Aprilia

Aprilia Caponord 1000

Aprilia's big Mille sportsbike has been a stunning success on road and track, so you can bet that the 1000cc CapoNord is a stonking bike. The Italian company has taken its Austrian-built 60-degree twin, tuned it for more mid-range and less top end, and produced a super-trailie to take on Honda's Africa Twin and Suzuki's V-Strom and come out laughing.
The CapoNord makes a brilliant all-rounder, whether commuting or long-distance touring. Design is refined, not futuristic or extreme. The fairing and wide windshield - with direction indicators built into the hand guards - protect rider and passenger from buffeting. Slim bodywork makes the CapoNord ideal for filtering through traffic.
But don't even think about trying to keep up with an ST4 or VFR800 on an autobahn. The CapoNord is not designed for charging to the Alps with 150mph dialled up. But get to the twisties, and the Ducati and Honda rider will be in for a surprise. This big trailie really handles.
And there's loads of room for a passenger for comfortable two-up touring. Aprilia can supply a top box, panniers and tank bag so you can easily carry luggage for a two-week jaunt.
The Mille-based engine has four valves per cylinder, with a mix of chain and gear drive to the double overhead cams. There's a double-balancer countershaft to kill vibration. Also from the Mille comes the power-assisted hydraulic clutch with patented Pneumatic Power Clutch (PPC) to control rear wheel hop under hard braking. Engine mods including re-profiled cams and new throttle bodies (47mm diameter instead of 51mm) have turned the light and compact V-twin into a huge elastic band of a motor, with a torque curve that is almost flat as it delivers 72 ft-lb at 6250rpm.
Power output has been reduced from the Mille's 130bhp to 98bhp at 8250rpm, making it a much sweeter engine for touring. The CapoNord features electronic fuel injection and Twin Spark ignition, with two spark plugs per cylinder. Dry sump lubrication means there's no risk of oil starvation when you pop wheelies.
The Aprilia ETV 1000 CapoNord was the first trail motorcycle in the world fitted with a perimeter frame consisting of a double beam with variable geometry. The frame is made of box-section aluminium alloy, with castings in aluminium and magnesium alloy. It guarantees the highest torsional rigidity coefficient in its category. The swingarm is also built of aluminium and magnesium alloy for lightness and torsional rigidity.
Marzocchi front suspension with 50mm diameter fork stanchions ensures the CapoNord goes where you point it - and with 175mm of wheel travel, you won't be bounced off your chosen line. The Sachs rear suspension is adjustable for rebound and preload.
Brembo Gold series brakes with Freudenberg hoses ensure top stopping performance. Dry weight is a manageable 215kg, and the tank holds 25 litres, including 5-litre reserve. That's enough for about 180 miles at fast touring speeds.

Aprilia Falco SL 1000

After their success with the stunning RSV Mille (they've sold over 12,000 of them since it was introduced in 1998) it was only a matter of time before Aprilia rang the changes with the 60-degree V-twin motor and produced a sports tourer to take on Honda's Firestorm and the Ducati ST4.
The engine has been slightly detuned - power is down from 130bhp @ 9500rpm to 118bhp @ 9250 rpm, but the twin silencers that replace the single can on the Mille and a remapped fuel injection system combine to bolster the mid-range grunt for two-up touring. And with 156mph available you'll be sunning yourself in the South of France before you can say 'Bonjour Cannes'.
The Falcon also gets a new twin-spar alloy frame that shows off the black painted engine, and an angular fairing that you will either love or hate. At least it keeps the windblast off rider and passenger. Aprilia's trademark three-light headlamp looks good and throws a beam that'll light up the darkest night.
Decent grab handles mean that a pillion feels more secure as you make the most of this Italian thoroughbred's handling and stuff it through a series of bends. And you will because this bike handles better than any tourer has a right to. You could even use it on a track day complete with panniers and still embarrass sportsbike riders.
There's only one fly in this Italian's ointment. Fast touring knocks the fuel consumption down to 35mpg, giving you a tank range of just 165 miles between fill-ups. But what a way to make your contribution to global warming.

Aprilia Futura RST 1000

The RST 1000 Futura is made for road riders who want the best of both worlds - supersport performance with the convenience of a full touring fairing.
The Futura is ideal for high-speed journeys with a level of performance that guarantees maximum riding and touring pleasure. Even the pillion provides genuine touring comfort, allowing the passenger to relax and enjoy the bike?s impressive performance along with the rider.
The heart of the Futura is the same V-twin that powers all Aprilia's big sports bikes, and is the most powerful twin cylinder engine in the sport touring class. The 60° V-twin, with four valves per cylinder and double overhead cams with mixed chain and gear timing drive, is derived from the RSV supersport, but tuned for touring. The Futura delivers good power even at very low revs, eliminating the need to change gear in traffic and at low speeds. Aprilia claim 113bhp at the crank at 9250 rpm.
The hydraulic clutch assisted by the patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system to control rear wheel bounce.
The aluminium alloy twin-spar frame and brand-new single sided swingarm not only looks good but makes the bike handle better. The front fork is a 43mm Showa upside down unit, with adjustable rebound and preload. For the rear suspension Aprilia has fitted a Sachs monoshock with adjustable rebound and preload.
The under-seat exhaust allows the panniers to be fitted close in to the bike's chassis, significantly reducing width and the annoying turbulence that comes with it. The direction indicators are integrated in the rear view mirrors. The fuel filler cap is offset to the right of the tank to facilitate refuelling with the bike on its side stand.
Unlike other sports tourers, panniers are fitted as standard, as are the tank bag and centre stand. You even get a decent lock - the Body-Guard armoured cable lock should keep your pride and joy safe wherever you go touring.

Aprilia Leonardo 125

The Leonardo was one of the first of the new generation of four-stroke scooters. And it has been a top seller for Aprilia - since its launch in 1996 they have sold over 100,000 in the 125, 150 and 250 capacity classes. The 150 and 250cc scoots have now been discontinued, leaving just the ST125.
Launched in 2001, the ST125 is one of the most spacious maxi scooters. The low, wide saddle is one of the most comfortable you?ll find on a scoot - especially if you are a shorter rider. Now you can easily get your feet on the ground. The windscreen might not look very big, but it provides effective weather protection.
A large aluminium luggage rack incorporates the passenger grab handles and is designed to allow the optional top box to be mounted easily. There is enough room in the under-seat compartment to store a helmet.
The front fork has substantial 35mm stanchions to resist twisting and have 90mm of travel, while the rear shock absorbers are adjustable for pre-load with five positions. Wide, low profile tyres are fitted to the 12in five-spoke wheels so that you get great roadholding and a decent footprint on the tarmac to make the most of the brakes. Both discs - a 220mm up front and a 190mm at the rear - feature twin-pot callipers for efficient stopping power.
With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, the four-valve liquid cooled engine delivers lively performance and still manages over 60mpg. And with a 9.5 litre (2 gallons) tank between your legs the Leonardo ST has an impressive range of more than 125 miles. An upright riding position ensures easy control and good visibility, allowing you to enjoy the performance in maximum safety.
The electric start twist ?n? go Leonard ST is available in four colours - Lead Grey, Infinity Blue, Aprilia Black or Flamingo Red. Accessories include a 20-litre top box, Aprilia Body Guard anti-theft device, and a higher windscreen or sports windscreen.

Aprilia Pegaso 650

Updated three times since its 1993 launch, the Pegaso 650 single is one of Aprilia's oldest troopers. It might not light everyone's wick, and Aprilia's statement that: "those who travel by motorcycle do so to make discoveries both outside and inside themselves. The motorcycle becomes a window on the world, wide open to emotions to be lived intensely, kilometre after kilometre, on all terrains and in all weathers," might look either like overblown hype or a sincere statement that?s lost something in the translation.
But there's no denying that the Pegaso is one of the best dual purpose trail and commuter bikes out there. Despite its age, the Pegaso can still cut it, although the fuel injection on the latest models doesn't yield any more power.
Forks and brakes have been revised for the more recent bikes too, and handling is more than satisfactory. As if Aprilia would build a bike that doesn't handle?
A five-valve head gets the gasses in and out, although riders raised on smooth multis might not find a single to their taste.
The Pegaso's nearest rival is the BMW F650. Another single, also European and a common sight on the city streets of mainland Europe.
Bikes like the Pegaso may not be the first choice for off-road action, but their upright riding position and high stance make them ideal for the bustle of inner city commuting, and that's where the excel.

Aprilia RS 125

We all want to breathe cleaner air, but what a price to pay - Aprilia have stopped making the RS125 just because it's a two-stroke. We've lost one of the best handling bikes you can buy - whatever the capacity.
That's because the last versions of this race-bred stroker feature upside down forks with 40mm diameter stanchions. They are adjustable for preload, and have a generous 120mm of wheel travel. Rear suspender is a monoshock also adjustable for preload.
The aluminium alloy perimeter beam frame provides exceptional torsional rigidity. You would lose the benefit of such a cracking frame if you had a flimsy back end, so the RS125 gets a strong alloy swingarm - the design was developed on the racetrack for the Aprilia 125 Challenge Trophy. And they probably got some feedback from 125 World Champion Roberto Locatelli.
Steering, suspension and braking are all precise. You'll embarrass riders of bigger sportsbikes on this tiddler.
Wind tunnel testing was used to tweak the design of the fairing for better penetration and aerodynamics. It completely covers the underside of the engine, and even wraps around the clip-ons to form what Aprilia quaintly describe as "hand guards".
But they have a purpose - when you get down to it, the sleek lines mean you can make the best of the 125cc liquid cooled two-stroke single. You don't get a wide powerband so you have to use the box, but that's half the fun. Nobody needs an excuse to wheel this baby out of the garage.
The RS125 looks good too - whether you go for the red/black, grey/yellow or black/silver colour options. They all come with the "racing" logos that traffic cops just love to see on a road bike. Just dream of the day when they pull you over and ask: "Who do you think you are, Locatelli?"

Aprilia RS 250

A 250c two-stroke screamer that'll top 130mph, the RS is basically a road legal racer that will frustrate you in city traffic but let you show bigger bikes the way around on track days so that you can ride home with a really stupid grin on your face.
The 60-degree V-win stroker is based on Suzuki's RGV250 unit, modded with different ignition, air box and exhaust system. Aprilia got it so right that the RS stuffed the RGV on the road - and on the racetrack. Thinking sportsbike riders were chopping in 600s to buy them - and saving a packet on insurance.
The RS got its first major update in 1998 with a wider fairing based on the GP racers that lets you tuck down out of the wind. Aprilia claimed increased acceleration and top speed - even if it wasn't as pretty as the earlier one. Also new for '98 was Showa upside-down forks, a shorter wheelbase. Exhaust tuning lets the later bikes rev past peak power instead of dying at 12,000. There's still nothing much below 8k.
Although the front brake calipers were stiffened up for the 1998 model year, the brakes were always excellent. An on-board computer gives lap times, top speed and other info you'd want to clear as soon as you saw a blue light in your mirror.
Weighing a featherweight 140kg, the 'Prilla can be stuffed late into corners and screamed out - if you keep in the powerband. Get it bogged down and you might as well be on a BSA Bantam. Just like the classic Brit stroker, the RS leaves a whiff of blue two-stroke oil in its exhaust gas, but it is a lot thirstier. Expect 30mpg on a good day - which is why the Aprilia comes with a sensible five-gallon tank. And remember you need to budget for quality oil to burn as well.
The expense doesn't stop there. Use the engine hard and it'll need a top-end overhaul after about 10,00 miles. Just remember it was worth it.

Aprilia RS 50

The Aprilia RS50 looks and performs like a miniature racer. And its engine, chassis and aerodynamic design give it a real cutting edge.
The look is dominated by its wrap-around fairing with integrated hand guards to provide total rider protection, eliminate turbulence and ensure optimum aerodynamic penetration. Because the fairing is so efficient at cutting drag, the RS50 is capable of an impressive top speed despite its small engine size.
The aerodynamic tail hump completes the Aprilia RS50's racing image and also houses a spacious lockable storage compartment, ideal for carrying locks and waterproofs. The tail hump also covers the passenger seat, so it does not spoil the look nor does it interfere with the bike's aerodynamics.
The bodywork does not hide the die cast aluminium frame - a true Aprilia masterpiece. The RS50 is the first production 50cc motorcycle to be equipped with this type of high tech frame that combines light weight and unbeatable structural strength. The 35mm fork stanchions keep the 'Prilla tracking true.
The double piston 280mm stainless steel front disc delivers powerful, safe braking that sets a new class standard. The rear brake is of the same high standard, thanks to a 220mm disk and single piston calliper with aluminium mounting bracket.
The light alloy five-spoke wheels are another eye-catching feature of the Aprilia RS50. The 17in hoops, like on bigger super sports machines, keep weight down and improve manoeuvrability.
A chassis of this high standard deserves a top class engine. The RS50 uses an electric start liquid cooled single cylinder two stroke, with reed intake and balancing countershaft.
The six-speed gearbox makes the most of the engine's power and a large, easy to read rev counter makes it easy to change gear at just the right engine speed to keep the RS in the power band.
Finally, add a whole range of important details that are normally only found on bigger bikes. These include forged aluminium gear and brake levers, die cast aluminium footrest mounts, an aluminium silencer, and tubeless radial tyres.
As a first bike the Aprilia RS50 is a stunner.

Aprilia RSV Mille 1000

The RSV (Racing Series V-twin) was Aprilia's first foray into the big bike market after years of making brilliant 125 and 250cc strokers.
Unlike offerings from Ducati, Honda and Suzuki, Aprilia opted for a unique 60-degree angle between the cylinders instead of the usual 90-degrees. This gives a shorter, more compact engine but loses out in the primary balance stakes - a 90 will always be smoother - so the 'Prilia uses two balancer shafts to kill vibes stone dead.
At 185kg dry, the RSV Mille is lighter than the Ducati 916/996 and Suzi's TLR. The Honda VTR1000 SP-I is a porker in comparison, weighing in at 200kg.
The stonking sound that booms from the huge stainless steel 'racing' can makes it impossible for anyone with blood in their veins to resist the temptation to wind open the throttle and go faster for further than they'd planned. It's an addictive noise.
The 126bhp fuel-injected motor pulls strongly from low revs and thanks to masses of torque, there's no need to play tunes on the gearbox to keep the power on song.
Polished aluminium beam frame and banana-shaped swingarm, upside-down Showa fork and Boge rear shock combine to strike a balance between flickability and stability.
The 'Prilia is easier to ride fast than the Ducati, and has quickly earned a reputation for reliability and quality. The riding position is also a lot more comfortable.
For those after higher spec or exclusivity, Aprilia offers two other versions. The Mille-R cost £2000 more than the stock bike, but it is worth it for the Ohlins suspension front and rear, Ohlins steering damper, forged aluminium wheels, and solo seat. The SP is for lottery winners only - it cost a whopping £22,765 for the hand-built homologation special (manufacturers who want to go Superbike racing have to make a minimum 150 bikes for sale to the public).
Not everyone likes the styling of the early models, something Aprilia has addressed with the 2001 models. Road or track, the RSV Mille is one of the most accomplished bikes made.

Aprilia RSV Mille 'R' 1000

If you want a serious track tool that is also a brilliant road bike, the Mille R delivers in stonking style. Introduced in 2000, changes from the standard Mille included Öhlins suspension front and rear - with titanium nitrided sliders - and forged wheels that slashed 25% off the weight of the stock hoops. The motor was the same 126bhp 60-degree V-twin.
New damper settings for the suspension and Brembo discs with four separate pads in each caliper, revised steering geometry and bigger inlet valves were just some of the updates for the 2001 Mille R. But things don?t stand still at Aprilia. For 2003 the RSV Mille R is even better - you get a more aerodynamic bike that's faster and comes with the latest radial front brake technology.
The Mille R's aerodynamics have been improved thanks to a new slimmer tail and a front mudguard that ensures smoother air flow around the fork stanchions.
Extensive wind tunnel testing showed that the new mudguard improves aerodynamic penetration and front end stability at high speed, and channels more air through the radiator, with obvious benefits for engine running temperature. Less wind buffeting means less fatigue so that you can maintain your concentration over long rides.
The new, slimmer tail makes the rear end look more streamlined and aggressive. The flatter tail also makes it easier for the rider to throw his leg over the bike when getting on and off. A passenger seat kit is available as an optional. The new seat prevents the passenger from sliding into the rider during hard braking, increasing comfort and safety. The new seat also allows the passenger to sit lower down and not tower over the rider, with clear performance benefits when riding two up.
Like the RSV Mille, the new Mille R also gets a new close ratio gearbox to make the most of the 130 Shire horses from the Aprilia V-twin. Compared to the 2002 gearbox, the 2003 unit has a longer first, second and third gear and closer fifth and sixth gears. The result is even more blistering acceleration with sensational pickup coming out of bends. The new box allows the engine to respond even better in the higher gears, making the bike faster and more fun to ride.
Other trick parts include the hydraulic action clutch, which uses the patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system to control rear wheel bounce. The clutch is equipped with progressive action dampers that engage to match the engine torque being delivered at all times, ensuring silky smoothness and eliminating clutch noise at low revs. Thanks to the special design of the clutch plates and to the clutch lubrication system, this unit gives an exceptional progressive action, long working life, and low lever forces.
The box section sloping twin-spar aluminium alloy frame remains unchanged on the Mille R, but the 43mm Öhlins Racing titanium nitride upside down fork is brand new. The fork has been totally redesigned mechanically and hydraulically and has new, longer (+15mm) stanchions and shorter inner legs. This reduces the loads on the two most critical elements of the fork (the sliding bushings and the inner-to-stanchion fixing mechanism). Wheel travel is 120 mm. A double chamber Öhlins Racing steering damper is fitted as standard.
Aprilia developed the radial calliper front brake with Brembo for the 250 GP bikes. They are called radial calliper brakes because of the radial arrangement of the calliper fixing bolts, which are positioned around the radius of the disk.
The advantage is that the calliper is fixed at both ends of the fork's mounting block. This holds the calliper far more rigidly, allowing it to work more precisely and without flexing. The advantage becomes clear if you consider that on traditional callipers the end furthest from the mounting block is normally left "floating"; so that correct pad positioning is left entirely to the calliper's own rigidity. The rear brake is also a Brembo Gold unit, with a 220mm stainless steel disk and twin 32mm piston calliper.
And if you still need a reason to buy a Mille R, just take a look at those gold anodised OZ wheels. Gorgeous. Want one?

Aprilia RSV-1000R

The RSV (Racing Series V-twin) was Aprilia's first foray into the big bike market after years of making brilliant 125 and 250cc strokers. Now for 2004 they've come up with the RSV 1000R Factory and it's the top bike in the current line-up.
The 60-degree V-twin Magnesium engine is tuned to the RSV 1000 R spec. Along with a pile of ultralight goodies and the world's best quality production components it all adds up to a superb road bike and trackday tool. The Factory pumps out 139hp at 9500 rpm with a maximum torque of 107 Nm at 7500 rpm.
You get radial callipers, fully adjustable Öhlins fork and rear shock, and an Öhlins steering damper as standard. The 43mm upside-down Öhlins Racing fork is titanium nitride coated to optimize smoothness. Its elongated sleeves and shortened legs reduce the load on two critical points of the fork (the sliding bush and stanchion-leg coupling). Wheel travel is 120 mm.
The brakes are some of the sharpest you'll find this side of a WSB track. Any free lever movement due to caliper "elasticity" is almost completely eliminated since radial mounting prevents any movement of the calliper itself.
With radial mounting, the pads work more in line with the disc, precisely because the calliper is kept more strictly aligned with its theoretical working position even when under extreme stress. This lengthens pad life because better alignment leads to more even surface wear. You get better performance under extremes of temperature as well.
The 320mm front floating steel discs use lowered mounts to minimize weight and inertia, leading to more effective handling. The radial system on the RSV 1000 R Factory is combined with a radial pump to form the most sophisticated braking system currently fitted to a production bike.
Wheels are forged aluminium anodized to a stunning blue finish. To stop you sliding about under acceleration and braking forces the racing seat gets a non-slip surface so you really can ride by the seat of your pants.
The matt black painted frame and loads of carbon parts finishes off a top package that is substantially cheaper than a 999S Ducati.

Aprilia Tuono Fighter 1000

The 2003 Tuono is the affordable version of the RSV Mille R Tuono, a limited edition series of only 200 that sold out within days of going on sale.
And it's a brilliant bike. Aprilia's 60-degree V twin engine delivers an astounding 126 horsepower - making it the most powerful in its class.
Compared to a traditional sports bike, the Aprilia RSV Tuono is much more agile - and comfortable. The wide, high handlebars give better control and easier, more instinctive riding. The high bars also reduce weight and strain on the arms, making backroads and city streets a pleasure instead of a pain.
Minimal bodywork protects the engine's vitals, but leaves just enough to show through the eye-catching metal mesh grill.
The fairing might be small, but it streamlines the front end and is surprisingly effective. Aprilia claims it performs a fundamental aerodynamic function, creating ground loading and keeping the front end stable at high speeds.
The RSV Tuono engine is tuned for mid-range performance thanks to specially designed intake manifolds and EPROM mapping, optimised to increase the already impressive torque and smoothness. In all other aspects the power unit is identical to that in the RSV Mille. The Tuono also shares its frame with the Mille.
Up front is a 43mm Showa upside-down fork, with adjustable preload, compression and rebound. The rear suspension uses an integrated Boge piggyback monoshock, also adjustable for preload, compression, rebound, and height.
Brembo Gold front brakes with double 320 mm floating stainless steel disks haul the Tuono down from its 160mph top speed. Aprilia use a conventional two-pad system rather than the four pad one used on the Mille supersport. It gives smoother stopping when you start to haul on the anchors, much better for braking on rough road surfaces. The rear brake is also Brembo Gold, with a 220mm stainless steel disk, twin 32mm pistons, and sintered pads.
The Tuono is a real sports bike - but without the full fairing. Watch out if you see one on a trackday.