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Aprilia's 4-Stroke GP bike on the track

7607 Views 17 Replies 14 Participants Last post by erc, Feb 1, 2002

4321

Discussion Starter · Jan 24, 2002

First Post!

Check out the exhaust piping on that thing. Man oh man....

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

Nepenthe

· #2 · Jan 24, 2002

Aren't they starting a bit late? As a [new] motorcycle racing fan who wants to see a great season (Speed Channel willing), I sincerely hope Suzuki and Aprilia can compete with Honda and Yamaha, but they're, what, two months behind in development? It may take them part of the way into the season to get the bike fully 'sorted'.

Also, I'm not familiar with Lucchi, but I know who Laconi is from World Superbike in 2001. He was good but not 'great'. I hope he or somebody else can do Aprilia's engineering justice. Honda+Rossi looks pretty hard to beat, and I'm sure Yamaha+Biaggi won't be far behindl.

Nice stirring description of the sound of the 'Cube', although being an Aprilia press release, of course it's a bit partisan.

Here's what I'd love to see from Motorcycle Online: a full preview of the 2002 MotoGP two/four stroke season. All the riders, their 'colors' or major sponsor (like factory -vs- privateer), very brief history and sort of the 'odds' of them winning, the brand of bike they will be riding and whether it's a 500cc or a four stroke, and a brief bit about the weight, power, and engine type.

What of: Ducati, Kawasaki, Drysdale, Sauber, Triumph, MuZ, Suzuki, Mondial, MV Agusta, and Baindl?

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RobF4i

· #3 · Jan 25, 2002

You're right, Aprilia seem a bit behind on the development so far since Honda for example has been testing the 4-stroke for about a month. As for Laconi he is a former Grand Prix winner so I would expect good (maybe not the championship) things from him in about half a season when the bike is up to speed. I was thinking about what someone said in an earlier post about if Rossi went to Aprilia. That would be amazing to see him win on that bike. I'm usually not aroused by machines but that is the exception. And say what you want about Valentino, he's still a kick-ass rider and the best thing to happen to the sport in years.

HyperBusa

· #4 · Jan 25, 2002

Man, the exhaust pipe is freakin' HUGE! Easy breathing to be sure.

Scottsman

· #5 · Jan 25, 2002

I agree with your comments about the press release. Albeit, all of the manufacturers are doing the same thing. Pretty much everything out there right now about the 4-stroke GP machines is what's fed to us by the factories.

Actually, 2001 was Regis' first year on the Aprilia RSV. Before that, I believe he rode a Red Bull Yamaha 500GP bike. If I recall correctly, he doesn't have a great deal of time in the saddle of 4-stroke bikes. So, for him to have done as well as he did in 2001 in a venue that he wasn't terribly familiar with, is a great testament to his adaptability and skill. He's young, and experienced enough in GP to hopefully be able to mesh his experience with the new tech of the 4-strokes. I'm really glad to see a builder like Aprilia take this step. This machine should certainly be a better direction than that ill-begotten 400 twin!

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15311

· #6 · Jan 25, 2002

Being a GP rider, Laconi hadn't ridden on all the WSB tracks - and he did well on those he did have circuit knowledge of - i.e. Assen and in the final round.

He may not have set the world on fire in GP's but not many did well on the Yamaha back then (until Mcoy started using a 16.5 inch wheel) and lots of people have spoken highly of him.

What I'd REALLY like to see is Gobert on a 4st GP bike - that would be simply awesome!!

norton888

· #7 · Jan 25, 2002

I wonder if Honda are going to draw a line in the sand and lose Rossi the same way they lost McGrath in Supercross. I seems there are many similarities. I hope they do, because it would be great to Rossi sticking his neck out to get this bike in front of the Honda and Yamaha 4 strokes. Can't wait for the season to start.

FloridaSteve

· #8 · Jan 25, 2002

I said it befor and I'll say it again.... this is easily the most beautiful 4S GP bike out yet.... WOW!!

Joe_Momma

· #9 · Jan 25, 2002

Bella Bella!!! Well, I don't know what it means exactly, but the Italian guys said it when they scored against us in soccer when I was in the Marines. I guess it means beautiful.

Joe_Momma

· #10 · Jan 25, 2002

Better than you think

Laconi had only ridden on two or three tracks on the WSB Calendar, and he did well on them, and would have won the last two races had Troy Bayliss not Highsided and taken him out the first race. He was so happy he was doing well and he ran over to Troy to make sure he was ok and hugged him. Sounds like a great guy to me. He won the next race right after that. That's a great feat considering the competition, and it was his first visit there on a superbike. When he was on dunlops in Gps, he was one of the fastest Yamaha guys, and the switch to Michelin slowed him down. Give him a chance.

Joe_Momma

· #11 · Jan 25, 2002

That would be beautiful. Let Rossi ride the bike and win on it, making Honda hold it's tail between it's legs, but the way Katoh is riding, I don't think Honda is to concerned.

john

· #12 · Jan 25, 2002

That would be too awesome......move Haga up to GP from WSBK next year, and get Rossi. Haga and Rossi both on the aprilia team....that would be badass.

NoKneeDown

· #13 · Jan 25, 2002

Sheesh, you guys really don't want Honda winning MotoGP this year....Anyway, what a beautiful marraige of superb technology and engineering to a gorgeous package. That is racing--combing perfect function while maintaining absolute beauty. If anyone finds a sound byte please post.

Grappelli

· #14 · Jan 25, 2002

For a first GP bike, they're not going to get a top racer. Lacconi's pretty good though. They have to prove that the team is up to it before they can get one of the top few riders.

Joe_Momma

· #15 · Jan 25, 2002

Are we the only two that think so?

FalcoSurfer

· #16 · Jan 29, 2002

I am looking forward to seeing & hearing this bike. I've loved my Falco - when Aprilia gets a production sportbike with the 3 cyl motor that could be my new replacement.

I really like them Aprilia's!!!!!

FalcoSurfer

· #17 · Jan 29, 2002

Question: what went wrong with Aprilia and Troy Corser at the end of WSBK season last year?

What's the rumors on the real story?

erc

· #18 · Feb 1, 2002

Rossi signed with Honda - today!

It's a deal: Honda will have Rossi... confirmed today!!!

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