Aprilia

From MopedWiki

Aprilia was founded shortly after WW2 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle-company. His son Ivano Beggio took over the company in 1968 and is leading to today. He firstly started to build 50cc Mopeds, like the "Colibrì", the "Daniela" and the "Packi".

A very special thing about Aprilia is, that they build all types of motorcycles, like Racers, Street-Bikes, Enduros and Rally not only as "real" motorcycles, but also as 50cc-Mopeds. This is possible because of the great motorsport-enthusiasm of all italian people and specially the youth. This gives them the possibility to ride mopeds that look pretty much like their idols in street-racing or rally if they are at least 14 years old.

For example the RS50 is a replica of the Aprilia RS125 and RS250 that are two of the most sportive 2stroke Streetmotorcycles avilable. The RX50 is, aside from the motor, a full scale Competition-Enduro-Bike with adjustable suspension, 21" and 18"-wheels, disc-brakes and so on. The ET50 Tuareg is in all its dimensions nearly identical to the 125, 350 and 600cc Tuareg. It is equipped with water-cooling, two disc brakes, e-start and kickstart, and a full fairing with double headlights.

Today Aprilia builds motorcycles and scooters from 50 to 1000cc. Tragically european emission laws stopped the production of 2-stroke-motorcycles above 125cc.

In the Grand Prix-Series of 125 and 250cc Aprilia is the most succesfull manufacturer with 15 World Championship-Titles only since 1992.

Since the end of 2004 Aprilia is owned by the Piaggio Group, who also owns Vespa, Puch, Derbi, Moto Guzzi and Gilera.