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Aprilia Rolls Out Special Edition RSV4 Factory And Tuono Factory At COTA

Aprilia has revealed two new limited-edition bikes at the 2023 MotoGP round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, last weekend.

The special edition models features top-of-the-range components.
The RSV4 and Tuono gets striking graphics and colour scheme.

The RSV4 Factory Special Edition and Tuono V4 Factory Special Edition feature striking liveries that incorporate white, red, blue, and silver text.

The RSV4 Factory Special Edition boasts a 1,099cc V4 engine with 217 horsepower, while the Tuono V4 Factory Special Edition comes with a 1,077cc V4 that produces 175 horsepower. Both bikes feature a six-axis 11MP ECU, full ride-by-wire throttle, and the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) operating system.

They also come with six customizable ride modes, three of which are for track use and three for road use. The bikes get a full semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, and forged aluminum wheels.

Additionally, all lighting is LED, and the team worked to refine the aerodynamic design and optimize rider comfort.

These limited-edition bikes will be available in North American dealerships in May and June 2023.

MotoGP: Rempuh Oliveira, Marquez Mohon Maaf, Dikenakan Penalti ‘Long Lap’ Berganda

Perlumbaan pembuka tirai Kejuaraan Dunia MotoGP musim 2023 menyaksikan pelumba Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia cemerlang untuk merekodkan kemenangan pertama musim ini.

Juara dunia MotoGP musim lalu itu menampilkan aksi konsisten untuk menang pusingan pertama diikuti Maverick Vinales (Aprilia) kedua dan Marco Bezzecchi (VR46) ketiga.

Bagaimanapun, aksi pembukaan kali ini terpalit dengan insiden kontroversi membabitkan lapan kali juara dunia, Marc Marquez.

Pelumba Repsol Honda itu brek terlalu awal di awal perlumbaan lalu hilang kawalan dan merempuh pelumba CryptoData RNF Aprilia, Miguel Oliveira. Kejadian itu menyebabkan kedua-dua pelumba tersingkir awal.

Susulan daripada kejadian tersebut, Marquez akui akan kesilapannya.

“Sejujurnya, saya tidak memikirkan tentang GP Argentina. Apa yang penting hari ini adalah saya harap Miguel (Oliveira) tidak apa-apa.

“Saya melakukan kesilapan besar di Turn 3 dan menyebabkan kejadian hari ini berlaku,” jelasnya.

Pada masa sama, Marquez akui dia risau akan keadaan Oliveira sejurus selepas perlanggaran itu.

“Saya berjaya mengelak (Jorge) Marrtin tetapi tidak Miguel. Saya berasa cukup risau kerana rempuhan itu agak kuat,” tambahnya.

Marquez juga telah ke kem RNF Aprilia bagi memohon maaf kepada Oliveira dan seluruh pasukan.

Akibat daripada insiden itu, Marquez turut dikenakan ‘double long-lap penalty’ ketika di GP Argentina nanti.

Dalam perkembangan sama, Marquez juga mengalami kecederaan di bahagian tangan dan kaki sementara Oliveira disahkan hanya mengalami lebam di bahagian kaki kanan.

MotoPlex Butterworth Opens In Penang, The Ultimate Destination For Bikers Up North

Moto enthusiasts and Italian biking aficionados, get ready to rev up your engines because Didi Group has just announced the grand opening of MotoPlex Butterworth – the ultimate destination for all your two-wheel vehicle needs!

This exciting new showroom offers not one, not two, not three, but FOUR premium brands under the Didi Group umbrella: Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi. And it’s all located in Penang, making it the go-to destination for Malaysian riders seeking the ultimate Italian biking experience.

But it’s not just the impressive lineup of brands that make MotoPlex Butterworth stand out. This dynamic concept store is also designed with Italian aesthetics in mind, reflecting the innovative vision of the Piaggio Group. With a total space of 3,200 sqf, the showroom area covers 2,600 sqf, while the service centre takes up 600 sqf. And with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a team of well-trained motorcycle technicians and mechanics, superior customer service and access to high-quality spare parts are guaranteed.

For Didi Group, the launch of MotoPlex Butterworth is a remarkable milestone as it becomes the second MotoPlex in Malaysia, and the first in Penang. Mr. Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman of Didi Group, expressed his excitement saying, “Penang is one of the most vibrant states in Malaysia. I would like to thank GB Motorcycles for introducing this global concept of MotoPlex to the dynamic landscape of Penang, which will help us to further strengthen our positioning and boost our presence in Malaysia.”

The MotoPlex concept offers an exciting overview of the entire Piaggio Group, making it the house of Piaggio’s iconic brands. And with all of these premium brands under one roof, potential customers seeking an enriching Italian two-wheel experience backed by style, technology, superior performance, and rich heritage, will not be disappointed.

Mr. Kheoh Hock Seng, Director of GB Motorcycles, summed it up perfectly saying, “We are committed to serving riders with passion and dedication in our 3200 sqf concept store complete with a service area that is staffed by highly skilled two-wheel technicians. We don’t just make vehicles. We change the way people move.”

The Tuareg 660 To Spearhead Aprilia’s Rally-Raid Project

Aprilia is set to return to the off-road arena after announcing its “Back To Africa” rally-raid programme, with the Italian firm set to utilise its Tuareg 660 motorcycle.

Aprilia announced its return to off-road racing with the “Back to Africa” project.
Aprilia to develop a rally-raid machine with the firm’s latest Tuareg 660.

Italian rally raid and enduro rider Jacopo Cerutti will help to develop the new rally-raid version of the Tuareg 660 with the involvement of Romano Albesiano and Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola.

The project delivers a different challenge for Albesiano and Rivola, who have dedicated most of their lives to MotoGP. Nonetheless, Aprilia’s success in the world championship will provide a significant boost in developing a winning machine.

“With its ‘Back to Africa’ project, Aprilia Racing is returning to the world of off-road racing, to the races that forged the division.

“We want to keep growing in the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing and in on-track races. We want to discover new talent through our SP 250 Championship and the RS 660 Trophy, but we are also embarking on a completely new project with the extraordinary Aprilia Tuareg.

“It’s an additional sign of development for a racing division that has grown significantly over the past years, achieving results never before seen by Aprilia,” said Rivola.

According to Aprilia, GCorse – a company run by the Guareschi brothers – will also provide technical assistance. GCorse already worked with the Tuareg 660 in the Italian Motorally Championship 2022; hence their hands-on experience is crucial for the programme.

Aside from Cerutti – a multiple-time Italian and one-time European enduro champion – the rally-raid Tuareg 660 will also be piloted by Francesco Montanari.

Next-Gen Aprilia RSV4 To Feature Variable Valve Timing

Aprilia is set to join the likes of Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki by introducing its own variable valve timing (VVT) system as confirmed by latest patent application submitted by parent company, Piaggio Group.

The patent – based on the Aprilia RSV4 – showcased a non-electronic VVT system that works similar to Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 whereby the system depends on centrifugal force to move the ball bearings located on the drivel wheel of the intake camshaft.

However, while the GSX-R1000 VVT works on 12 ball bearings, the upcoming RSV4 will used only three.

Despite that, we expect the system to worked well similar to any VVT technology available on modern two-wheels.

That said, Aprilia is working on a mechanical-based VVT as compared to electronics, currently adopted by Ducati, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

However, the new system could also be applied to other Piaggio-owned brand, including Moto Guzzi.

Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory 2022 Kini Di Malaysia – 100HP, RM73,900

Didi Group selaku pengedar rasmi jenama Aprilia di Malaysia dengan rasminya memperkenalkan Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory untuk pasaran tempatan.

Berbanding (model standard) Tuono 660 yang menawarkan 95hp daripada enjin 659cc parallel-twin, versi Factory pula menawarkan kuasa yang lebih tinggi, 100hp dan 67Nm.

Selain daripada kuasa yang lebih tinggi, Tuono 660 Factory ini juga hanya datang dengan pilihan warna Factory Black di samping memaparkan nama ‘factory’ di bahagian sisi fairing depan.

Bagaimanapun, ciri lain yang terdapat pada model standard masih dikekalkan pada model ini antaranya gear lebih pendek serta pakej APRC sama seperti RS660 yang merangkumi:

traction control
wheelie control
cornering ABS
mod menunggang
quickshifter
auto-blipper

Selain itu, varian Factory ini juga lebih ringan dibantu dengan penggunaan bateri lithium yang berjaya mengurangkan berat sekitar 2kg.

Antara ciri lain ditawarkan termasuk cakera brek berkembar (depan) 320mm, cakera berk tunggal (belakang) 222mm, kaliper brek Brembo dan lampu LED penuh.

Menariknya, Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory ini juga datang dengan harga lebih murah berbanding versi standard yang diperkenalkan tahun lalu (2021).

Menurut Didi Group, Tuono 660 Factory ini dijual pada harga RM73,900.

2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Now In Malaysia – RM73,900

New for the Malaysian market is the 2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory, priced at RM73,900 as announced by local distributor, Didi Group.

Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory brings higher power and better specs.
The Tuono 660 Factory features the all-new 659 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine with a 270-degree crank.

In terms of power, the Tuono 660 Factory is rated at 100hp, a 5hp increase from the base Tuono 660 but the peak torque remains unchanged at 67Nm.

That said, the Tuono 660 Factory also gets a shorter gear ratio for its gearbox plus all the electronic riding aids and APRC suite just like the RS 660 (traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, selectable riding modes, quickshifter, auto-blipper, etc.).

Despite the higher power than the base model that was introduced back in 2021, the Tuono 660 Factory is RM4,000 cheaper, making it very desirable among brand loyalists in Malaysia.

Also, thanks to weight-saving improvements, including using a lithium-ion battery, the Tuono 660 Factory is 2kg lighter.

The suspension is upgraded with a fully-adjustable 41mm Kayaba front fork and Sachs rear shocks.

Other notable features include:

dual 320mm disc (front)
single 220mm disc (rear)
Brembo calliper
Aprilia LED (with bending light function)

The 2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory is only available in the Factory Dark colourway.

Aprilia Reveals New Electric Future With Project Electrica

Aprilia is already working towards a new future after unveiling its first electric project, called Electrica.

Aprilia revealed the company’s first electric motorcycle at EICMA.
The Electrica is pioneered by the Piaggio Group, experienced in electric power.

While it took a while for Aprilia to materialise its first electric motorcycle, the Italian firm already has the upper hand in the game.

This is because Aprilia’s parent company, the Piaggio Group, began working with electric power almost 50 years ago and produced the world’s first hybrid scooter, the MP3 Hybrid, back in 2009.

“The Electrica project uses all the know-how made available from the Piaggio Group, which has been working on electric propulsion since 1975, having introduced a long line of vehicles [over the years] such as the MP3 Hybrid, the first hybrid scooter in the world,” said Aprilia in a statement.

Aprilia also has a clear objective for the Electric project, an electric motorcycle for the younger riders of the future.

That said, Electric will not only be a personal transport to get around while adhering to the global zero emission initiative but also fun to pilot.

“The Electrica project is a new concept – a lightweight, zero emissions bike with a fun and satisfying ride to provide maximum freedom and riding pleasure even for use in the cities of the future.

Therefore, the fun and freedom of riding will not be lacking, and they will always be the cardinal principle at the base of all vehicles built by Aprilia,” added Aprilia.

Although the Electrica offers something that we have never seen before out of the Noale factory, some aspect is associated with Aprilia, mainly the front bodywork around the triple clamp that is reminiscent of the Tuono and the RSV4-inspired tail.

Nevertheless, the Electrica is noticeably smaller to allow better accessibility. According to Aprilia, the Electrica will promote an easier transition from scooters to full-size motorcycles.

Meanwhile, other notable features of the Electric include an electronic riding assist and a digital LCD display.

FIRST LOOK: Aprilia RS660 Extrema

While the rest of the motorcycle industry prepares a strong new lineup at EICMA, it wasn’t the case with Aprilia who brought just one new model to Milan.

The 2023 Aprilia RS660 Extrema pays homage to the Noale factory 125 Extrema.
Features carbon fiber components and new SC Project exhaust.

For 2023, Aprilia introduces the RS660 Extrema a lighter and better power-to-weight ratio than the base model. The name is taken from the firm’s 125 Extrema that was manufactured from 1992 to 1994.

The RS660 Extrema tips the scale at just 166 kilograms thanks to the number of carbon fiber component added including the belly pan and front fender. Given the 100hp it produces, the RS660 Extrema has an attractive power-to-weight ratio.

In addition, the RS660 Extrema is also fitted with a street-legal SC-Project exhaust system that helps to bring the bike’s weight further down.

In addition to the electronic package available on the RS660 including traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake, engine map and wheelie control the Extrema gets a new quickshifter software allowing riders to switch to GP-style upside-down shifting easily.

GALLERY: APRILIA RS660 EXTREMA

Aprilia RS250 Could Make A Comeback With New Parallel-Twin 4-Stroke Engine

The Aprilia RS250 is probably the best street-legal 250cc two-stroke motorcycle coming out of the Noale factory from 1994 to 2004.

The Aprilia RS250 could make a comeback soon
New patent application suggest a new 250cc parallel-twin 4-stroke engine in the works.

While the idea of reproducing the two-stroke motorcycle is tempting but we can’t ignore the fact that the engine is obsolete while it also goes against the global emission standard.

However, the RS250 nameplate could still make a comeback with an entirely new quarter-litre platform, according to a new design registration filed in China by Aprilia’s Chinese counterpart, Zongshen-Piaggio.

The new powertrain – published by CycleWorld – showcased a DOCH parallel-twin engine.

Not only that, the CAD renderings also shows a central-cam drive setup (between the cylinder) instead of on the side similar to Honda’s VFR400R and Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP race bike.

While it may seem unusual, but it could be a significant indicator that Aprilia is pursuing a compact cylinder head which helps to reduced the flex to the camshaft and crankshaft.

Also, it could also suggest that Aprilia is squeezing for a higher rev range.

Currently, Aprilia already has the Zonghsen-built GPR250R that is sold in Asia which runs on a single-cylinder engine.

The same bike was used as the basis of the track-only Aprilia RS250 SP that was introduced in the US in 2020.

That said, the upcoming 250cc two-cylinder 4-stroke machine could use the GPR250RR nameplate in Asia whereas Aprilia likely to revive the RS250 name in Europe and the US.

Aprilia Bangunkan Enjin Parallel-Twin 250cc 4-Lejang, Kembalinya RS250

Tidak dinafikan motosikal Aprilia RS250 cukup gah sejak diperkenalkan dari 1994 hingga 2004.

Bagaimanapun, enjin dua-lejang (2-stroke) merupakan teknologi lama dan tidak bersih untuk pasaran semasa di samping tidak melepasi standard emisi global.

Namun, perkembangan terbaru mengesahkan bahawa Aprilia akan kembalikan model RS250 namun dengan enjin baharu.

Enjin tersebut merupakan platform parallel-twin 250cc 4-lejang (4-stroke).

Lakaran CAD ini memaparkan enjin parallel-twin 250cc DOHC 4-lejang serba baharu yang sedang dibangunkan Aprilia. Menariknya, enjin ini menempatkan ‘central-cam drive’ antara silinder berbanding pada satu belah sahaja.

Konfigurasi ini jarang diterapkan namun Honda juga pernah mengguna pakai konsep sama antaranya pada Honda CBX 1000 dan VFR400R.

Terdapat beberapa faktor yang menyumbang kepada konfigurasi ini termasuk menghasilkan ‘cylinder head’ yang lebih kompak sekaligus mengurangkan tahap kelenturan ‘camshaft’ dan ‘crankshaft’.

Apa yang pasti, enjin 250cc parallel-twin yang dibangunkan Aprilia ini tidak pernah lagi dibuat pengeluar lain.

Untuk rekod, enjin tersebut telah didaftarkan oleh Zongshen-Piaggio di China dan akan menjadi nadi kepada RS250 serba baharu untuk pasaran Eropah dan Amerika Syarikat.

Manakala, untuk pasaran Asia pula Aprilia akan menggunakan nama GPR250RR.

Zongshen sebelum ini juga bertanggungjawab menghasilkan Aprilia RS125 dan GPR250R untuk pasaran China yang digerakkan enjin satu silinder. GPR250R juga menjadi platform kepada RS250 SP yang dipasarkan sebagai jentera litar di Amerika Syarikat pada tahun 2020.

Pembangunan model baharu ini secara tidak langsung menandakan langkah baru Aprilia dan menyaingi segmen ‘sportsbike’ 250cc yang ketika ini diterajui Yamaha R25, Honda CBR250RR dan Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Aprilia Lancar RSV4 XTrenta – Hanya 100 Unit, 230HP, 165kg

Tahun 2022 menjadi tahun penting buat Aprilia apabila meraikan ulang tahun ke-30 kejayaan merangkul kejuaran dunia Grand Prix sulung.

Menariknya, tahun ini juga menyaksikan Aprilia melakar pencapaian penting di pentas MotoGP, dengan Aleix Espargaro memenangi GP Argentina manakal rakan sepasukan Maverick Vinales telah pun merekodkan podium keduanya di GP San Marino, pada Ahad.

Sehubungan itu, Aprilia memperkenalkan RSV4 XTrenta bagi meraikan pencapaian pengeluar motosikal Itali itu.

Berasaskan jentera superbike Aprilia RSV4, jentera RSV4 XTrenta ini merupakan mesin khas dibina untuk litar perlumbaan (track-only).

Menariknya, RSV4 XTrenta ini disuntik dengan pelbagai ciri sama yang terdapat pada jentera MotoGP Aprilia, RS-GP 22 yang ditunggang Espargaro dan Vinales.

Pertamanya, RSV4 XTrenta ini dibangunkan dengan proses PAN Compositi yang sama diguna pakai pasukan MotoGP.

Hasilnya, Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta ini menawarkan pakej aerodinamik dan winglet seperti yang terdapat pada RS-GP.

Bukan itu sahaja, RSV4 XTrenta turut tampil dengan ciri ‘under-wing’ atau ‘The Spoon’ yang dipasang pada bahagian bawah swingarm dan dihadapan tayar belakang.

‘The Spoon’ tersebut berfungsi mengawal keadaan suhu tayar belakang bagi memastikan cengkaman berada di tahap optimum.

Ini pertama kalinya sebuah motosikal ‘production’ dilengkapi ciri tersebut.

Selain itu, Aprilia turut mengemas kini enjin V4 1,099cc yang kini menghasilkan 230hp. Ekzos titanium yang dibangunkan bersama rakan kerjasama SC-Project turut menyumbang kepada peningkatan kuasa mendadak itu.

Pada masa sama, penggunaan komponen ringan (terutamanya gentian karbon) juga menyaksikan Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta hanyalah seberat 165kg.

Antara ciri unik lain ditawarkan termasuk, IMU Magneti Marelli, panel butang Jetprime, suspensi Ohlins dan rim magnesium Marchesini M7R Genesi.

Sementara itu, brek pula dikendalikan kaliper monoblock Brembo GP4-MS yang dipadankan bersama cakera brek T-drive 330mm.

Menurut Aprilia, tempahan bagi RSV4 XTrenta ini boleh dibuat bermula Selasa (6 September) pada harga EUR50,000 (RM222,400).

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aprilia

Aprilia has revealed two new limited-edition bikes at the 2023 MotoGP round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, last weekend.

Moto enthusiasts and Italian biking aficionados, get ready to rev up your engines because Didi Group has just announced the grand opening of MotoPlex Butterworth – the ultimate destination for all your two-wheel vehicle needs!

Aprilia is set to return to the off-road arena after announcing its “Back To Africa” rally-raid programme, with the Italian firm set to utilise its Tuareg 660 motorcycle.

Aprilia is set to join the likes of Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki by introducing its own variable valve timing (VVT) system as confirmed by latest patent application submitted by parent company, Piaggio Group.

New for the Malaysian market is the 2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory, priced at RM73,900 as announced by local distributor, Didi Group.

Aprilia is already working towards a new future after unveiling its first electric project, called Electrica.

While the rest of the motorcycle industry prepares a strong new lineup at EICMA, it wasn’t the case with Aprilia who brought just one new model to Milan.

GALLERY: APRILIA RS660 EXTREMA

The Aprilia RS250 is probably the best street-legal 250cc two-stroke motorcycle coming out of the Noale factory from 1994 to 2004.

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