normally I’m a big advocate for quickshifters
but the shifts on our RS457 were not very smooth in the lower gears
This would just get worse on the street as you’ll see soon
despite the fact you had to shift the CF with the clutch or a deft throttle blip
the gearbox felt tighter and engaged more positively every time
Which brings up another point the numbers don’t explain
Remember earlier the bit about each engine’s counterbalancers
but the reality is it’s the Aprilia that put the toes of my right foot to sleep during our track outing.”
it’s the Aprilia that exhibits noticeably more vibrations – enough to make appendages go numb if you ride long enough
the 450SS doesn’t wear down its rider with vibrations
Just as the RS was surprising with how much it vibes
but that doesn’t mean their brakes aren’t important
one bike has a Brembo M40 caliper and the other is a ByBre
the CF gets the Brembo and the ByBre goes to the Aprilia
Tom’s opinion differs from mine as to which braking system we liked better on track
claiming they gave him “better feel and power at track speeds than the mushier CFMoto.” I thought the Ape’s brakes deflected more under hard braking and the 450SS gave a more direct and solid feel
and though most of the track impressions carried over to the street
You’re sitting in a traditional position with no particular appendage in an awkward spot
The wide bars give a sense that you’re in command if you need to make an evasive maneuver as you slice through traffic
Not that the CFMoto’s narrower bars put you in any less control
but it does add to this feeling of being cramped
the 450SS places your feet in a weird spot in relation to the RS457
but where most sportbikes have your feet up and back
the CF has them up and forward in relation
It’s awkward when switching between the two bikes
But there’s more to a motorcycle than how you sit on it
The Aprilia’s torque advantage is better suited for street riding
as you can keep it lower in the revs and simply add throttle when you need it
Except for one thing – there’s a noticeable flat spot in the power low in the rev range
especially in second gear and around 2000 rpm
the shift from first to second when using the quickshifter is extremely abrupt and jarring
Because the gearing is so short you’re shifting to second fairly quickly
you’re stuck in a flat spot until the revs climb out of it
the short gearing means you’ll be shifting often
the CF isn’t as quick on the uptake when leaving from a stop
but the fueling is clean and linear from start to finish
You learn to keep the CF higher in the revs to use the relative power surplus
the traditional shifter does so with little fuss and engages cleanly and positively
even if it does take fractionally longer because it doesn’t have a quickshifter
the Aprilia’s chassis is more precise and agile than the CF’s
but the advantage isn’t as pronounced at a street pace and both bike’s bare-bones suspension actually veer a little bit on the harsh side for what they are
We can’t talk about bikes aimed at newer riders without getting into a discussion about looks
but that didn’t stop me from conducting a very informal – and far from scientific – poll amongst anybody and everybody I came across at the track
the majority of folks I talked to at the track
and even at the gas station liked the Aprilia’s looks better
I like the CF’s “face” and frontal area more
but I admit its side profile is bland and featureless
I really didn’t know how things would shake out considering I’d only ridden the Aprilia on the racetrack
Each one is worthy of praise when ridden in isolation
but it’s not until they’re ridden side-by-side that strengths and weaknesses come out
a chassis that’s not quite on par with the RS457
and arguably worse suspension and brakes (at least according to our guest tester)
And we can’t ignore the elephant in the room: dealer support and parts availability for the CFMoto simply isn’t as robust as it is for the Aprilia (which is saying something)
you likely have reservations about the CFMoto
it’s simply not something I’m worried about
Searching CFMoto and 450SS owner groups online has shown people with plenty of mileage on them with little to no issues – or at least no issues that you’d experience on any other bike
I took the 450SS straight from the dealership to the racetrack with only two miles on the odometer
And it still pumped out a healthy bit of power on the dyno
What’s that they say about taking it easy during the break-in period…
the chassis jumps out as the standout feature
It’s much better than anything in this price bracket has the right to be
but he still made note of it and commented about how much it surprised him
it’s hard to deny the point of pride if you were to roll up on an Aprilia and be the envy of your friends
Notice I haven’t talked about electronics much
The 450SS gives you always-on ABS and a very clean and attractive TFT display (2025 versions will also include traction control and a switch from Continental to Bosch ABS)
the RS457 also has different power modes and adjustable traction control
Because you don’t really need them on bikes like these making such modest power
Tom ultimately chose the Aprilia as his pick
Tom picked the Aprilia – “vibration be damned” – as he felt it was the better track weapon
“trying to get the CFMoto to equal the Aprilia in chassis
and braking performance seems to be a pricey and time-consuming endeavor.”
I don’t need all those electronics on a bike this small
but the smoothness and rideability of the engine more than makes up for it
and the shifter even has a built-in secondary mounting option to install the shift rod if you prefer a GP-style reverse shift pattern
I’d rather save the extra money over the Aprilia and use it towards addressing the 450SS’ shortcomings
Quickshifters are already cheap and available in the aftermarket
as are replacement bars and pegs to fix the ergos
There are even performance upgrades for the fork and shock
I’d love to explore the performance potential of the 450SS even further
Emotions versus facts have split the room apart
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Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006
he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011
A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years
Troy's interests have always been in technology
racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three
Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level
He's also won multiple club races throughout the country
culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011
He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School
he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP
More by Troy Siahaan
Its insanely fun to ride on a good twisty road and a hoot of laughs and thrills
I bought it to turn into my next season track bike
It does get buzzy on the right footpeg and there is an annoying flat spot in 2nd gear
I also don't drink oil by the quart for breakfast
it's awfully difficult to deny that from a design standpoint
eye-catching racing liveries on both motorcycles and cars have been borne from both oil and tobacco sponsorships
And when I'm among other motorsports nerds
it's a subject that frequently comes up in conversation
do I miss the days when you could just smoke wherever and make everyone else breathe it in
Absolutely not (and I've had family that smoked
But it's hard to imagine the Schumacher Ferrari years without the Marlboro mountain
An iconic mental image from a different time
Likewise, there's no denying the instant appeal and pull of the Petronas FP1
It's the kind of design where I think that even if I didn't speak or understand English
Isn't that what good design is all about; something that breaks boundaries imposed by geography and language and simply gnaws its way into your soul
When Gulf Oil and the Trackhouse Aprilia MotoGP team first announced their partnership at the end of 2024
anyone with two brain cells to rub together and a decent grounding in motorsport (or heck
and completely another to actually see it come together in front of your eyes
The 2025 Trackhouse Aprilia MotoGP team will be lining up for the first race of the season this weekend at Buriram in Thailand
Both Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura are rolling this outstanding
and they're rocking it on both their bikes and their leathers
Sorry not sorry that I shout when I get excited
While it seems like the most natural thing in the world to see this livery in yet another motorsports application
it's actually not that common to see it on a motorcycle
Steve McQueen's iconic (sorry to overuse that word
but it absolutely applies here) Porsche 917 from the 1971 film Le Mans
It's simply mesmerizing to see in static shots
So if you don't have any plans this weekend
and you weren't already planning to tune in to the MotoGP Thailand 2025 round
the racing will almost certainly be worth your time (even though we're sadly down one Jorge Martín
how often do you get to see this livery out in anger in a top-level racing series anywhere in the world
I also can't wait to see how Ai Ogura does in his first actual MotoGP race
especially given how hard he owned Moto2 in 2024
Is Aprilia Bringing Back This Legendary Sportbike
we heard you wanted to get into motorcycles
the entry-level naked sportbike class is arguably the best it's ever been as more "big bike" features trickle down to little bikes
and rousing engines are observations that are starting to stick to this category
The 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 takes everything we enjoyed about the supersport RS 457 and loads it into a streetable package
Nudging its way toward the front of the newbie-friendly naked-bike pack is the 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457
the Italian firm's latest offering that follows a time-honored tradition of taking its supersport models and fitting handlebars on them to create something a little comfier for the road
The quaint town of Noale, Italy, serves as both Aprilia's base of operations and the starting point for a group of espresso-fueled journalists raring to get some time on this new A2 license-qualified steed. A lot is riding on the 457 platforms, as brand reps hope lightning strikes twice within the broader entry-level categories after delivering the RS 457 last year
If you're wondering how premium names like Aprilia can crunch the numbers to get what we see here
they've opted to manufacture the entire 457 range in India
The heart and soul of the Tuono is a peppy 457cc Parallel-Twin that's as inviting as it is exciting
pumping out an approachable claimed 47.6 horsepower at 9,400 rpm and 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,700 rpm – making it the second most potent mill in class
Aprilia pulled quite a bit of engineering inspiration from its well-spring of racetrack-born and bred powerplants
the 659cc Parallel-Twins currently powering its 660 range of bikes
the 457cc mill isn't any slapdash copy-and-paste job
The powertrain is designed to be as compact as possible
weighing about 13 pounds less than what's found inside the RS/Tuono 660 machines
It does wisely carry over the 270-degree firing order
giving this P-Twin a grin-inducing exhaust note and a broad serving of tractable power that riders from any end of the skill-level spectrum can revel in
the only change this time around serves street riders with a one-tooth-bigger rear sprocket
shortening the final-drive gearing and accentuating low-end acceleration
Whacking the nicely tuned ride-by-wire throttle open gives credence to the claim that 82% of its peak torque is available at a low 3,000 rpm
since it sustains its fighting spirit clear through its punchy midrange
A part of me is fine with the vibes because it's a tactile response that riders can use as a shift indicator
and power wanes about 1,000 revs shy of the 10,700 rpm redline
The Tuono addresses those critiques with rubber dampers in the handlebar mount and rubber pads on the footpegs
It all stacks up to an engine with enough puff to execute passes at freeway speeds while avoiding the intimidation factor new riders might face when wielding the middleweight 660 or
There's a performance balance being struck here
with a stirring little engine that should keep a newer rider's attention longer than some of its classmates before graduating to a larger displacement bike
with Sport delivering the most aggressive throttle response and Rain the least
That's backed by three-level traction control and two-channel ABS
the Euro-spec model we tested here didn't exhibit the dreaded noise emissions-related 2nd gear slump that's all too common at home – I thought we liked freedom in America
Gears slot into place nicely – better than Kawasaki, KTM, or Yamaha examples – though it's not entirely up to snuff with the tidiness that the CFMoto's 449cc parallel-twin transmission provides, as we discovered during our RS 457 vs CFMoto 450SS comparison
Our test units were fitted with the optional bi-directional quickshifter ($215)
which comes in handy when working your way through the six-speed transmission and works best while on the gas
What separates the Tuono from the naked herd is its stout chassis
lending a hand in the maturity department by offering up "big bike" vibes via great feedback
the much stiffer twin-spar aluminum frame is king and uses the engine as a "stressed member." In this case
the swingarm is mounted directly to the motor like the RS/Tuono 660
extra frame supports aren't necessary to add to the Tuono's 386-pound mass
helping it claim a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio
It's here where Aprilia's racing pedigree shines through
and mono shock utilized on the RS 457 reprise their roles here with great effect
There's no doubt about it: The Tuono is an eager pleaser
while its light maneuvering gives it a serious appetite for any winding sections of tarmac
The ample lock-to-lock steering will make Tuono V4 owners envious
my American diet might put me a little outside the spring rate's range
and a smidge more damping overall wouldn't hurt
but that's not something lighter riders will be concerned about
the chassis still manages to keep things feeling ultra-solid while leaning on the no-name Eurogrip Protorque Extreme HR tires
They've got decent grip yet go vague when cranked over
so reaching for sportier rubber from a mainstream supplier would only flatter what's already a sweet handling machine
Hauling this little beauty to a halt is done with the help of Brembo's budget product line
as we see a single four-piston caliper clamping onto a 320mm disc up front
Aprilia springs for steel-braided brake lines
though they're hooked up to the same cost-savings ByBre axial master cylinder found on the RS
and their approachable initial bite won't startle neophytes
yet a higher-spec master cylinder would introduce much-needed feel into the equation
the two-channel ABS never spoke out of turn
and it can be put into a racetrack-friendly front-only mode
letting riders use the rear brake to goof off and slide around
That brings us to the Tuono's defining trait: the upright riding position
The new handlebar sits nearly 5 inches above and roughly a half-inch closer to us than the clip-on style controls on the RS
the new plastics and wider fuel tank add a touch of girth between the knees
Your overall height will influence how you perceive the rest of it
as we see the same 31.5 seat height as the supersport and rearset placement return
my frame can squeeze into place while taller riders will have to take up yoga or look at physically larger bikes – that's the price of being tall and handsome
those with shorter inseams than the 32 inches my pants measure will get along just fine with the bonus of this steed's narrow waist aiding reach to the deck
and dreary motors were many manufacturers' modus operandi
none of that put a damper on our collective enthusiasm because
Those critiques don't apply to the 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 or any bike at the pointy end of this class
The Aprilia does stand as the whole package
and other niceties that will continue reshaping this space.
There is no doubt that prospective buyers will have to pay a premium for those things
and the better brakes or additional suspension adjustment features aren't costs that can be absorbed by the manufacturer just yet
to have something like this as the first thing you throw a leg over
there’s no better time than now to be a newly minted motorcyclist
Electronic injection with 1 injector per cylinder and 2 motorized 36mm throttle bodies (ride-by-wire) with fixed-length intake trumpets
6 speed (Aprilia Quick Shift up and down system available as accessory)
Double spar aluminum frame with removable saddle mounting frame
Preload adjustable upside-down hydraulic fork with 41 mm stanchions
41mm inverted fork with return spring and adjustable preload
Monoshock absorber with adjustable preload
Pump with separate tank and metal braided hose
Multi-function instruments with color 5" TFT screen
A lifelong interest in anything with two wheels
Nic combined his passion for motorcycling with a rare and mysterious skill known as typing to join the motojournalism ranks
Motorcycle.com's Senior Editor and sometimes club racer displays an unrivaled desire to sample baked goods across the globe and partake in post-track day celebratory pizza
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A 457 for when a 660 is just too big for a beginner bike
That's especially true at this price point
There's no reason to spend that much more on a beginner bike that most riders will get bored with in a year or so
this bike should be substantially lighter than the others and it's not
In this photo it clearly looks like a bird with the big white "eyes" and the red "beak"
Definitely better looking than most of the other European naked bikes though except for Ducati
I'll be more subtle this time: Hey Jam138619972 which part of "F-off!!!" do you not understand?!
MotoGP champion Jorge Martin's return to competition may be less distant than first feared
as the latest medical update issued by Aprilia is a "very positive" one
Martin, who has contested just a single grand prix of his title defence season so far, is in the middle of a second prolonged injury absence after crashing on his return in the Qatar Grand Prix and being hit by the Ducati of Fabio Di Giannantonio.
The nature of his subsequent injuries - a hemopneumothorax in addition to double digit rib fractures - meant he first had to spend several nights in hospital in Qatar and then could only fly back to Spain nearly two weeks later
due to the delicate nature of lung injuries
But a CT scan carried out at the Ruber Internacional hospital in Madrid upon Martin's return to Spain on Saturday has produced a promising outlook
"The news is certainly good and very encouraging," said MotoGP medical director Dr
Moreover of the theoretically 11 fractures he had
which already show the ongoing progression of the callus
Now we will wait as long as necessary and continue to monitor the evolution of these fractures from Madrid."
Martin will still face a significant ordeal to return to base fitness much less race fitness - but this latest update suggests his absence might not turn into the multi-month stretch that had been feared initially
no timeline for a MotoGP return has been presented yet by Martin
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who joined Aprilia after clinching his title with Pramac Ducati last year
missed the entire pre-season testing after crashing out on the first day
Initially expected to have a strong start to the season
he now faces a considerable challenge in catching up
the Spaniard will need to quickly adapt and contribute to the development of the RS-GP
aiming to turn it into a true title contender capable of challenging the dominant Ducatis
With injuries from two separate incidents though, it remains to be seen how much he can push himself after he is back. Having suffered fractures on both hands and the left foot, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola was asked how he felt about the situation in the absence of Martin. He said:
So looking forward to see Marco [Bezzecchi] doing the great job that he already did in testing and also to see Sava keep developing the bike
“For sure he won't race also in Argentina
The situation of the left hand is not good at the moment
But at the moment we don't even have to think about when he will be back.”
“He will only come back when he’s really fit
We don't want to risk his condition at all
So I prefer to look at this new era of Aprilia
with these two new riders in a long-term rather than short term vision.”
Rivola explained the encounter with Martin
when he called him to deliver the news of his supermoto bike crash
Let's take one thing at a time and think about yourself now
When he was quizzed about Martin's current state of mind
I'm sure he's thinking about racing tomorrow
Even riding with the teeth [biting on to the screen]
We don't want to make any kind of mistake
We will think about the championship in the future
SAAJAN JOGIA
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Aprilia has indirectly pinpointed the blame on Michelin for Jorge Martin’s violent crash at the start of MotoGP pre-season testing in Malaysia
but the French tyre supplier has ruled itself out of any responsibility
Martin landed face-first after suffering a highside at the second turn of the Sepang International Circuit
suffering a single fracture on his right hand and multiple fractures on his left foot
The reigning champion had to withdraw from the remainder of the test to fly to Barcelona and undergo surgery on both his broken hand and foot and is likely to miss next week’s test at Buriram as well
Aprilia stated that its initial analysis had ruled out both mechanical problems and rider error
stating that the crash “apparently [happened] for no reason”
it also had requested answers from Michelin about the age of the tyres Martin was riding on
“The only thing I asked Michelin for is the history of the [rear] compound
I wouldn't like to know that it had been stored for 11 months,” Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said
implying that the [medium] tyre Martin was running when he crashed could explain the crash
If Rivola did not want to be more explicit in putting the blame
it was likely because he knows the political power Michelin has in MotoGP
all teams had received a letter from the IRTA giving them a series of recommendations in case of a defective tyre
Michelin not only had no problem in acknowledging that the rear tyre used at the time of the accident was indeed manufactured in 2024
but even traced the route it took to being fitted on to the bike
“The rubber was produced in Clermont Ferrand (France) shortly before last year's Dutch Grand Prix (30 June)
It was taken to Assen but was not used there
It was stored and brought here for the test,” said Piero Taramasso
“All this time it has been in a temperature-controlled container
The evidence doesn't indicate that there was any problem
that influenced the fact that the tyre was still cold
would have immediately asked for a tyre change
After spending the night under observation at a hospital close to Sepang
where he will undergo surgery on the fractured little finger on his right hand in the next few hours
The three fractures he also sustained in the third
fourth and fifth metatarsal of his left foot will be treated with a more conservative recovery treatment
he will be operated on by Dr Xavier Mir in Barcelona
before a clearer estimate of how long he will be out of action can be made
it’s unlikely he will be back on track until at least the first race of the season
If he misses the rest of pre-season testing
he will head to the Thai round with only 90 laps on the Aprilia
77 of which were completed in the test at Barcelona two days after he was crowned 2024 MotoGP world champion
It seems too early for Martín to be able to take part in the Buriram test on 12-13 February
while his presence in Bangkok for the season launch event is also in doubt
Martin suffered two crashes at the start of the Sepang test on Wednesday
He fell both times on the same bike and with the same specification of tyres
After an initial four-lap stint on the bike with which he finished the Barcelona test with
he switched to a more evolved version of the RS-GP and crashed twice
He did three laps in a row and crashed at Turn 1
After picking up the Aprilia from the ground
he returned to the garage and set off again
he suffered the accident that took him straight to hospital
Aprilia has unveiled its livery for its new rider lineup for 2025 and answers the question of whether Martin will run the number 1 on the front of his bike this year
THE 2025 SEASON GETS UNDERWAY WITH WORLD CHAMPION JORGE MARTÍN AND THE GREAT ITALIAN TALENT MARCO BEZZECCHI
After an initial taster on the track during the Montmeló tests
This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aprilia Racing
characterised by a strong technical identity
The 2025 season represents the dawn of a new era for Aprilia Racing
fiercely talented young riders: Jorge Martín
who will race as world No.1 after winning the MotoGP title
who is ready to express his enormous potential in the premier class
Lorenzo Savadori has also been confirmed as a test rider
after his significant contribution to the growth of the RS-GP in recent years
The Aprilia RS-GP25 represents an important evolution for Aprilia Racing's MotoGP project
Each detail has been overhauled with a view to delivering the highest levels of performance
in order to consolidate Aprilia Racing’s status as one of the leading lights of MotoGP
right down to the electronics and the V4 engine
which has been subject to a great deal of development with regard to all components not affected by the freeze imposed by the regulation
remaining faithful to the brand’s DNA and developing a highly innovative bike that can compete at the highest levels
Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi will be supported by a strong
as well as by official test rider Lorenzo Savadori
They will be joined by the riders from the Team Trackhouse: Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura
MotoGP debutant and Moto2 World Champion in 2024
established to serve as a strategic partner to Aprilia and not simply a satellite team
is a key resource in the ongoing development of the RS-GP25
providing useful data and contributing to the process of innovation
Aprilia Racing will make its MotoGP début with four bikes with the most advanced specification
"I am super excited by this new challenge: to win with Aprilia
My goals are very clear; now we must concentrate on being the best version of ourselves - that goes for Aprilia and for me personally
I really feel the warmth of being part of this team
and I think that this is the perfect place for me
We are all thrilled to be starting this new season.”
and I’m really happy to be representing such an important brand
I’m really fired up - see you in Sepang for the test!”
“It’s a real pleasure for me to start this new adventure with Aprilia Racing
The goal for 2025 is to be remain competitive at all times
both in the sprints and in the longer races
aiming to achieve the best possible results throughout the season
This really does represent a new era for us
with a significant change after many years
both in terms of technical management and the line-up of our riders
We are particularly motivated for the new season and proud to have two top new MotoGP riders in our team
the 2025 season represents the start of a new era
and our aim is to be leaders and not just followers
Our goal is clear - to stay competitive at all times
talented and motivated riders like Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi
and an equally determined team and company
and our task will be to ensure that this is expressed to the maximum in each of the 22 races in the championship.”
GEAR SHIFT: APRILIA RACING SEAMLESS SYSTEM
EXAUST: SC FULL TITANIUM EXAUST SYSTEM EXAUST VALVE SYSTEM TO INCREASE ENGINE BRAKING PERFORM
REAR HEIGHT DEVICE: APRILIA RACING “BSE” SYSTEM
17’’X4’’ REAR: MARCHESINI FORGED MAGNESIUM
BRAKE SYSTEM: FRONT: MONOBLOC FINNED ALUMINUM GP4 BREMBO CALIPERS ENTIRELY MACHINED FROM SOLID
WITH A RADIAL ATTACHMENT OF 4 TITANIUM PISTONS
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The 2025 Aprilia RS660 and RS660 Factory have arrived in dealers
the up-spec Factory version offers fully adjustable Öhlins suspension
THE SPORTS MIDDLEWEIGHT CATEGORY BENCHMARK HITS A NEW LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE: NEW AERODYNAMICS
MORE POWER AND EVEN MORE ADVANCED ELECTRONICS
UNVEILING OF THE SOPHISTICATED RS 660 FACTORY – A PREMIUM-SPEC VERSION WITH FULLY ADJUSTABLE ÖHLINS SUSPENSION
One of the most anticipated releases for motorcyclists who love sporty
hits US Aprilia dealerships this March – the new RS 660
the Italian sports middleweight has evolved with many enhancements
The fairing features new aerodynamic winglets for greater stability
while the already class-leading electronics package gains launch control and a refined new color instrument cluster
Weighing just 183 kg ready to ride and delivering an increased output of 105 HP from its twin-cylinder engine
the RS 660 further improves an already excellent power-to-weight ratio
The new Aprilia RS 660 is available in two new colour schemes – Venom Yellow and Blue Marlin
that’s not all: the RS 660 is now available in the Factory trim
a name given to the most exclusive and premium versions of Aprilia’s sports models
Recognised by enthusiasts for their racing-inspired sophistication
these models deliver a unique riding experience on track and road
The Aprilia RS 660 Factory comes standard with advanced
fully adjustable Öhlins suspension and exclusive new graphics and is available for $13,999 USD ex-showroom
*Canadians will be able to purchase the new RS 660 for $14,295 CAD this April
and the new RS 660 Factory for $16,795 CAD in May
Find all the details at Aprilia.com
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I can’t find any dealer that has these in stock
Banking on the fun and excitement of the Tuono V4 and Tuono 660, Aprilia has today released the Tuono 457. The naked version of the RS457 sportbike
the Tuono 457 follows the recipe of a naked bike born from a sportbike by replacing fairings for handlebars
that have nearly the same amount of plastic as the RSV4s
the Tuono 457 does not have its fairings integrated into the frame
It really does have a more minimal set of fairings attached to the sides
Aprilia says the design of the Tuono 457 started with a blank sheet
but it still carries the unmistakable design language of the Tuono family
There’s still a full LED light cluster with the triple headlight that has become typical for Aprilia
Below it you’ll find a small lower lip spoiler – an homage to the original Tuono 1000 R V-Twin
designed to better match the wide handlebars and feel more comfortable for the rider
At the heart of it all is the same aluminum frame seen in the RS457
making it the only bike in the category with an aluminum frame
which is intentionally left uncovered as part of the naked bike aesthetic while the exhaust terminates under the engine
This not only cleans up the lines of the bike
but also gave Aprilia designers more freedom to locate the passenger footrests
Seat height is 31.5 inches and the seat itself is tapered at the front to make it easier to put your feet on the ground
The 457cc DOHC parallel-Twin is the same one first seen in the RS457 and uses four valves per cylinder for a maximum (claimed) output of 47.6 hp at 9,400 rpm and 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,700 rpm – making it eligible to be ridden with an A2 license
the Tuono 457 has a favorable power-to-weight ratio
A crucial difference between the Tuono 457 and the RS457 is the Tuono’s shorter final drive gearing compared to the RS
thanks to an extra tooth on the rear sprocket
This should give it a little better acceleration
The Tuono’s 41mm inverted fork is only adjustable for preload and offers 4.7 in
There’s a similarly bare shock with minimal adjustments on offer and 5.1 in
Such is the way with small displacement motorcycles – the sacrifice in performance usually comes in the suspension department
Braking is handled with ByBre calipers – the single front being radially mounted and mated to a 320mm disc
There’s an adjustable brake lever and Bosch ABS with two separate settings comes standard
On the electronics side the Tuono 457 borrows much of the same tech as its RS sibling
The Ride-by-Wire system makes this possible
Riding modes have become de facto these days
All adjust power delivery in manners you’d expect with the corresponding names
Then there’s the adjustable traction control (which can be adjusted while riding
and is set to the max level in all riding modes
but it can be turned off on the rear wheel when the bike is stopped for those times when sporty riding is the goal
but available as an accessory is the Aprilia Quick Shift system for faster gear changes in both directions without the clutch
Information is displayed to the rider via a 5-inch TFT display
which can then be connected to your smartphone to show various infotainment items
The Aprilia Tuono 457 comes in two different colors
The Piranha Red livery boasts the classic colors of Aprilia's history – black and red
while the second version is called Puma Gray and features more sober colors
which lend the Tuono 457 a more urban look
there’s a wide range of accessories and apparel dedicated to the Tuono 457 as well
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Nice bike but these suppository seats have got to go away
A grand more than a 451 Ninja and equal horsepower
There’s a new RSV4 and RSV4 Factory from Aprilia for 2025
though you wouldn’t know it by the looks of it
we came close to brushing off the RSV4 when we first got these images since
the bike basically looks the same as it always has for nearly two decades
That’s how much (crankshaft) horsepower Aprilia claims the new Euro5+ compliant RSV4 engine makes which
would make the RSV4 the world’s most powerful homologated production superbike
Numbers and claims like that deserve some attention on the pages of Motorcycle.com
we’ve loved the sound it makes across the board
The very first iterations of the engine were a bit underpowered
but as the years went on and displacements got bigger
to be exact) 65º V4 meets Euro5+ standards
is also said to make 220 horsepower at 13,100 rpm and 92.2 lb-ft of torque at 10,800 rpm
Aprilia’s coy on details about how it achieved such numbers other than to say the engine now has bigger throttle bodies measuring 52mm (up from 48mm) and a new exhaust system
The catalytic converter has also been moved to reduce the amount of heat getting to the rider
Taming all that power is the same basic chassis the RSV4 was born with
and as much as it gets criticism for hardly changing
the truth of the matter is that it works just as well now as it did then
Surrounding the frame is a new set of bodywork which looks largely the same as before except for one key feature: the huge wing underneath the triple LED headlight
the new bodywork has two main goals: to better protect the rider and to reduce drag (which
Aprilia could have done by negating the wings altogether
Aprilia didn’t give specific downforce numbers
but does go on to mention the new bodywork reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient by 6% and the tendency to wheelie by 8% compared to last year’s model
They also help to reduce the heat directed towards the rider
the RSV4 comes with a litter of electronics
the information comes to the rider via a 5-inch TFT dash with new graphics
Brembo’s Hypure calipers replace the Stylema units and are lighter and more efficient
both models come equipped as standard with a six-axis inertial platform
and three riding modes that manage the three levels of Cornering ABS and the controls in the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control)
Aprilia’s materials state that some of the “control systems” will be available as in-app purchases
enabling riders to optimize electronic settings according to their riding style and requirements without needing to visit a dealer
it sounds like a better option than visiting your dealer to unlock a feature
and it’s much better than having to subscribe to a feature
Aprilia has designed and developed a comprehensive range of accessories for customizing the RSV4 and RSV4 Factory
These items include various carbon-fiber components
and SC Project’s homologated slip-on exhaust
Aprilia has also partnered with Alpinestars to create a complete clothing line dedicated to Aprilia V4 bikes that includes leather suits and gloves for both the track or the street
Two color options are available for the standard RSV4: Poison Yellow
featuring a predominantly grey finish with many yellow accents
a striking electric blue complemented by red details
the Aprilia RSV4 Factory features premium equipment
including forged aluminum wheels and the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system
replacing the RSV4's fully adjustable Sachs mechanical suspension
the corner-by-corner suspension and engine power delivery calibration
It is available in a single color scheme - Dark Kraken - making the Factory instantly recognizable
also thanks to its combination with the two-tone seat
Anybody else wonder why we need a pit limiter and a multimedia center on the same motorcycle
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Our web monkeys are still hard at work and welcome your feedback.
Home | MotoGP | MotoGP has amended its testing rules for injured riders
New changes have been made to MotoGP's testing rules for injured riders following proposals from Aprilia
The FIM have amended the MotoGP rules regarding testing for injured riders
the new rules allow riders to test if they meet certain requirements
It now states that MotoGP riders who have missed three events or more are allowed to test before returning to a race weekend
Riders who have missed more than three successive events are now allowed a single one-day test before returning to race
The test must be carried out at a circuit eligible to the rider’s manufacturer based on their concessions status
or on any circuit where there is no MotoGP race scheduled for the remainder of the current season
The test must also not take place less than eight weeks ahead of a MotoGP event on that circuit
The tyres used on the test will be a part of the manufacturer’s test team allocation for that season
with a maximum of three sets available for the test
It’s also notable that one-day post-race tests are defined as part of the preceding race weekend
It means that a rider could not take part in the upcoming post-race test at Aragon the day after the Grand Prix there and then complete another one-day test
because participating in the post-race test will effectively count as having taken part in the Grand Prix weekend and therefore a MotoGP event
The rule change was originally proposed by Aprilia Racing earlier this season
The Italian manufacturer called for the new rule after their new rider
missed the first three rounds of the 2025 season
Aprilia Racing suggested that the rules should be changed to allow riders who have missed multiple rounds through injury to test a MotoGP machine to allow their bodies and minds to get used to riding a MotoGP bike again
However, the rules were not changed originally due to Ducati protesting against a midseason rule change that could benefit their rivals
This new change could once again help Aprilia after Jorge Martin fractured several ribs and suffered a pneumothorax at the Qatar Grand Prix
With the reigning Champion out for the foreseeable future he will likely be eligible for a one-day test
Piaggio Group Americas announces Cory Ventura will be racing an Aprilia RSV4 1100 in the 2025 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season
This is a press release from PS2 Racing and Cory Ventura…
and Piaggio Group Americas are thrilled to announce that Cory Ventura will be racing the Aprilia RSV4 1100 throughout the entire Stock 1000 season
continuing his long-standing support of talented riders
“Riders who have the whole package like Cory are rare
With a rich legacy of success on the track
the Aprilia RSV4 has cemented itself as a dominant force in motorcycle racing
In its first full World Superbike season in 2009
Max Biaggi piloted the RSV4 to nine podium finishes and a victory at Brno Circuit
Biaggi went on to secure the 2010 World Superbike Championship and closed out his career with another title in 2012 aboard the RSV4
Aprilia’s racing pedigree continued with Sylvain Guintoli clinching the 2014 World Superbike Championship and Lorenzo Savadori winning the 2015 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup
Cory Ventura will be the first to race an RSV4 1100 for the entire MotoAmerica Stock 1000 season
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact PlasticSurgeryRacing@gmail.com
For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com
And the #1 breaks cover as Martin aims to defend his crown…
joined by a fast teammate who is equally new to the Noale factory: Marco Bezzecchi
The new line-up presented their fresh-look RS-GP in Milan on Wednesday
with a few tweaks to their already iconic livery
And we got the answer to that long-awaited question: yes
The Aprilia RS-GP25 represents an important evolution for the Aprilia Racing MotoGP project
Every detail has been redesigned to be able to compete at the highest level and strengthen Aprilia Racing’s position among the protagonists of MotoGP
which has likewise undergone a great deal of development work
has remained faithful to its DNA and developed an innovative bike
capable of competing at the highest levels
Test rider Lorenzo Savadori will also remain on board as part of the Noale project
and the Trackhouse MotoGP™ Team plays an important role with Raul Fernandez and rookie Ai Ogura – fundamental to the continued development of the bike and more than simply an Independent Team on the same machinery
four 2025 spec RS-GPs will be fielded in MotoGP from the very first race
Jorge Martin: "I'm very happy about this new challenge: winning with Aprilia
now we have to focus on being the best version of ourselves
I really feel the warmth of the team and I think this could be a perfect place for me
We are all very excited to start this new season.”
Marco Bezzecchi: "I'm happy to have joined this team
It will be fantastic and I'm really happy to represent such an important brand
to work and to give it a bit of gas to try to achieve good results
There's a lot of desire on everyone's part
Aprilia Racing Technical Director: "It's a pleasure for me to start this new adventure with Aprilia Racing
The goal for 2025 is to be consistently competitive
aiming to achieve maximum results over the course of the season
with a significant change after several years
both in technical management and in the rider line-up
We are particularly motivated for the new season and proud to have two new MotoGP reference riders on the team
Aprilia Racing CEO: “The 2025 season represents the start of a new era for Aprilia Racing
with the ambition of being protagonists and not just pursuers
The goal is clear: to always be competitive
and with an equally determined team and company
The RS-GP25 has enormous potential and our job will be to make sure that this is expressed to the maximum in the 22 races of the championship.”
it's the small-displacement machines (and maxi-scooters) that are the everyday workhorses
They strike a happy balance between fun and practicality
a strong case of "get you a bike that can do both." In highway-happy places like the US
where smaller bikes aren't the most practical solution outside of cities
middleweights are more than happy to fill the role
but not so much that the only good place for them is on a track
that I'm pretty sure the owner commutes on for most of their daily activities (work
It'd put such a smile on your face for doing those things
Especially in that distinctive Acid Gold colorway
That's why it's great news that not only is Aprilia bringing back the RS 660 to American showrooms for 2025; it's also upping the ante considerably
take a look at the beautiful new 2025 Aprilia RS 660 Factory
For those familiar with Aprilia Factory bikes
you won't be at all surprised to learn that the RS 660 Factory gets more than just some slick new graphics
indeed; it also gets a shiny new fully adjustable Öhlins suspension
Eagle-eyed viewers may also notice that the RS 660 Factory pictured above also has a new
This is an upgrade it shares with the regular RS 660 for 2025
as well as a new engine tuning (to meet Euro 5+ requirements) that outputs a claimed 105 horsepower
this bike weighs just 403 pounds at the curb
Shiny new 2025 bikes also get shiny new 2025 colors
the RS 660 will be available in your choice of Blue Marlin or Venom Yellow
while the RS 660 Factory will come in the color and graphics you see above
the 2025 Aprilia RS 660 will carry an MSRP of $11,649
the 2025 Aprilia RS 660 Factory will carry an MSRP of $13,999
Aprilia is also bringing the 2025 RS 660 to you
the 2025 Aprilia RS 660 will come at a cost of CAD $14,295
while the RS 660 Factory will run you CAD $16,795
Aprilia Announces 2024 RS 660 Trofeo One-Make Racing Series
2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema Is The Crema Of The Super Twins Crop
Aprilia Shows Off Limited-Edition RS 660 In Red
MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin believes Aprilia has made the "biggest" leap in recent years with its 2025 prototype
Martin is joining Aprilia next year after clinching his first title with a Pramac Ducati, the Spaniard having been snubbed for a promotion to the factory team in favour of Marc Marquez
Madrid native Martin got his first taste of the Aprilia in the post-season test at Barcelona and completed 77 laps during the test, finishing a second behind pacesetter Alex Marquez
Although his contractual situation means he is not allowed to speak in detail about the bike until the start of next year, Martin acknowledged that the Noale-based manufacturer had taken a significant step forward with the prototype that he and Marco Bezzecchi will ride in 2025
but the look on my face was seen by all of you who were there," Martin told Motorsport.com. "I was happy
and I don't think I could be happier than at Aprilia anywhere else
"I think the new package is very interesting
and the jump the bike has made is the biggest in recent years
The potential is high and it looks very good."
The bike used on the test day at Barcelona was an early version of the one that will be taken to Sepang for the pre-season tests at the beginning of February
Aprilia's hiring of the world champion is the culmination of an internal restructuring the Italian manufacturer has gone through in all areas
The intention of the shake-up is to reduce the gap between Aprilia and Ducati
the world champion for the last three years and one of the most dominant bikes ever
"Aprilia has the commitment and I have seen that first-hand," Martin added
"I have noticed how they love me and what they will do for me
But they feel the responsibility of having the champion
but in order to do that we have to apply a strategy and a proper work dynamic."
When asked to offer a verdict on Aprilia's performance slump in the second half of the 2024 season
Martin admitted he didn't have a clear answer either
"This year Aprilia started better than ever
but it's true that from Aragon onwards it started to go down
It's very complicated to know what happens when you are on the outside
"It's very difficult to understand how you can win in Austin coming from behind
finish more than 11 seconds behind," Martin said
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