ROAD NEWS
APRILIA UPS THE ANTE AGAIN
The Piaggio Group was a big player at EICMA with a whole bunch of new models for us to look forward to in the coming months . Following hot on the heels of the exciting LAMS-approved Aprilia RS 457 is the new Tuono 457 , which , like its sibling , just sneaks into the LAMS class with its 47.6hp output stopping tantalisingly close to the ceiling in the Learner and Restricted licence arena . Also announced ( officially ... as we saw this one coming way back ) was the Aprilia Tuareg Rally . With more rugged sump protection , hand guards and Ergal Channel rims for use with tubes and 240mm of Kayaba-supplied suspension at both ends , the 199kg ( wet ) bike is based on the successful machines used to win both the Africa Eco Race and the Italian Mororally championship . Also included on the new model is a full SC Project exhaust , complete with titanium muffler as factory equipment . On the road side , the Aprilia RS660 now also comes in a ‘ Factory ’ version with multiadjustable Öhlins suspension , aero wings , launch control and 105hp , along with a slew of cosmetic and ergonomic upgrades , beefing up Aprilia ’ s mid-sized offerings .
Stepping up to the big , bellowing V4 Aprilias , they are faster than ever with the Tuono Factory now boasting 180hp , controlled by a new APRC electronic suite and upgraded aerodynamics to make it even more capable on the track as well as the road . At the top of the tree is the Aprilia RSv4 Factory which now delivers an astonishing 220hp . As mind-blowing as that figure is , the very latest adaptive electronics can adjust the degree to which the electronics intervene , based on conditions and riding style . At speed , an all-new aero package , based on Aprilia ’ s MotoGP experience , keeps everything on track , as it were .
KIWI RIDER 99