APRILIA MOTO 6.5 (1995 - 2002) Review

Item: APRILIA MOTO 6.5
Rating: 3
Author: MCN Staff

Aprilia Moto 6.5 motorcycle review - Rear view

At a glance

Power:	42 bhp
Seat height:	Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight:	Low (331 lbs / 150 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Whatever star quality the Philippe Starck-designed Aprilia Moto 6.5 may possess as a motorcycling design icon (and it has lots), it’s sadly more than matched by its overwhelming ‘averageness’ in terms of performance. The Aprilia Moto 6.5 is OK, in a F650/Pegaso sort of way, but you’ve got to love to weird looks to contemplate it.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Aprilia Moto 6.5 was designed as a chic town motorcycle and that’s where it works best: nimble steering, narrow seat and plush, pot-hole-proof suspension makes it ideal at traffic carving. Thin saddle means, however, that it’s ill suited to long rides.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Aprilia Moto 6.5's straightforward Rotax five-valver is identical to that powering the last generation Aprilia Pegaso so it’s fairly brisk, flexible and fault-free. Like most big single powered motorcycles, though, the Aprilia Moto 6.5 quickly runs out of puff if pushed hard on fast A-roads or motorways and it’s transmission is a tad clunky at low speeds.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

2 out of 5 (2/5)

Not as good as hoped. Materials are a little thin, finishes a bit, er minimal, and not only is the Aprilia Moto 6.5 more susceptible to corrosion than most, bits occasionally fall off or break, too.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

As a future classic, the Aprilia Moto 6.5 is currently fairly good value with decent-ish examples to be had for not much over £1000. As a useful road motorcycle, however, you’d be far better off with a more conventional road trailie… Find an Aprilia Moto 6.5 for sale.

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

Remember Starck’s minimalist ‘Rocket’ orange juicer? Well the Aprilia Moto 6.5 follows the same basic is beautiful mantra, too. So, there are no frills clocks, no extra comforts and bare-bones essentials. Less, apparently, is more… Compare and buy parts for the Aprilia Moto 6.5 in the MCN Shop.

Specs
Engine size	649cc
Engine type	5v single, 5 gears
Frame type	Steel tubular type
Fuel capacity	16 litres
Seat height	780mm
Bike weight	150kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	298mm disc
Rear brake	Single 220mm disc
Front tyre size	100/90 x 18 in
Rear tyre size	130/90 x 17 in

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Annual road tax	£93
Annual service cost	-
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	9 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	-