A SPECIAL VERSION OF THE BEST-SELLING SPORT BIKE IN EUROPE MAKES ITS DÉBUT AT EICMA 2022: IT IS CHARACTERISED BY AN EXCLUSIVE EQUIPMENT PACKAGE AND BEARS A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH SPORTINESS. THE SC PROJECT EXHAUST SYSTEM, THE CARBON COMPONENTS, THE SINGLE-SEATER TAIL FAIRING, AND THE SOFTWARE FOR THE UPSIDE-DOWN GEARBOX MAKE RS 660 EXTREMA THE SPORTIEST AND LIGHTEST IN THE RANGE. THE APRILIA ELECTRICa PROJECT IS A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE OF YOUTHFUL MOBILITY; AN INNOVATIVE VISION THAT ASPIRES TO FREEDOM AND FUN, VALUES IN LINE WITH APRILIA'S FOUNDING PRINCIPLES; VALUES THAT WILL REMAIN AT THE BASE OF ALL APRILIA MODELS OF THE NEAR FUTURE.
APRILIA RS 660 EXTREMA. Credit for the great success achieved by the RS 660, sold in 72 countries and currently the best selling sport bike in Europe, goes to Aprilia's fortunate 660 project, which skilfully interprets sportiness in an innovative and modern way through a range of lightweight and high performance bikes, as well as technical and electronic features usually reserved for models in higher categories to give expert riders a thrilling ride but at the same time accessible and fun even for everyday use by new riders.
Aprilia presents Extrema, the sportiest version of the current RS 660 model range. The name is reminiscent of that of the Aprilia 125 Extrema, one of the highest performance and fastest eighth-litre ever, manufactured from 1992 to 1994. Thanks to its refined and new standard equipment, RS 660 Extrema tips the scale with an amazing dry weight of 166 kg and sets a new bar in terms of weight to power ratio (which comes in at 100 HP, a record in its class) which, as we all know, is fundamental for fun on the road and effective riding on the track.
This milestone is achieved by the special standard equipment which includes, first and foremost, a new and lighter street-legal exhaust system by SC Project with carbon silencer positioned on the right side (and no longer beneath the engine). It also comes with the black anodised aluminium silencer bracket which allows you to remove the passenger footpegs, leading to even lighter weight. Also contributing to the overall reduction in weight are the front mudguard and the new belly pan with a brand-new design, both made of high quality carbon.
The sporty nature of RS 660 Extrema is also emphasised by the single-seat tail fairing, which replaces the passenger seat to enhance the sleek design of the rear area. The passenger seat comes with the bike, which maintains its two-up riding approval. In addition to the standard electronics on the RS 660 (which include traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake, engine map, and wheelie control - all adjustable) RS 660 Extrema also has software that allows you to set up quick shift in upside-down configuration. This means that the gearbox can be configured completely autonomously, without replacing any bike component, in street or race version - ideal for track days. The new dedicated white and red livery is clearly sport-inspired and contributes to making it recognisable at a glance.
APRILIA ELECTRICa PROJECT. The ELECTRICa project represents Aprilia's vision of mobility for the youngest riders of the near future. It is a window that opens towards tomorrow, a careful and competent look forward that Aprilia, always on the cutting edge of experimentation, offers the new generations to guarantee them fun in motorbike riding in any environment and without barriers.
So, as just happened with the introduction of the 660 platform, which met the demands of the youngest generation of motorbike riders to perfection with a range of high performance, lightweight, and fun motorcycles - but at the same time easy and accessible - the ELECTRICa is the original and brand-new project from Aprilia dedicated to the next generation.
The ELECTRICa project uses all the know-how made available from the Piaggio Group (that Aprilia is part of), which has been working on electric propulsion since 1975, having introduced a long line of vehicles throughout the times such as the MP3 Hybrid, the first hybrid scooter in the world.
The enormous possibilities introduced by digitalization and networks are producing a radical change in life habits for all. Because an increasing amount of activity can be carried out remotely, commuting needs will also change but moving around without barriers will remain a necessity, especially among the youngest people. The thrilling riding experience that only a bike can provide cannot be virtually replaced or reproduced. The ELECTRICa project is a new concept - a lightweight, zero emissions bike with a fun and satisfying ride to provide maximum freedom and riding pleasure even for use in the cities of the future: the fun and freedom of riding will, therefore, not be lacking and they will always be the cardinal principle at the base of all vehicles built by Aprilia, the sport bike factory par excellence.
The look is unmistakeably Aprilia, especially from the front where a modern interpretation of the triple headlamp cluster typical of all Aprilias stands out to favour stark and clearly sporty lines. Accessibility is guaranteed by the compact dimensions and the low saddle height, but also by the light weight and the presence of both brake controls on the handlebar, a choice that makes the transition from scooters easier.
The electric motor is positioned in the central area and powers a chain final drive. The keyless system, the LCD instrumentation, and phonic wheels in the rims introduce the theme of technology aimed at practicality, as well as active electronic aids for a safe riding experience, an area where Aprilia has been a pioneer and is still at the top among manufacturers on a global level.
(Milano Rho Fiera, Eicma 2022, 8-9 November 2022).
