Aprilia Motorcycle Parts & Accessories

Although smaller than and not as well-known as famous Italian brands like Ducati, in the motorsports arena Aprilia’s successes dwarf those of not just its Italian competitors, but all European motorcycle manufacturers. Aprilia has won 294 Grand Prix road races, more than any other European maker, as well as 54 world championships in GP, Superbike, Supermoto and Trials. And unlike brands that race solely for the publicity and whose production models bear little resemblance to their competition machines, Aprilia takes what it learns on the track and develops for their race bikes and incorporates it into the Aprilia street and adventure bikes that you can buy. Aprilia is the industry leader in sophisticated electronic control systems that optimize power delivery, rider comfort and safety.

However, the cutting edge technology company of today had much simpler beginnings. Founded by Cavalier Alberto Beggio just after World War II, Aprilia started out making bicycles. The first motorized two-wheeler, a 50cc moped, was built in 1968 when Beggio’s son Ivano became head of the company. In addition to producing a line of mopeds, Aprilia began building and racing motocross bikes during the following decade, culminating in the company’s first titles, the Italian 125cc and 250cc championships won by Ivan Alborghetti in 1977. During the 1970s Aprilia first developed a street bike from one of its motocross models and by the 1980s the company’s range of products included dirt ready motocross, enduro, and trials bikes as well as road going bikes. Aprilia also expanded its racing operations in the ‘80s, participating in trials and road racing world championship series. In 1987 Loris Reggiani rode an Aprilia to the first of the company’s many Grand Prix wins at the San Marino 250 GP.

It was during the decade of the 1990s that Aprilia firmly established itself in the racing world, winning 9 world Grand Prix road racing championships and several manufacturer’s titles in the 125cc and 250cc classes with famous riders including Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, and Loris Capirossi. Importation of Aprilias to the United States began in 1988 but it was not until the ‘90s that the first significant models arrived including the 1990 Pegaso 600cc single-cylinder dual sport/adventure bike, and later in the decade the RSV Mille, a 1000cc V-twin sport bike. The Pegaso, which was bumped up to 650cc in 1994, was one of Aprilias longest continuously produced models, remaining in production until 2007. With a racing version of the RSV, Aprilia launched their World Superbike Championship effort in 1999.

In 2000 Aprilia acquired venerable Italian motorcycle maker Moto Guzzi for $70 million. Unfortunately that cash outlay, coupled with a downturn in the company’s scooter sales that negatively affected profits, caused severe financial problems. In 2004 Aprilia was acquired by the Piaggio Group, parent company of the renowned Vespa scooter brand. The influx of resources from Piaggio enabled Aprilia to continue development of production models and continue its racing successes, even expanding racing operations to include enduro and Supermoto. Aprilia continued its domination of 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix road racing, winning 9 rider’s championships and 13 manufacturer’s titles between 2002 and 2011. Most recently it has been in World Superbike racing where the company has had its greatest success with the all-conquering Aprilia RSV4, winning rider’s championships in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015, and manufacturer’s titles in 2010, and 2012 through 2015.

The RSV series continues to be the flagship of the Aprilia model line. The Mille was supplanted by the RSV1000R in 2004, which was in turn replaced by the RSV4 in 2009. The current RSV4 comes in two versions, the RSV4RR and the limited production RSV4RF. Both are powered by a fuel-injected 1000cc liquid cooled DOHC 65º V4 with 4 valves per cylinder that produces 201 horsepower at 13,000 rpm. Both also feature an all-aluminum chassis, ABS brakes, and a dry weight of only 398 lbs. The limited production RSV4RF is equipped with Öhlins forks and shocks and forged aluminum rims. If you want liter bike performance but with a more comfortable, upright riding position, there is the Tuono. Introduced in 2002, the 1077cc Tuono is Aprilia’s “naked bike” (so called because the minimal bodywork exposes more of the bike’s mechanicals), available in V4 1100 Factory ABS and V4 1100 RR versions. The 175 horsepower Tuono has the same basic mechanical architecture as the RSV4, and the Factory model comes fitted with Öhlins suspension.

If you’re a long distance rider Aprilia has the perfect bike for traveling in the Caponard 1200. The Caponard entered the Aprilia lineup in 2000, and the original 98 horsepower 998cc liquid-cooled V-twin powerplant has grown to 1197cc and 125 horsepower. The Caponard features everything needed to cover the miles: a comfortable seat, upright riding position, fairing, and side cases. Available in two versions, the Caponard Travel Pack is a street oriented sport-tourer, while the Caponard Rally is an adventure bike and the one to have if you want the fun to continue even when the pavement ends and the dirt begins. Rounding out the Aprilia line-up are the Dorsoduro 750, Shiver 750, and the SR Motard 50. Developed with assistance from the racing department, the Dorsoduro is Aprilia’s factory Supermoto bike, designed to excel on pavement, hard packed dirt, and over motocross type obstacles. The Shiver is Aprilia’s smaller naked, or standard bike, with performance and ergonomics that make it ideal for daily use and spirited riding. Both the Dorsoduro and Shiver were introduced in 2007 and both are powered by a 750cc liquid-cooled 90º V-twin engine. The SR Motard 50 is an economical, fun to ride 50cc scooter with unique Supermoto inspired styling.

Just like automobile manufacturers, motorcycle makers have learned that mechanical mods and basic electricals alone aren’t enough anymore to deliver 21st century performance. Electronic systems control is the new frontier and Aprilia is leading the way. The 2007 Shiver 750 was the first motorcycle to be equipped with RBW (Ride By Wire) electronic throttle control instead of conventional throttle cables, technology that enables smoother power delivery and responsiveness and allows advancements like traction control to be easily employed. Today Aprilia uses technology created for and tested in World Superbike Racing for its APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), the most sophisticated suite of riding aids on the market for production motorcycles. APRC includes ATC (Aprilia Traction Control), AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), ALC (Aprilia Launch Control), and AQS (Aprilia Quick Shift).

ATC uses sensors that compare front and rear wheel speeds. If the rear wheel rotates faster, indicating slippage, the ECU alters ignition advance and injection timing to reduce engine torque and prevent loss of traction. The rider can use handlebar-mounted control buttons to select one of 8 different available traction control levels so he can tailor control to changing track surface and tire conditions. Races can be won or lost at the starting line. Unfortunately, getting a good start requires fine control of throttle application and clutch slip to prevent lifting the front wheel or excessive tire slip, and this is a difficult skill to master for many riders. ALC provides a choice of 3 settings that once enabled, ensures a perfect launch every time. All the rider has to do is apply full throttle, release the clutch and ALC takes care of the rest. Modern superbikes are so light and powerful that the front wheel lifts easily under acceleration. This usually results in the rider having to apply the brake or let off the throttle to control the wheelie – either of which reduces acceleration. AWC provides 3 settings that the rider can choose from to control wheelies while maintaining acceleration. AWC can detect when a wheelie begins and ends to soften wheel contact with the pavement.

When you want maximum acceleration even pulling in the clutch quickly to shift gears interrupts power delivery excessively and wastes time. AQS momentarily reduces spark advance, allowing the rider to shift without using the clutch or letting off the throttle. In addition to the above, select Aprilia models feature ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping), an electronic suspension system that automatically adjusts fork and shock calibration to provide optimal rider comfort, handling, and safety. ADD includes sensors that measure fork and shock travel speed, and the system has the capability to recognize operating modes like acceleration, cruise, and braking, and adjust settings accordingly. The rider can also electronically adjust spring preload to suit bike load so you get optimal ride and handling whether you’re riding solo or carrying a passenger and side cases. ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems) are not new to the motorcycle world, but unlike the non-adjustable systems found on most bikes, on select Aprilias the rider can choose from 3 settings and control rear wheel lift during extreme braking. The latest RBW also allows the rider to choose from 3 different engine maps – sport, track, or race – while the bike is in motion. All of these features and the ability to tailor them to your specific needs and skills will help you get the most from your Aprilia and make the ride safer and more enjoyable.

Owning a car gives you comfort, owning a motorcycle gives you freedom. Your bike is your therapy, your passion, and your access to off-the-beaten-path places. In our selection of motorcycle accessories and parts, we have everything you need to keep your Aprilia running, show some love to your prized possession, and hit the road or trail with confidence. We take the hassle out of your motorcycle maintenance, repair, and tune-up experience.