RSV Mille . The realisation of the styling model took place quietly , almost forgotten by the management . At the same time as the presentation of the bike at the Bologna Motor Show in December 2001 , my mechanic was asked to set up a working prototype for an initial road test . On his return , he came to see me in the technical office , still dressed up in his gear , to tell me , “ You have to try the bike , you won ’ t believe it !” Just before Christmas 2001 we went out together on a terribly cold day . The bike struck me in the first few metres for its ergonomics , with the upright torso and the beautiful tank between my thighs . Underneath , the roar of raw and gutsy power . I grew up with motocross bikes and wasn ’ t much of a road rider , but this road bike here was something completely different : total control and hands-on power . Unconditional love for the project at first try ! When we came back to the company , we immediately took over the project to bring it into production in time for the 2002 season . It was a difficult and delicate gamble . But I knew I could count on a group of very good people . We started with our heads down as we used to , always on the ball , day and night , and all four of us always together .

CREDIT WHERE IT ’ S DUE In May 2002 , the first Aprilia RSV Mille Tuono R went into production exactly on the day foreseen by the December 2001 business plan , and the rest is the story of a project that still gave Aprilia breathing space for a few years before the end of the “ Beggio ” era .

They often call me “ The father of the Tuono ”, but that ’ s not quite right : I was extremely fortunate to have inherited an extraordinary project , healthy and done very well , namely the technical basis of the RSV Mille created by Marino Carlesso , Mariano Fioravanzo , Giuseppe Ricciuti , Maurizio Comellato , Claudio Pellizzon and all the others who had contributed significantly . I didn ’ t ‘ design ’ the Tuono from scratch , but I had the initial idea of making a Maxi-naked together with my colleagues Andrea Bosi and Luca Balduino . I think I may be credited for believing in the project and managing a group of passionate people with dedication , enthusiasm and tenacity . I was lucky … to have been able to convey this passion and enthusiasm to the journalists during the press launch at the Muraglione pass in Italy . There were many of us who raised the baby , and my fundamental contribution was to get it to market on time while respecting the technical specifications . In addition , I created a considerable media resonance that was also recognised at the time by president Ivano Beggio , who is usually very jealous of other people ’ s public appearances . As is my tradition , I invited the project team to dinner in Venice to celebrate . There was a flood that night and we found ourselves sailing on an inflatable sofa in St Mark ’ s Square drinking prosecco with our feet soaking , together with artists from the Biennale exposition . It was a fitting end to a real happening and the start of a new motorbike lineage .

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