45°32′45″N 12°04′15″E / 45.5458747°N 12.0709374°E / 45.5458747; 12.0709374
84-554: Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded immediately after World War II in Noale , Italy, by Alberto Beggio. The company started as a manufacturer of bicycles and moved on to manufacture scooters and small-capacity motorcycles. Since in the 1980's, Aprilia has also produced large sportbikes such as the 1,000 cc V-twin RSV Mille and the V4 RSV4 . Aprilia has supported
168-460: A Rotax 1000cc engine. In 1999, Aprilia entered World Superbike Championship racing with its RSV Mille, and during 2000, Aprilia acquired Moto-Guzzi and Laverda, both historic heritage Italian marques. In 2000, Aprilia launched the 50 cc DiTech (Direct Injection Technology) two stroke engine for scooters which provides high mileage and low emissions, and also the RST Futura , a sport tourer, and
252-418: A manual five- or six-speed sequential transmission drives the swingarm -mounted rear wheel by a chain , driveshaft , or belt . The repair can be done using a Motorcycle lift . Motorcycle fuel economy varies greatly with engine displacement and riding style. A streamlined, fully faired Matzu Matsuzawa Honda XL125 achieved 470 mpg ‑US (0.50 L/100 km; 560 mpg ‑imp ) in
336-588: A trike ) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar from a saddle-style seat. Motorcycle designs vary greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting , cruising , sport (including racing ), and off-road riding. Motorcycling is riding a motorcycle and being involved in other related social activities such as joining a motorcycle club and attending motorcycle rallies . The 1885 Daimler Reitwagen made by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Germany
420-564: A 798 cc parallel twin engine with and for BMW, which was built from 2006 to 2020. Brands using Rotax engines include: As of 2020, all Sea-Doo brand personal watercraft from Bombardier Recreational Products are equipped with four-stroke, supercharged and normally aspirated, three-cylinder Rotax engines of the Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) series. Can-Am Off-Road vehicles from Bombardier Recreational Products are equipped with Rotax engines. The company introduced
504-553: A four-stroke, four-cylinder, engine: the Rotax 912 , with versions eventually ranging from 80 to over 100 horsepower, followed by a turbocharged 115 horsepower Rotax 914 . Rotax four-stroke engines differ from conventional four-stroke aircraft engines by their unusually small displacement for the amount of horsepower -- compensated for by higher than normal rotational speed (over 5,000 rpm). To reduce propeller-shaft speeds to normal aircraft propeller rotational speeds, (around 2300-2400 rpm)
588-789: A full motorcycle licence or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies by province. Without the Motorcycle Safety Course the chance of getting insurance for the motorcycle is very low. The Canada Safety Council , a non-profit safety organisation, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council. Training course graduates may qualify for reduced insurance premiums. Motorcyclists and motor scooter riders are also exposed to an increased risk of suffering hearing damage such as hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing ears). The noise
672-497: A fully-independent team using Ducati bikes. Aprilia's factory team is named Aprilia Racing. In 2025 , Jorge Martín signed for the factory team from Pramac Racing after Marc Márquez moved to the factory Ducati Team , replacing the retiring Aleix Espargaró . Aprilia entered the Superbike World Championship in 1999 using a homologation special version of their V-twin road bike RSV Mille . They were third in
756-516: A line of motorcycles starting in 1971, powered by Rotax engines. The Can-Am motorcycle operation was outsourced to Armstrong-CCM Motorcycles in 1983, with production ending in 1987. Can-Am resumed motorcycle production with a series of on-road three-wheel motorcycles, starting with the Spyder , using Rotax engines. As of 2020, there are three models: the Ryker uses the 2-cylinder 600 ACE and 3-cylinder 900 ACE,
840-654: A motorcycle ( German : Motorrad ). Excelsior Motor Company , originally a bicycle manufacturing company based in Coventry , England , began production of their first motorcycle model in 1896. The first production motorcycle in the US was the Orient-Aster, built by Charles Metz in 1898 at his factory in Waltham, Massachusetts . In the early period of motorcycle history, many producers of bicycles adapted their designs to accommodate
924-414: A motorcycle either as OEM (factory-fitted) or aftermarket . Such accessories are selected by the owner to enhance the motorcycle's appearance, safety, performance, or comfort, and may include anything from mobile electronics to sidecars and trailers . Motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles or trucks and buses. United States Department of Transportation data for 2005 from
SECTION 10
#17328478718991008-457: A pilot's license). Two-stroke Rotax model numbers approximated the engine's displacement (in cubic centimeters), and the first two digits (from the 277, on) are very roughly similar to the engine's horsepower (e.g.: The Rotax 447 engine displaces 437 cc, and is rated at 40 hp). Subsequent evolutions of the early designs included the two-cylinder, two-stroke Rotax 377 , Rotax 447 , and Rotax 503 , all in production by 1985 (the last of these,
1092-402: A role in how a motorcycle performs in given conditions. For example, one with a longer wheelbase provides the feeling of more stability by responding less to disturbances. Motorcycle tyres have a large influence over handling. Motorcycles must be leaned in order to make turns. This lean is induced by the method known as countersteering , in which the rider momentarily steers the handlebars in
1176-504: A strong motorsport competition program, beginning with motocross racing and later a achieving sucesso in road racing championships program. The company was acquired by Piaggio Group in 2004. Aprilia, named after the pre-war Lancia Aprilia , was founded after the Second World War by Cavaliere Alberto Beggio as a bicycle production factory at Noale , Italy , in the province of Venice . Alberto's son, Ivano Beggio , took over
1260-458: A wide variety of small land, sea and airborne vehicles. Bombardier Recreational Products use them in their own range of such vehicles. Since the 1990s, Rotax has been the world's dominant supplier of engines for ultralight aircraft and light sport aircraft, and a major producer of engines for other light aircraft. The company was founded in 1920 in Dresden , Germany, as ROTAX-WERK AG. In 1930, it
1344-488: Is 43.47 which is 28 times higher than for cars (37 times more deaths per mile travelled in 2007). Furthermore, for motorcycles the accident rates have increased significantly since the end of the 1990s, while the rates have dropped for passenger cars. The most common configuration of motorcycle accidents in the United States is when a motorist pulls out or turns in front of a motorcyclist, violating their right-of-way. This
1428-449: Is also notable for choosing atypical engine configurations. For example, they progressed with development of a V-2 500 cc Grand Prix bike when other teams were moving to V-4 configurations for what some believed was better and more usable power outputs. Aprilia continued this trend, taking advantage of lighter minimum weights with the introduction of their RS Cube MotoGP bike – featuring three cylinders in an inline triple layout,
1512-439: Is caused by wind noise while riding, rolling noise from the tyres and the engine itself. The helmet only provides insufficient protection against high sound pressure levels. Medicine (as of 2024) is not able to cure hearing damage. Wearing hearing protection, such as special earplugs for motorcyclists, can help prevent hearing damage. The motorcyclist's riding position depends on rider body-geometry ( anthropometry ) combined with
1596-593: Is increasingly problematic. The first (petroleum fueled) internal-combustion motorcycles, like the German Reitwagen , were, however, also the first practical motorcycles. If a two-wheeled vehicle with steam propulsion is considered a motorcycle, then the first motorcycles built seem to be the French Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede which patent application was filed in December 1868, constructed around
1680-610: Is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle licence test. These include the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications may benefit from reduced insurance costs In South Africa, the Think Bike campaign is dedicated to increasing both motorcycle safety and
1764-493: Is often a racing counterpart to each type, such as road racing and street bikes, or motocross including dirt bikes. Street bikes include cruisers , sportbikes , scooters and mopeds , and many other types. Off-road motorcycles include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such as motocross and are not street legal in most areas. Dual purpose machines like the dual-sport style are made to go off-road but include features to make them legal and comfortable on
SECTION 20
#17328478718991848-477: Is sometimes called a SMIDSY , an acronym formed from the motorists' common response of "Sorry mate, I didn't see you". Motorcyclists can anticipate and avoid some of these crashes with proper training, increasing their visibility to other traffic, keeping to the speed limits, and not consuming alcohol or other drugs before riding. The United Kingdom has several organisations dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training beyond what
1932-483: Is the 1958 Honda Super Cub , which went on to become the biggest selling vehicle of all time, with its 60 millionth unit produced in April 2008. Today, this area is dominated by mostly Indian companies with Hero MotoCorp emerging as the world's largest manufacturer of two wheelers. Its Splendor model has sold more than 8.5 million to date. Other major producers are Bajaj and TVS Motors . Motorcycle construction
2016-662: Is the brand name for a range of internal combustion engines developed and manufactured by the Austrian company BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (until 2016 BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG), in turn owned by the Canadian Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). Under the Rotax brand, the company is one of the world's largest producers of light piston engines. Rotax four-stroke and advanced two-stroke engines are used in
2100-585: Is the engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of components and systems for a motorcycle which results in the performance, cost, and aesthetics desired by the designer. With some exceptions, construction of modern mass-produced motorcycles has standardised on a steel or aluminium frame , telescopic forks holding the front wheel, and disc brakes . Some other body parts, designed for either aesthetic or performance reasons may be added. A petrol-powered engine typically consisting of between one and four cylinders (and less commonly, up to eight cylinders) coupled to
2184-439: The 1991 Czechoslovak motorcycle Grand Prix with rider Alessandro Gramigni winning the 125cc race. In 1992 , they won their first road racing world championship with Gramigni winning the 125cc class. They continued to be successful in the smaller displacement categories, winning numerous races and championships in the 125 cc and 250 cc Grand Prix classes. However, their 500 cc Grand Prix bikes failed to attain
2268-506: The 2012 and 2013 seasons Aprilia's ART machinery stood out as the best CRT bikes. In 2015 , Aprilia partnered with Gresini Racing as a factory-supported independent team. The team competed as the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini with an all-new 1000cc V4 -engined RS-GP . In 2022 , Aprilia entered the series as an official factory team for the first time since 2004. Their previously supported Gresini Racing team returned to
2352-644: The Australian Capital Territory , Tasmania and the Northern Territory , it is compulsory to complete a basic rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence, after which they can ride on public roads. In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have graduated licence programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained experience. Eligibility for
2436-482: The Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge "on real highways – in real conditions". Due to low engine displacements (100–200 cc (6.1–12.2 cu in)), and high power-to-mass ratios, motorcycles offer good fuel economy. Under conditions of fuel scarcity like 1950s Britain and modern developing nations, motorcycles claim large shares of the vehicle market. In the United States,
2520-694: The FIM World Championship. They have also been in and out of the FIM MotoGP World Championship and FIM Superbike World Championship . Aprilia also feature in the off-road racing world, with their 450 cc V-2 motocrosser producing respectable results, including race wins, in both Motocross and Supermoto categories. Aprilia entered the Grand Prix road racing world championships in 1985 and since then it has seen varying successes. Aprilia won their first world championship race at
2604-705: The FIM in the light of the safety concerns. From the 1960s through the 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles were popular worldwide, partly as a result of East German MZs Walter Kaaden's engine work in the 1950s. In the 21st century, the motorcycle industry is mainly dominated by Indian and Japanese motorcycle companies. In addition to the large capacity motorcycles, there is a large market in smaller capacity (less than 300 cc) motorcycles, mostly concentrated in Asian and African countries and produced in China and India. A Japanese example
Aprilia - Misplaced Pages Continue
2688-478: The Fatality Analysis Reporting System show that for passenger cars, 18.62 fatal crashes occur per 100,000 registered vehicles. For motorcycles this figure is higher at 75.19 per 100,000 registered vehicles – four times higher than for cars. The same data shows that 1.56 fatalities occur per 100 million vehicle miles travelled for passenger cars, whereas for motorcycles the figure
2772-675: The Rotax Max for karting in 1998, and started organizing the Rotax Max Challenge in 2000. Rotax engines designed specifically for light aircraft include both four-stroke and two-stroke models. Current models are: Historical models no longer in production include: The Rotax MAX engine karting engine is a two-stroke engine series, launched in 1997. The company also produces unbranded engines, parts and complete powertrains for original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Uses include motor bikes and scooters, with complete engines including
2856-500: The US Department of Transportation , the number of fatalities per vehicle mile traveled was 37 times higher for motorcycles than for cars. The term motorcycle has different legal definitions depending on jurisdiction (see § Legal definitions and restrictions ). There are three major types of motorcycle: street, off-road, and dual purpose. Within these types, there are many sub-types of motorcycles for different purposes. There
2940-496: The 1920s stood out. Initially, using converted a Woodmann-designed OHV Blackburne engine it became the first 350 cc to exceed 100 mph (160 km/h), recording 100.81 mph (162.24 km/h) over the flying kilometre during April 1924.[7] Later, Chater-Lea set a world record for the flying kilometre for 350 cc and 500 cc motorcycles at 102.9 mph (165.6 km/h) for the firm. Chater-Lea produced variants of these world-beating sports models and became popular among racers at
3024-550: The 1990s, Aprilia entered the scooter market starting in 1990 with Italy's first all-plastic scooter, the Amico. In 1992, Aprilia introduced the Amico LK and the two stroke Pegaso 125, both with catalytic converters . In 1993, Aprilia launched a large diameter wheel scooter reusing the name Scarabeo with a four-stroke, four-valve engine. Later Aprilia launched more scooters such as the Leonardo,
3108-640: The 503, was discontinued in 2010-2011, by then the most popular engine it its class, and still widely used as of 2023). Later two-stroke designs included the Rotax 532 (circa 1984) and Rotax 582 , both of which augmented the air-cooling with liquid-cooled cylinder heads. Most Rotax two-stroke engines were rated, recommended, or reported with a TBO (time between overhauls) of about 150-300 hours (compared to 1200-2000 hours for government-certified, conventional, four-stroke, light aircraft engines), though later models improved upon that some. Moving towards more demanding aircraft applications, Rotax, by 1989, developed
3192-600: The Austrian company Rotax . In 1985 Aprilia launched a 125 STX and 350 STX. In 1986, Aprilia launched the AF1; a small sports model, and the Tuareg; a large tanked bike for African rallies like the Dakar Rally . Aprilia factory rider Philippe Berlatier contended for the trials world championship reaching fifth place, and Loris Reggiani rode an Aprilia GP 250 with Rotax engine to sixth place in
3276-518: The ETV 1000 Caponord; an adventure touring motorcycle. Both of these latter two motorcycles used a variation of the Rotax 1000 cc V-Twin. Most recently, in 2003, Aprilia launched the RSV Mille Tuono which was essentially an RSV Mille with motocross-style high handlebars and only a small headlight fairing. Most of the major motorcycle magazines picked it for the best bike of the year. In 2004, Aprilia
3360-466: The First World War, motorbike production was greatly ramped up for the war effort to supply effective communications with front line troops. Messengers on horses were replaced with despatch riders on motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance and acting as a military police. American company Harley-Davidson was devoting over 50% of its factory output toward military contract by the end of
3444-521: The Isle of Man TT. Today, the firm is probably best remembered for its long-term contract to manufacture and supply AA Patrol motorcycles and sidecars. By the late 1920s or early 1930s, DKW in Germany took over as the largest manufacturer. In the 1950s, streamlining began to play an increasing part in the development of racing motorcycles and the "dustbin fairing" held out the possibility of radical changes to motorcycle design. NSU and Moto Guzzi were in
Aprilia - Misplaced Pages Continue
3528-421: The Rotax 912 family had the lowest rate of failure of the six most common lines of engines used in registered Experimental/Amateur-Built (E/A-B) aircraft. By 2014, Rotax had produced and sold 50,000 of 912/914 four-stroke engines. Later models increased horsepower, with several variants of the 912 family, and a new 135-horsepower Rotax 915 iS . The Rotax four-stroke aircraft engine line immediately dominated
3612-740: The SR and the Gulliver. In 1995, Aprilia commissioned Philippe Starck to design the Motò which was shown in New York's Modern Art Museum . Also in 1995, Aprilia launched the two stroke RS 125 and RS 250 sports bikes. In 1998, Aprilia launched the RSV Mille , a 1000cc V-Twin Superbike, and the Falco , a 1000cc V-Twin sport tourer with emphasis on sport. Both bikes used a variation of
3696-526: The Spyder F3 and the Spyder RT use the 3-cylinder 1330 ACE. 1000 V-twin 5sp. In the motorcycle world Rotax are particularly known for their single-cylinder engines of comparatively small to medium displacement. Several major motorbike manufacturers, who are otherwise renowned for their proprietary but bigger engines, use Rotax engines in their smaller models. As an example of larger displacements, Rotax developed
3780-581: The United States by organisations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organisations to corporations. Most states use the courses designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), while Oregon and Idaho developed their own. All of the training programs include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course. In Ireland , since 2010, in the UK and some Australian jurisdictions, such as Victoria , New South Wales ,
3864-417: The art at the time. Starting was by compressed air. The engine was liquid-cooled, with a radiator over the rear driving wheel. Speed was controlled by means of a throttle valve lever. No braking system was fitted; the vehicle was stopped by raising and lowering the rear driving wheel using a foot-operated lever; the weight of the machine was then borne by two small castor wheels. The driver was seated between
3948-403: The average motorcycle fuel economy is 44 miles per US gallon (19 km per liter). Very high fuel economy equivalents are often derived by electric motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are nearly silent, zero-emission electric motor-driven vehicles. Operating range and top speed are limited by battery technology. Fuel cells and petroleum-electric hybrids are also under development to extend
4032-560: The awareness of motorcycles on the country's roads. The campaign, while strongest in the Gauteng province, has representation in Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and the Free State. It has dozens of trained marshals available for various events such as cycle races and is deeply involved in numerous other projects such as the annual Motorcycle Toy Run. Motorcycle safety education is offered throughout
4116-610: The bike had the fewest cylinders on the Grand Prix paddock. Aprilia rejoined the MotoGP class in 2012 , taking advantage of the newly introduced Claiming Rule Team category that encouraged independent teams with lower budgets to use bikes from manufacturers not officially involved in MotoGP. Aprilia supplied RSV4 SBK-derived bikes under the ART (Aprilia Racing Technology) name to Aspar Team , Paul Bird Motorsport and Speed Master teams. In both
4200-514: The direction opposite of the desired turn. This practice is counterintuitive and therefore often confusing to novices – and even many experienced motorcyclists. With such short wheelbase , motorcycles can generate enough torque at the rear wheel, and enough stopping force at the front wheel, to lift the opposite wheel off the road. These actions, if performed on purpose, are known as wheelies and stoppies (or endos) respectively. Various features and accessories may be attached to
4284-505: The early 1980s, with a pair of single-cylinder, 9.5-horsepower Rotax 185s powering the single-seat Lazair ultralight by 1982. Soon, the 26-horsepower, single-cylinder Rotax 277 became the most widely used engine powering U.S. ultralight aircraft (and remains, for many, the only Rotax engine they can use to adequately power the aircraft and still remain within the FAA -mandated weight limits for ultralight aircraft which can be operated without
SECTION 50
#17328478718994368-515: The emerging category of U.S.-certified " Light Sport Aircraft " (LSAs), powering most of them. One general aviation industry media reporter found that 70-80% of the 66,000 aircraft he'd identified, worldwide, used Rotax four-stroke engines. The 912/914/915 series also powers larger certified aircraft, including the Diamond Katana , and the twin-engined Tecnam P2006T and Leza/ Lockwood Aircam . The Can-Am division of Bombardier Inc. developed
4452-416: The end of 2004 and then left the lower classes when two-stroke engines were banned. Aprilia set the record for the most points earned by a manufacturer in a single season from the 125cc class with 410 points in 2007 . It was also the highest points earned by a constructor in Grand Prix motorcycle racing's history until 2011 when 420 points were won by the same bikes winning 16 out of 17 races. The company
4536-495: The engines use a reduction gearbox . They are also designed to accept motor spirit , with up to 10% ethanol content. These engines were initially given a 600-hour TBO, less than traditional light aircraft engines. But operational experience and modifications to address specific reliability issues over time gradually extended the TBO to 2,000 hours. An independent 2022 statistical study of U.S. government accident data found that
4620-474: The first "modern motorcycle". Introduced in 1915 it had a 550 cc side-valve four-stroke engine with a three-speed gearbox and belt transmission. It was so popular with its users that it was nicknamed the "Trusty Triumph". By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest manufacturer, with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries. Amongst many British motorcycle manufacturers, Chater-Lea with its twin-cylinder models followed by its large singles in
4704-429: The five brands with enough data to draw conclusions, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha were statistically tied, with 11 to 14% of those bikes in the survey experiencing major repairs. Harley-Davidsons had a rate of 24%, while BMWs did worse, with 30% of those needing major repairs. There were not enough Triumph and Suzuki motorcycles surveyed for a statistically sound conclusion, though it appeared Suzukis were as reliable as
4788-515: The front wheels. It was not, however, a success, as Butler failed to find sufficient financial backing. Many authorities have excluded steam powered , electric motorcycles or diesel-powered two-wheelers from the definition of a 'motorcycle', and credit the Daimler Reitwagen as the world's first motorcycle. Given the rapid rise in use of electric motorcycles worldwide, defining only internal-combustion powered two-wheelers as 'motorcycles'
4872-417: The geometry of the motorcycle itself. These factors create a set of three basic postures. Factors of a motorcycle's ergonomic geometry that determine the seating posture include the height, angle and location of footpegs, seat and handlebars. Factors in a rider's physical geometry that contribute to seating posture include torso, arm, thigh and leg length, and overall rider height. Rotax Rotax
4956-556: The helm of the company in 1968 and constructed a 50 cc "motorcycle". The first production Aprilia mopeds were named Colibrì, Daniela, and Packi. Aprilia later produced a motocross bike in 1970 called the Scarabeo. Produced until the end of the 1970s, the Scarabeo came in 50 and 125 cc versions. In 1977, Ivan Alborghetti from Milan , Italy won the Italian 125 and 250 cc motocross championships on Aprilia motorcycles. In 1978, Alborghetti closed
5040-530: The light aircraft class, in 1998 Rotax outsold all other aero engine manufacturers combined. Their four-stroke engines powered most U.S.-certified light sport aircraft when they first appeared around 2004. Over two decades later, Rotax engines remain the most popular line of engines for light sport and ultralight aircraft, and the second-most-popular (after Lycoming Engines ) for U.S. Experimental / Amateur-Built (E/A-B) aircraft. Rotax air-cooled, two-stroke engines began appearing on ultralight aircraft in
5124-555: The new internal combustion engine. As the engines became more powerful and designs outgrew the bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased. Many of the nineteenth-century inventors who worked on early motorcycles often moved on to other inventions. Daimler and Roper, for example, both went on to develop automobiles. At the end of the 19th century the first major mass-production firms were set up. In 1898, Triumph Motorcycles in England began producing motorbikes, and by 1903 it
SECTION 60
#17328478718995208-408: The other three Japanese brands while Triumphs were comparable to Harley-Davidson and BMW. Three-fourths of the repairs in the survey cost less than US$ 200 and two-thirds of the motorcycles were repaired in less than two days. In spite of their relatively worse reliability in this survey, Harley-Davidson and BMW owners showed the greatest owner satisfaction, and three-fourths of them said they would buy
5292-579: The range and improve performance of the electric drive system. A 2013 survey of 4,424 readers of the US Consumer Reports magazine collected reliability data on 4,680 motorcycles purchased new from 2009 to 2012. The most common problem areas were accessories , brakes , electrical (including starters , charging , ignition ), and fuel systems , and the types of motorcycles with the greatest problems were touring, off-road/dual sport, sport-touring, and cruisers. There were not enough sport bikes in
5376-4476: The riders and the manufacturers titles. Aprilia debuted in the FIM Supermoto World Championship in 2004 and since then it has won many titles in both S1 and S2 classes. Aprilia made their international racing debut in the Motocross World Championship competing in the 125cc class from 1976 until 1981 with a best result being a fifth place in the 1979 season with rider Corrado Maddi. ( key ) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap) Aprilia models are: 1949 Moto Guzzi 1950 Benelli 1951 Moto Guzzi 1952 Moto Guzzi 1953 NSU 1954 NSU * 1955 MV Agusta 1956 MV Agusta 1957 Mondial 1958 MV Agusta 1959 MV Agusta 1960 MV Agusta 1961 Honda 1962 Honda 1963 Honda 1964 Yamaha 1965 Yamaha 1966 Honda 1967 Honda 1968 Yamaha 1969 Benelli 1970 Yamaha 1971 Yamaha 1972 Yamaha 1973 Yamaha 1974 Yamaha 1975 Harley-Davidson 1976 Harley-Davidson * 1977 Yamaha 1978 Kawasaki 1979 Kawasaki 1980 Kawasaki 1981 Kawasaki 1982 Yamaha 1983 Yamaha 1984 Yamaha 1985 Honda 1986 Honda 1987 Honda 1988 Honda 1989 Honda 1990 Yamaha 1991 Honda 1992 Honda 1993 Honda 1994 Honda 1995 Aprilia 1996 Honda 1997 Honda 1998 Aprilia 1999 Aprilia 2000 Yamaha 2001 Honda 2002 Aprilia 2003 Aprilia 2004 Honda 2005 Honda 2006 Aprilia 2007 Aprilia 2008 Aprilia 2009 Aprilia 2010 Suter 2011 Suter 2012 Suter 2013 Kalex 2014 Kalex 2015 Kalex 2016 Kalex 2017 Kalex 2018 Kalex 2019 Kalex 2020 Kalex 2021 Kalex 2022 Kalex 2023 Kalex 1949 Mondial 1950 Mondial 1951 Mondial 1952 MV Agusta 1953 MV Agusta 1954 NSU * 1955 MV Agusta 1956 MV Agusta 1957 Mondial 1958 MV Agusta 1959 MV Agusta 1960 MV Agusta 1961 Honda 1962 Honda 1963 Suzuki 1964 Honda 1965 Suzuki 1966 Honda 1967 Yamaha 1968 Yamaha 1969 Kawasaki 1970 Suzuki 1971 Derbi 1972 Derbi 1973 Yamaha 1974 Yamaha 1975 Morbidelli 1976 Morbidelli 1977 Morbidelli 1978 Minarelli 1979 Minarelli 1980 Minarelli 1981 Minarelli 1982 Garelli 1983 MBA 1984 Garelli 1985 MBA 1986 Garelli 1987 Garelli 1988 Derbi 1989 Honda 1990 Honda 1991 Honda 1992 Honda 1993 Honda 1994 Honda 1995 Honda 1996 Aprilia 1997 Aprilia 1998 Honda 1999 Honda 2000 Honda 2001 Honda 2002 Aprilia 2003 Aprilia 2004 Aprilia 2005 KTM 2006 Aprilia 2007 Aprilia 2008 Aprilia 2009 Aprilia 2010 Derbi 2011 Aprilia 2012 KTM 2013 KTM 2014 KTM 2015 Honda 2016 KTM 2017 Honda 2018 Honda 2019 Honda 2020 Honda 2021 KTM 2022 Gas Gas 2023 KTM 2024 CFMoto Motorcycle A motorcycle ( motorbike , bike , or, if three-wheeled,
5460-498: The riders' championship in 2000 with rider Troy Corser , and third in manufacturers' points and fourth in rider points both in 2001 with Corser and in 2002 with Noriyuki Haga . Aprilia retired from the series at the end of that season. In February 2008, Aprilia debuted a V-4 superbike , the RSV4 , for the 2009 Superbike World Championship . Aprilia won its first Superbike world championship in 2010 with Max Biaggi , claiming both
5544-943: The road racing World Championship. Two seasons later, on August 30, 1987, at San Marino Grand Prix in Misano Loris Reggiani's AF1 won the first World Speed Championship. In 1990, Aprilia launched the Pegaso 600, a road bike derived from off-road mechanics. Later, in 1992 Aprilia rider Alessandro Gramigni won the World 125 Road Racing Championship title. Also in 1992, Tommy Ahvala won the World Trials Championship on an Aprilia Climber. Since then, Aprilia has 124 times won 125 and 250 cc class Grand Prix, 15 Road Racing World Championship titles, and 16 European speed titles. Many world champions started on Aprilia such as Biaggi , Capirossi , Gramigni , Locatelli, Sakata and Rossi . Also in
5628-400: The same bike again, followed by 72% of Honda owners and 60 to 63% of Kawasaki and Yamaha owners. Two-wheeled motorcycles stay upright while rolling due to a physical property known as conservation of angular momentum in the wheels. Angular momentum points along the axle, and it "wants" to stay pointing in that direction. Different types of motorcycles have different dynamics and these play
5712-429: The same success. They began campaigning in the 500cc class in 1994 with a 250 V twin motor enlarged to 380cc in hopes of using its lighter weight and nimble handling as an advantage against the heavier, V4 engine bikes used by the competition. The bike eventually displaced 430cc and had its best result with a third place by rider Doriano Romboni at the 1997 Dutch TT but, could never overcome power disadvantage during
5796-466: The same time as the American Roper steam velocipede , built by Sylvester H. Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts , who had been demonstrating his machine at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. since 1867. Roper built about 10 steam cars and cycles from the 1860s until his death in 1896. In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called
5880-644: The season with two third places in individual races and sixth place in the World Championship. In the 1980s, Aprilia added enduro, trials and road bikes of between 50 and 600 cc and in 1981, Aprilia introduced the TL320 trials machine. In 1983, Aprilia launched the St 125 road bike and in 1984, they launched an improved model called STX as well as an enduro, called the ET 50. In 1985, Aprilia started outsourcing engines for some models to
5964-452: The starting line sprint and was withdrawn at the end of the 1997 season for further development. Their first MotoGP effort, dubbed the RS Cube , was technically advanced but difficult to ride and performed poorly in the championship. The Cube did, however, pioneer many advanced technologies including ride by wire throttle and pneumatic valve actuation systems . Aprilia left the MotoGP class at
6048-621: The street as well. Each configuration offers either specialised advantage or broad capability, and each design creates a different riding posture. In some countries the use of pillions (rear seats) is restricted. The first internal combustion , petroleum fueled motorcycle was the Daimler Reitwagen . It was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Bad Cannstatt , Germany, in 1885. This vehicle
6132-471: The survey for a statistically significant conclusion, though the data hinted at reliability as good as cruisers. These results may be partially explained by accessories including such equipment as fairings, luggage, and auxiliary lighting, which are frequently added to touring, adventure touring/dual sport and sport touring bikes. Trouble with fuel systems is often the result of improper winter storage, and brake problems may also be due to poor maintenance. Of
6216-462: The vanguard of this development, both producing very radical designs well ahead of their time. NSU produced the most advanced design, but after the deaths of four NSU riders in the 1954–1956 seasons, they abandoned further development and quit Grand Prix motorcycle racing . Moto Guzzi produced competitive race machines, and until the end of 1957 had a succession of victories. The following year, 1958, full enclosure fairings were banned from racing by
6300-449: The war. The British company Triumph Motorcycles sold more than 30,000 of its Triumph Type H model to allied forces during the war. With the rear wheel driven by a belt, the Model H was fitted with a 499 cc (30.5 cu in) air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine. It was also the first Triumph without pedals . The Model H in particular, is regarded by many as having been
6384-402: Was Ski-Doo snowmobiles from Bombardier Recreational Products including two-stroke and four-stroke, turbocharged and naturally aspirated, two- and three-cylinder models. Rotax is one of the world's principal suppliers of aircraft engines for ultralight aircraft , light aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles . Between 1985 and 1995, 60,000 Rotax engines were sold for aircraft propulsion. In
6468-481: Was a three-wheeled vehicle, with the rear wheel directly driven by a 5 ⁄ 8 hp (0.47 kW), 40 cc (2.4 cu in) displacement, 2 + 1 ⁄ 4 in × 5 in (57 mm × 127 mm) bore × stroke, flat twin four-stroke engine (with magneto ignition replaced by coil and battery) equipped with rotary valves and a float-fed carburettor (five years before Maybach ) and Ackermann steering , all of which were state of
6552-471: Was acquired by Piaggio & C. SpA, to form the world's fourth largest motorcycle group with 1.5 billion Euro in sales, an annual production capacity of over 600,000 vehicles, and a presence in 50 countries. With the acquisition by Piaggio, the new President of Aprilia is Roberto Colaninno (President of Piaggio & C.), and the Managing Director is Rocco Sabelli. The son of the founder, Ivano Beggio,
6636-803: Was designed as an expedient testbed for their new engine, rather than a true prototype vehicle. The first commercial design for a self-propelled cycle was a three-wheel design called the Butler Petrol Cycle, conceived of Edward Butler in England in 1884. He exhibited his plans for the vehicle at the Stanley Cycle Show in London in 1884. The vehicle was built by the Merryweather Fire Engine company in Greenwich , in 1888. The Butler Petrol Cycle
6720-447: Was producing over 500 bikes. Other British firms were Royal Enfield , Norton , Douglas Motorcycles and Birmingham Small Arms Company who began motorbike production in 1899, 1902, 1907 and 1910, respectively. Indian began production in 1901 and Harley-Davidson was established two years later. By the outbreak of World War I, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian, producing over 20,000 bikes per year. During
6804-760: Was taken over by Fichtel & Sachs and transferred its operations to Schweinfurt , Germany. Operations were moved to Wels , Austria in 1943, and finally to Gunskirchen , Austria in 1947. In 1959, the majority of Rotax shares were taken over by the Vienna-based Lohner-Werke , a manufacturer of car and railway wagon bodies. In 1970, Lohner-Rotax was bought by the Canadian Bombardier Inc. The former Bombardier branch, Bombardier Recreational Products, now an independent company, uses Rotax engines in its ground vehicles, personal water craft , and snowmobiles . The original application for Rotax engines
6888-526: Was the Honorary President and died on 13 March 2018. On 15 August 2010, Aprilia became the most successful motorcycle racing brand in history, surpassing fellow Italian MV Agusta with a record 276th victory. Despite being a relatively small company by global motorcycling standards, Aprilia is very active in motorcycle sports . It contested many Road Racing formulae, including the now-defunct 125 cc, 250 cc and 500 cc Grand Prix classes of
6972-506: Was the first internal combustion, petroleum -fueled motorcycle. In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the first series production motorcycle. Globally, motorcycles are comparable numerically to cars as a method of transport: in 2021, approximately 58.6 million new motorcycles were sold around the world, while 66.7 million cars were sold over the same period. In 2022, the top four motorcycle producers by volume and type were Honda , Yamaha , Kawasaki , and Suzuki . According to
7056-464: Was unlike either the safety bicycles or the boneshaker bicycles of the era in that it had zero degrees of steering axis angle and no fork offset , and thus did not use the principles of bicycle and motorcycle dynamics developed nearly 70 years earlier. Instead, it relied on two outrigger wheels to remain upright while turning. The inventors called their invention the Reitwagen ("riding car"). It
#898101