Bikesrepublic

aprilia

Sumber: Aprilia @ Facebook

Selepas pelbagai desas-desus, akhirnya Aprilia mengesahkan bahawa jentera ditunggu-tunggu, Aprilia RS 660 akan membuat penampilan sulung di EICMA, November ini!

Khabar angin mengenai RS 660 pada awalnya timbul selepas Aprilia memfailkan paten jentera tersebut dengan IP Australia, Jun, lalu.

Meskipun gambar ‘teaser’tersebutt tidak mendedahkan rupa keseluruhan namun seperti yang dicanang sebelum ini, RS 660 merupakan jentera segmen ‘middleweight’.

Sementara itu, turut timbul desas-desus bahawa Aprilia akan mendedahkan Tuono 660 di Milan nanti.

  • The production-ready Aprilia RS 660 appeared on social media.

  • It may well be real supersport machine.

  • Rumoured to have more than 100 bhp and weigh a little more than 100 kg.

Remember the Aprilia RS 660 concept which made its debut at EICMA 2018? Well, Aprilia is now teasing with the production-ready form on social media.

Click here to read: Aprilia RS 660 Concept Unveiled at EICMA 2018

Harked as the beginning of a new age, it points to the Noble-based manufacturer creating a true supersport machine, instead of a sport-tourer/commuter machine like the Kawasaki Ninja 650.

Indeed there are rumours that the bike will produce more than 100 bhp and weight just north of 100 kg. Such power-to-weight ration would make any bike fly. Which is fine by us.

If you haven’t been following our updates, the RS 660 takes the RSV4’s engine and cuts off the rear two cylinders, leaving behind a parallel-Twin. But knowing Aprilia, it will not be “just any” parallel-Twin. Add in their Factory APRC package and you have a real sportbike ready to do battle.

Not much can be seen in the picture. However, with some Photoshop work by our friends at Asphalt & Rubber, we could just make out fairing sides that are a little different to the concept’s. There appears to be an aerobody as the manufacturer suggested.

We could also see that it has upside-down forks with lowers for radial-mounted brake calipers.

There are also rumours that suggest the price to be around USD 13,000, which equates to RM 54,342.60. However, it would end up being more expensive than that, given our tax structure.

Still, we couldn’t wait to see it when unveiled at EICMA 2019 next week.

  • Aprilia Malaysia has lined up a great number of interesting events leading up to the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.

  • It includes multiple meet and greet sessions with riders and convoys.

  • There will also be a booth and Aprilia Tribune at the Rooftop Paddock.

The Aprilia brand name has long been associated with GP racing and as such, Aprilia Malaysia will spice up the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP from 1st to 3rd November even more.

The excitement will begin even before the Free Practice 1 kicks off on the track.

On Thursday, 31st October, there will be a meet and greet session with GP legend and Aprilia ambassador Massimiliano ‘Mad Max’ Biaggi. He will also host a an autograph and photography session for fans. The event will be held at The Beach Club, Kuala Lumpur starting from 7.30 pm.

It marks the first time an Aprilia meet and greet event will be held in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Besides that, members of the Aprilia Central Riders Club (ACRC) will convoy to the venue to show their support.

To further enhance Aprilia riders’ MotoGP experience, this year’s Aprilia Tribune is located at the prestigious Rooftop Paddock, where refreshments will be provided. The 200 tickets allocated to Aprilia riders have been sold out. The participants will convoy from the Gasket Alley to the Sepang International Circuit on race day, 3rd November 2019.

The Aprilia booth at MotoGP will be the first for the brand’s custodian in Malaysia. As such, there will be a welcome centre.

Fans will get the chance to meet and greet Aprilia MotoGP riders there:

  • Max Biaggi on 2nd November from 4.30pm;
  • Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone on 2nd November from 6.00pm;
  • Max Biaggi on 3rd November from 10.15am.

The booth will also feature the full range of Aprilia merchandise such as shirts, caps, umbrellas, keychains, pass holders, backpacks and so forth.

 

What’s a booth without the bikes, right? Attendees will witness the new 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory and for the first time, the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory which features electronically-controlled semi-active suspension (SAS). Max Biaggi’s infamous RS250 and Sandro Cortesese’s RSA125 GP bikes will also be on display. Fans will also see Andrea ‘The Maniac’ Iannone’s HJC RPHA 11 race helmet for the first time in Malaysia.

  • The Aprilia GPR 250 was unveiled in China.

  • Its 249.2cc, single-cylinder engine produces 26.5hp and 22Nm.

  • Will it come to Malaysia?

Somewhat unexpected, the Aprilia GPR 250 was unveiled in China rather than in the traditional European markets first.

Aprilia has a long history with 250cc sportbikes, harking back to the glory days of the 2-stroke RS250 for the road. The bike capitalized on their outstanding success in the world 250cc GP in the hands of riders such as Tetsuya Harada, Loris Capirossi, Max Biaggi and one upstart by the name of Valentino Rossi.

However, their attention seemed to have shifted since they built the 1000cc Mille superbike, which culminated in the 1000cc RSV4 and finally the most recent RSV4 1100. Aprilia’s current MotoGP effort lends further weight to the RSV4.

But apparently Aprilia had not given up on lightweight sportbikes. They debuted the RS660 concept at EICMA last year and now this, the GPR 250.

One look and it’s apparent that it’s influenced by the RSV4 in many respects: The twin headlamps, swoopy bodywork, large twin-spar aluminium frame.

The 249.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine is claimed to produce 26.5hp and 22Nm of torque. The manufacturer claims a 150kg weight.

That power is on par with other 250cc single-cylinder sportbikes such as the Honda CBR250R, KTM RC 250 and TVS Apache RR 310. By comparison, two-cylinder machines such as the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and Yamaha YZF-R25 produce in the regions of 39hp and 36hp, respectively.

The Aprilia GPR 250 is slated for the Indian market soon. We wonder if it’ll ever come into Malaysia.

Selepas timbul laporan bahawa Piaggio bakal memperkenalkan Aprilia 150cc di India Auto Expo 2020 kini timbul laporan bahawa pengeluar motosikal Itali itu bakal melancarkan versi 250cc.

Ketika ini, terdapat sebuah model yang dihasilkan Aprilia untuk pasaran China yang dikenali sebagai GPR150 dan pernah dipertontonkan di India sebelum ini.

Bagaimanapun, menurut laporan Bikewale, Aprilia bercadang untuk membawa jentera GPR150 ke pasaran dunia lain dengan kapasiti enjin yang lebih besar – GPR250.

Menariknya, GPR250 memiliki rupa seangkatan dengan GPR150 supersport yang turut menampilkan rekaan yang terdapat pada ‘abang besar’, RSV4 1100 Factory.

Difahamkan, GPR250 mengguna pakai enjin 249.2cc satu silinder dan menghasilkan 25.97hp serta 22Nm namun ketiadaan sistem quickshifter seperti yang terdapat pada model Aprilia RS150.

Antara ciri lain yang terdapat pada Aprilia GRP250

  • USD fork
  • swingarm aluminium
  • monoshock – preload boleh laras
  • kaliper radial
  • tayar depan – 100/80-17
  • tayar belakang – 130/70-17

Aprilia juga difahamkan bakal memperkenalkan Tuono versi 250cc di Auto Expo 2020.

Bagaimanapun, masih tiada maklumat sama ada model ini akan diperkenalkan di Malaysia apatah lagi segmen 250cc ketika ini hanya disajikan dengan Yamaha R25, Kawasaki Ninja 250 dan Honda CBR250.

  • Max Biaggi took delivery of the Aprilia RSV4 X and rode it straight away at the Mugello circuit.

  • The bike produces 225 hp and weighs only 165 kg (dry), and only 10 were built.

  • Andrea Iannone will receive his soon.

Max Biaggi took delivery of the Aprilia RSV4 X and rode it immediately at the Mugello circuit.

“Tackling the corners at Mugello astride the RSV4 X is always a fantastic thrill. On this bike, the sensations are exactly like those of a racing bike and, as soon as I got on it, I felt like I had never quit racing,” said Biaggi in the press release. (Note the different swingarm on Biaggi’s bike.)

Aprilia is currently handing over the ultra-exotic and ultra-limited RSV4 X to only 10 lucky owners. Another MotoGP rider, Andrea Iannone is set to receive his shortly.

The RSV4 X commemorates Aprilia’s 10th anniversary in World Superbike (WorldSBK) racing, hence limiting it to only 10 units. But it isn’t just another lightly enhanced model with anniversary colours. Like Biaggi said, the bike is as close to a WorldSBK racer as you could get.

That heavenly sounding 1078cc V4 engine produces 225 hp hp and carries a bike that weighs only 165 kg (dry). that 1.36 hp to 1 kg in terms of power-to-weight ratio.

Aprilia engineers removed 26 kg from the RSV4 1100 Factory by lightening a number of components, fitting carbon fibre bodywork, installing a lighter fuel tank and utilizing a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.

To increase power, the RSV4 X’s engine features new intake camshaft, valve return springs, bucket tappets and more aggressive cam profiles. The ECU was also updated.

But perhaps the most important feature is its gear shift pattern. Instead of the normal 1-N-2-3-4-5-6, the Aprilia uses a fully race N-1-2-3-4-5-6 pattern. Called the Aprilia No Neutral (ANN) shift, the manufacturer reports that it cuts the time to shift from 1st to 2nd gear and eliminates catching a false neutral. It’s the first time such a pattern is used in a roadbike.

Hey, how about featuring it in ALL roadbikes?!

Handling braking duties are the Brembo GP4-MS front brake calipers, clamping down on Brembo T-Drive discs.

The bike cost £39,900 (RM 205,225) a pop.

You lucky buggers!

  • The Aprilia Central Riding Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) organized another MotoGP “live” viewing over the weekend.

  • It was the GoPro British Grand Prix this time.

  • We hope ACRC and DOCM will continue to build on their brotherhood.

The Aprilia Central Riding Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) continued to strengthen their shared love for motorcycles through another “live” MotoGP viewing.

The function was held at the snazzy Sofitel Damansara this time around. The attendees watched the GoPro British MotoGP at Silverstone for this edition.

While the first event was seen as an ice-breaker, this second viewing was more of a sign of allegiance as riders from both groups joined to enjoy the excitements of MotoGP as one. It was visible that both groups were relaxed in each other’s company.

Refreshments and dinner were also served.

All present were at the edge of their seats when the MotoGP race began.

Suddenly, Dovizioso was taken out by Fabio Quartararo’s crashed motorcycle at the exit of the very first corner come the race, everyone at the event stood and yelled. It was followed by silence when Dovizioso appeared injured and couldn’t get up. Everyone present, regardless of riding an Aprilia or Ducati was concerned.

Petrucci would eventually finish seventh ahead of Jack Miller (Ducati Pramac Racing) and Andrea Ianone (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini).

But neither group made fun of the other regardless of the race’s outcome. Instead, they embraced each other before heading home.

This should be seen more often among motorcycle groups everywhere.

PHOTO GALLERY

Piaggio Group America telah memanggil semula pelbagai jenis jentera Moto Guzzi dan Aprilia susulan masalah brek yang boleh menyebabkan motosikal bergerak perlahan atau berhenti secara tiba-tiba.

Antara model yang dipanggil semula adalah:

  • 2016-2018 Moto Guzzi Audace 1400 and Eldorado 1400
  • 2017-2018 Moto Guzzi California 1400
  • 2017 Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Bagger
  • 2013-2014 Aprilia Mana 850
  • 2014-2016 Aprilia Dorsoduro 750
  • 2018-2019 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
  • 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900

Menurut laporan utimatemotorcycling.com, lebih 1,071 motosikal terkesan dengan masalah ini.

Panggilan semula ini tercetus disebabkan masalah yang berpunca daripada ‘brake master cylinder’ yang boleh menyebabkan brek depan diaktifkan sendiri.

Difahamkan, isu panggil semula ini hanya melibatkan jentera Moto Guzzi dan Aprilia di Amerika.

(SUMBER: ultimatemotorcycling)

  • Goh Brothers official workshops rolled out a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi owners.

  • The offer includes just RM 10 for an original engine oil filter.

  • Please visit the nearest Goh Brothers workshop for more details.

The official imported and distributor of Aprilia motorcycles in Malaysia, Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. has rolled out a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign for Aprilia owners.

The campaign seeks to care for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi owners in the country, letting them enjoy their pride and joy without as much as a worry.

As Juan Chow Wee, General Manager of Didi Resources put it, listening to customers goes beyond just selling motorcycles.

Through this special clinic, the official Goh Brothers workshops are offering the original engine oil filter from just RM 10. Together with semi-synthetic engine oil change, parts and labour, the cost totals only from RM 270 for an oil change service. (A big bike service at official service centres usually cost from RM 350 and upwards.)

The promotion is available at official Goh Brothers workshops (GBMC) in both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi official dealers.

Ownership and maintenance of large capacity motorcycles doesn’t necessarily mean high costs at official workshops. Do note that technicians are trained to carry out the job and only approved tools and machinery are used. Also, servicing at the official workshop prevents from voiding your motorcycle’s warranty.

  • The Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) held a “live” MotoGP viewing to celebrate their Italian motorcycle kinship.

  • Together, they watched the Czech MotoGP over the weekend.

  • On another note, Didi Resources is offering a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign to Aprilia owners.

The Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) celebrate their Italian motorcycle kinship – or brotherhood, if you will – for the “live” viewing of the Czech MotoGP over the weekend.

Motorcycle brand loyalty can manifest in fierce tribalism, meaning loving whoever is riding the same brand while eschewing others. It’s not something bad per se, because it’s one of our basic human instinct to protect the clan we live in. (That’s the central theme of post-apocalyptic shows such as “The Walking Dead.”)

So, it’s definitely something to celebrate when ACRC and DOCM got together as one large biker community.

“The love for Italian motorcycles is something we all cherish. In this gathering organized by Shell, we gather our brothers and sisters from Aprilia to join us the Ducati Owners for MotoGP viewing to support our Italian race teams,” mentioned Gaddaffi Shazalli, Vice President of Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.

According to Juan Chow Wee, General Manager of Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. (the official importer and distributor of Aprilia motorcycles in Malaysia), “To further strengthen the ownership experience, our doors are always open to various owner clubs to foster greater relationship among bikers and we believe the best biking lifestyle is from owners themselves.”

Juan also added that “listening to our customers” goes beyond just selling motorcycles. “As such, Didi Resources just rolled out a special Service Clinic and Merdeka Campaign for for Aprilia owners. We are offering the original factory oil filter at just RM10, and other important parts like brake pads and air filter at special prices.”

(Please refer to our article pertaining to this campaign.)

“We always believe in listening to our customers as they are important in improving how we do business, and today we roll out an after sales program to further reduce ownership cost and to ensure our owners get the best from our network in terms of quality.”

  • The Piaggio Group reported a 12% increase in consolidated net sales for the first half (H1) of 2019.

  • The figure results in a 29.6% increase in net profit over the same period last year.

  • PG cited the strong performance of the Moto Guzzi V85TT, in addition to Vespa and Piaggio scooters.

The Piaggio Group reported a 12% increase in consolidated net sales for the first half (H1) of 2019, compared to the same period last year. The conglomerate cited the Moto Guzzi V85TT as the main driving force for the uptick.

The increased net sales translate to € 817 million, up from € 729 million in H1 2018. Net profit after tax is up 29.6% at € 34.6 million, up from € 26.7 in the same period last year.

Piaggio Group (PG) owns several motorcycle brands including Aprilia, Derbi, Gilera, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Scarabeo. They also produce commercial vehicles. Apart from Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, the other brands produce mostly and scooters exclusively.

In any case, they shipped a total of 321,500 scooters and motorcycles in H1 2019, which a 5.7% increase from 304,000 in H1 2018.

Biggest growth was seen in the Asia Pacific region (up 20.2%), followed by a combined European and the Americas (up 6.7%) and India (up 0.5%).

PG further elaborated that the Vespa brand contributed to a 16% turnover growth. However, it was the three-wheeled Piaggio Mp3 which contributed the largest number “by more than 20%”

But there’s no hiding the success of the Moto Guzzi V85TT, which the group is using as an all-round performer against their rivals. Moto Guzzi contributed a 14% increase in revenue to the group. This is what they have to say, “…The Moto Guzzi brand… achieved a significant sales increase, generated in particular by the excellent results of the new Moto Guzzi V85TT, the all-terrain model that has enjoyed great success since it began shipping in February.”

Interestingly, PG had not published the sales performance of Moto Guzzi motorcycles prior to this. They had only stated MG sales as “encouraging” last year.

Source: Piaggio Group

Kebiasaannya pengguna motosikal jenis Aprilia dan Moto Guzzi perlu membelanjakan lebih RM350 untuk servis penuh – minyak enjin, penapis minyak dan upah – tetapi Didi Resources, pengedar rasmi kedua-dua jenama motosikal Itali itu sedang menawarkan harga istimewa!

Pelanggan kini hanya dikenakan RM10 bagi pertukaran penapis minyak sekaligus menjimatkan kos keseluruhan servis yang kini bermula serendah RM270!

Selain daripada promosi penapis minyak, Didi Resources turut menawarkan harga istimewa bagi alat ganti penting lain antaranya, pad brek dari RM190.90 dan penapis udara dari Rm49.90 sekaligus mengurangkan beban kos servis.

Pada masa sama, tawaran ini diadakan bagi meningkatkan kesedaran tentang pentingnya penjagaan dan servis motosikal dilakukan dengan pusat berdaftar bagi mengelak risiko penggunaan alat ganti bukan original sekaligus dapat memberi kesan negatif terhadap prestasi motosikal lalu menggugat keselamatan penunggang.

Ketika ini, kebanyakkan pemilik memiliki stigma bahawa pusat servis mengenakan caj yang tinggi berbanding bengkel biasa.

Bagaimanapun, menerusi kempen ini, Didi Resources percaya mampu meyakinkan orang ramai tentang kepentingan servis di pusat servis berdaftar.

Kempen servis ‘Never Before’ berjalan dari 1 Ogos 2019 hingga 30 September 2019!

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube