Aprilia to launch naked musclebike

Aprilia’s RSV-based naked musclebike has been undergoing road tests in Italy and will go on show for the first time at next month’s Milan show.

It will have a similar twin-spar frame and the 1000cc V-twin engine which powers both the Falco and RSV Mille, but new styling.

The V-twin engine is detuned for even more mid-range grunt. Yet it will still make 110bhp.

Rumours of a naked 1000cc Aprilia have been around for some time, and our source confirmed that the first prototype of the bike was built as long as two years ago.

He stressed it is almost an all-new bike, adding: ” It is not a Falco without a fairing. It has the same twin-spar frame, but with mods to the headstock and a new swingarm. The styling is 100 per cent new, with a new fuel tank and bodywork, which makes it possible to see the entire frame. It will also have a closer ratio gearbox. ”

The bike is due to go into production early in 2002 and cost around £7000.