10 Things You Didn’t Know About Aprilia Motorcycles
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle company and the brand is well known throughout the world. The company has evolved so significantly from its early beginnings that it doesn’t even resemble the manufacturer it started out as. The bike builder has such an interesting history and it’s undergone so many changes in recent years that we just had to share 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Aprilia.
1. They started out making bicycles
If you love your Aprilia racer, you may be surprised to learn that when the company was first founded, they didn’t even make motorcycles. They did build some fine bicycles though. Their venture was so successful that they were able to move up in the ranks to manufacture scooters, and then motorcycles. It’s an interesting progression that just keeps getting better with time.
2. The company was founded right after World War II
If you’re a fan of the Aprilia brand, then you might find it interesting that the original company was founded right after the second World War by its original owner Cavaliere Alberto Beggio. The first factory was located in Noale, Italy where they produced bicycles. It would not be Alberto who would begin the manufacture of motorcycles, but rather, his son.
3. The first Aprilia motorcyle was built in 1968
In 1968, Ivano Beggio, Alberto’s son took over the company and began the construction of thee first Aprilia motorcycle. It was a 50cc that required the collaboration of 12 people to produce. The firsts “motorcycle” built was actually a moped. The popular racing bikes that are popular today were still to be conceived in his mind.
4. The first motocross bike was made in 1970
It was just two years after work on the mopeds that Aprilia began producing a line of motocross bikes. Their first 1970 model was the Scarabeo. The racer was manufactured up until the end of the 1970s and was built in 50 and 125 cc editions.
5. Aprilia holds a world record
Aprilia is the motorcycle brand that won 294 Grand Prix races and established a record for gaining the largest number of wins of all European manufacturers in history. Collectively, the bikes had won 54 world titles by 2013 and they continue to impress in motocross and Supermoto.
6. Aprilia is a subsidiary company
Aprilia is best known as an Italian motorcycle company, but it’s not a stand alone business. It falls under the umbrella of its parent company Piaggio. This is a fact about Aprilia that many of the brand’s motorcyle owners are not aware of, but it’s a good thing because it gives the subsidiary a greater financial backing to accomplishing innovations and a continual stream of improvements, which we’ve seen throughout its history.
7. The Aprilia SR 150 is a specialty model
The SR 150 was made to be a one of a kind motorcycle that was made for India. The price tag on this model is much lower than most Aprilia bikes, but they didn’t skimp on the aesthetics as it features a classy design and an excellent build. Aprilia just doesn’t cut back on the quality and this is one of the things that makes them such a trusted and well-loved name in motor sports.
8. The Aprilia 125 took its first podium in 1988
After years of racing, Aprilia had won its share of races with an impressive record of wins. Not surprisingly, when the brand first entered in the 125 class in the French Grand Prix race, it earned its first podium n the eight litre category and the win was immediate after Aprilia threw its hat into the ring in this category. They were on a roll.
9. The New RS250V inspired a new generation in racing in 1991
The Aprilia 250 was a success in the racing circuit but the company knew that they could to one better. They gave it a redesign and then changed the name to the RS250V. The new bike created a sensation among racers that resulted in an explosion in enthusiasm for the sport with new and younger riders entering the scene. This was an international phenomenon that spread throughout multiple countries.
10. The modern Aprilia is the result of evolution
When we look back over the early years of the company, began shortly after the second World War, we see them develop in incremental steps, but the evolution was swift and it was effective. It is almost as though they were destined to become leaders in the motorcycle sport racing industry. Their first production was a bicycle which advanced to a moped, then to a small motorcycle and now they’re world leaders in the production of world class racing bikes.
