At the 2024 EICMA show in Milan, Aprilia captured the spotlight with an impressive lineup of revamped motorcycles, catering to a wide range of riders from adventurous off-road enthusiasts to urban sports bikers. This year’s showcase brought significant updates to several iconic models, highlighting Aprilia's commitment to performance, accessibility, and innovative design. Key unveilings included the rugged Tuareg Rally, the accessible Tuono 457, and an enhanced Factory lineup, including the powerful RSV4, further solidifying Aprilia's reputation as a leader in high-performance motorcycles.
The Aprilia Tuareg Rally: Built for Adventure
Aprilia’s new Tuareg Rally took center stage, appealing to adventure riders with its race-proven design, inspired by Aprilia Racing's victories at the Africa Eco Race and the Italian Motorally Championship. This specialized version of the Tuareg is designed specifically for extreme off-road performance, incorporating several advanced features to handle challenging terrains.
The Tuareg Rally boasts an upgraded frame with a high front mudguard and a reinforced aluminum sump guard, providing extra protection during off-road excursions. Its saddle and handlebar are elevated, improving comfort and control for riders in a standing position, ideal for rough trails. Equipped with tube-type tires on spoked wheels, the Tuareg Rally also features 240mm Kayaba suspension with enduro-specific components for added durability and flexibility. A standout feature is its powerful SC Project exhaust system with a titanium muffler, which enhances performance while keeping the weight manageable at a light 199 kg. These modifications make the Tuareg Rally an appealing choice for serious adventure riders.
The New Tuono 457: A Lightweight Sports Bike for Young Riders
Designed with new riders in mind, the Tuono 457 brings Aprilia’s performance and style to a broader audience. Building on the technical foundation of the RS 457, the Tuono 457 aims to deliver a sporty and dynamic experience while remaining easy to handle and accessible. With its lightweight 59 kg frame and 35 kW engine (47.6 hp), it achieves an impressive power-to-weight ratio, making it eligible for A2 license holders in many countries.
The Tuono 457 features a unique aluminum frame, the only one of its kind in this segment, combining durability with reduced weight for better maneuverability. Advanced electronics, including Ride by Wire, ABS, traction control, and three riding modes, add to the bike's versatility. The parallel twin-cylinder engine, delivering peak torque of 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm, ensures ample power for an exhilarating yet manageable ride. This new model positions itself as an ideal choice for younger riders or anyone seeking a spirited yet approachable sports bike.
Factory Range Highlights: RS 660, Tuono V4, and RSV4
Aprilia’s Factory Range continues to push the limits of performance and engineering, with the RS 660, Tuono V4, and RSV4 receiving significant upgrades for 2024. Known for their racing-inspired design and premium components, these models are aimed at delivering a thrilling experience on both road and track.
The updated RS 660 Factory now comes equipped with Öhlins multi-adjustable suspension for enhanced handling and comfort. It also features new aerodynamic wings for added stability at high speeds, along with upgraded electronics, including launch control and a vibrant color instrument panel. With a re-tuned engine output of 105 hp and a weight of only 183 kg, this mid-weight sport bike offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
The Tuono V4 Factory receives similar enhancements, featuring advanced aerodynamics, an improved APRC electronic control system, and new design elements inspired by Aprilia's MotoGP experience. With a boosted 180 hp engine, this naked sport bike delivers a seamless fusion of track performance and street usability.
Topping the lineup is the iconic RSV4 Factory—the world’s most powerful mass-produced superbike, with an astounding 220 hp V4 engine. The RSV4’s MotoGP-inspired winglets improve grip and stability in corners, while adaptive control systems allow the bike to adjust to varying riding conditions in real time, making it a pinnacle of performance engineering.
Aprilia’s Versatile 125cc Range
Catering to newer riders, Aprilia also unveiled its latest 125cc lineup, featuring the RS, Tuono, RX, and SX models, each designed for different riding styles. The RS 125 and Tuono 125 now feature lightweight aluminum frames and enhanced electronics, such as traction control and ABS on both wheels. Despite being entry-level bikes, these models uphold Aprilia's racing heritage and offer best-in-class performance with a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine delivering 15 hp.
The RX 125 and SX 125 cater to enduro and supermoto enthusiasts, respectively. Both models come with a fresh design, LED lighting, and a digital instrument panel, while the SX 125's road-oriented tires and braking system enhance on-road thrills, and the RX 125's components ensure reliability in off-road conditions.
Aprilia’s Vision for 2024 and Beyond
Aprilia’s presentation at EICMA 2024 demonstrates its dedication to blending innovation with a commitment to riders of all experience levels. From the trail-dominating Tuareg Rally to the youth-oriented Tuono 457, Aprilia’s expanded lineup caters to diverse riding preferences. The company’s continuous enhancement of the Factory range, with advanced aerodynamics, electronics, and power outputs, highlights its commitment to pushing boundaries in motorcycle performance.
By embracing cutting-edge technology and improving accessibility for young and new riders, Aprilia has firmly positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader in the motorcycle industry. Whether for adventure, sport, or casual riding, Aprilia’s latest range proves that the brand continues to embody both passion and progress in motorcycling.
