Aprilia, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, was founded by Alberto Beggio in Noale, Italy after World War II[1]. The company transformed from a bicycle maker into a global motorcycle powerhouse, producing everything from small scooters to high-performance sportbikes[1].
Origins and Early Development
The company’s name comes from the pre-war Lancia Aprilia. Alberto Beggio started the factory in Noale, Venice province, focusing on bicycles. His son Ivano Beggio took control in 1968 and built the first 50cc motorcycle[1]. The early models included the Colibrì, Daniela, and Packi mopeds, followed by the Scarabeo motocross bike in 1970[1].
Racing Heritage
Aprilia dominated motorcycle racing since the 1970s[1]. Ivan Alborghetti won Italian championships in 1977, marking the company’s first major racing success[1]. The company’s greatest achievements include:
Grand Prix Success
The racing division earned 19 world championships between 1992 and 2011[1]. Notable champions include:
- Max Biaggi: Three consecutive 250cc titles (1994-1996)
- Valentino Rossi: 125cc (1997) and 250cc (1999) championships
- Jorge Lorenzo: Two 250cc titles (2006-2007)[1]
Superbike Achievements
Aprilia entered World Superbike in 1999 with their RSV Mille[1]. They won three riders’ championships:
- 2010: Max Biaggi on RSV4 1000
- 2012: Max Biaggi on RSV4 Factory
- 2014: Sylvain Guintoli on RSV4 Factory[1]
Technical Innovation
In 1985, Aprilia partnered with Rotax for engine development[1]. They pioneered unique configurations, including:
- V-twin engines in 500cc Grand Prix
- Three-cylinder inline layout in MotoGP
- DiTech direct injection technology for scooters[1]
Modern Era
Piaggio Group acquired Aprilia in 2004, creating the world’s fourth-largest motorcycle group[1]. The company produces a diverse range of motorcycles:
Current Models
- Sport: RSV4, RS 660, Tuono V4
- Adventure: Tuareg 660
- Street: Dorsoduro, Shiver
- Entry-level: RS 125, RS 50[1]
The company continues its racing program in MotoGP as a factory team since 2022, maintaining its competitive heritage while developing innovative street motorcycles[1].
Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aprilia
45°32′45″N 12°04′15″E / 45.5458747°N 12.0709374°E
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Founder | Ivano Beggio |
| Headquarters | , Italy |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Rocco Sabelli (CEO) |
| Products | Motorcycles & Scooters |
| Parent | Piaggio Group |
| Website | aprilia.com |
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 1980s, Aprilia has also produced large sportbikes such as the 1,000 cc V-twin RSV Mille and the V4 RSV4.
Aprilia has supported a strong motorsport competition program, beginning with motocross racing and later an achieving sucesso in road racing championships program. The company was acquired by Piaggio Group in 2004.