Buy Aprilia Motorcycle

History & Heritage

The story of Aprilia is one of rapid evolution, Italian flair, and an obsession with the finish line. Founded in 1945 in Noale, near Venice, by Alberto Beggio, the company initially produced bicycles. The name was chosen as a tribute to the Lancia Aprilia, a car Beggio admired for its technical innovation. It wasn't until 1968, when Alberto's son Ivano Beggio took the reins, that the company shifted its focus to motorisation.

Ivano was a visionary who understood the desires of the Italian youth. He moved the company into the production of 50cc mopeds and small-capacity motorcycles like the Colibri and Daniela. By the 1970s, Aprilia had entered the motocross world with the Scarabeo, a name that would later become synonymous with their successful scooter line.

The 1980s marked a pivotal shift as Aprilia began collaborating with the Austrian engine specialists Rotax. This partnership birthed the ST 125 and the AF1 sports bike, setting the stage for Aprilia's entry into the world of Grand Prix racing in 1985. While the Japanese "Big Four" dominated the larger capacities, Aprilia found its niche in the 125cc and 250cc classes. This was the beginning of a golden era.

In Australia, Aprilia's rise coincided with the golden age of the 250cc production class. The 1990s saw the brand become the go-to for aspiring racers and enthusiasts who wanted the closest thing to a Grand Prix bike for the road. Names like Max Biaggi, Valentino Rossi, and Loris Capirossi became household names, all winning titles on Aprilia machinery, which resonated deeply with the sport-loving Australian public. The Australian importer at the time, based in Melbourne, played a crucial role in establishing a strong dealer network and supporting the racing scene, which helped Aprilia transition from a niche Italian brand to a mainstream contender on Australian roads.

A significant part of Aprilia's legacy in Australia is the 250cc Production Racing scene. During the 1990s and early 2000s, this was the most competitive and popular racing class in the country. The Aprilia RS 250 was the dominant machine, and the sight of a full grid of these screaming two-strokes at circuits like Phillip Island and Eastern Creek is a defining memory for many Australian racing fans. This racing pedigree is one of the reasons why the RS 250 remains so highly sought after in Australia today, with many collectors looking for bikes that have a documented racing history or have been meticulously maintained to original specifications.

By 1998, Aprilia proved they could compete in the heavyweight division with the launch of the RSV Mille. Powered by a 60° V-twin Rotax engine, it was a credible and often superior alternative to the Ducati 916. Despite financial struggles in the early 2000s leading to a takeover by the Piaggio Group in 2004, the racing DNA remained intact. The subsequent launch of the RSV4 in 2009, featuring a unique V4 engine, brought multiple World Superbike titles and cemented Aprilia's status as a top-tier manufacturer.

Highlights & Key Models

For the Australian collector, Aprilia represents a blend of exotic Italian engineering and accessible performance. Whether you're looking for a screaming two-stroke or a thumping V-twin, the following models are the highlights of the brand's history:

Aprilia RS 125 (1992–2012)

The RS 125 was the ultimate dream for many young Australian riders. While many were restricted for learner laws, the "full power" versions with the Rotax 122 or 123 engines were the ones to have. With its polished aluminium frame and GP-inspired fairings, it looked and handled like a miniature race bike.

• Market Prices 2024–2025 in Australia: Expect to pay between A$4,000 and A$8,000 for a clean, original example. Early "Extrema" models or those in rare Chesterfield or Harada liveries are increasingly sought after.

Aprilia RS 250 (1994–2004)

The RS 250 is widely regarded as the finest 250cc GP replica ever made. Using a modified Suzuki RGV250 engine housed in a bespoke Aprilia chassis, it offered a pure, visceral riding experience. In Australia, these bikes have achieved legendary status, particularly the Mk2 models.

• Market Prices 2024–2025 in Australia: Prices have reached record highs. Rough examples start around A$12,000, but immaculate, low-mileage models or rare Mk1 "Reggiani" replicas can fetch between A$18,000 and A$28,000 at auction.

Aprilia RSV Mille (1998–2003)

The RSV Mille was Aprilia's first "big" bike and it hit the mark immediately. The 998cc V-twin was robust and characterful. The RSV Mille R version, featuring Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and OZ forged wheels, is the one to have for collectors. It remains one of the best-handling superbikes of its era.

• Market Prices 2024–2025 in Australia: Currently a bargain. Standard models can be found for A$5,000 to A$8,000, while the higher-spec R models range from A$9,000 to A$14,000.

Aprilia Pegaso 650 (1990–2004)

The Pegaso was a versatile dual-sport machine that used a five-valve version of the Rotax 650 engine. It was a popular choice for Australian riders who wanted a bike capable of both city commuting and light weekend touring.

• Market Prices 2024–2025 in Australia: Very affordable, with good examples ranging from A$3,000 to A$6,000.

Aprilia Moto 6.5 (1995–2000)

Designed by Philippe Starck, the Moto 6.5 is a piece of rolling art. Its minimalist, organic design was ahead of its time. While not a performance powerhouse, its unique aesthetic makes it a must-have for design-conscious collectors in Australia.

• Market Prices 2024–2025 in Australia: Rare on the market, typically fetching between A$7,000 and A$12,000.

Technical Data

Market Overview & Buying Tips

The Australian market for classic Aprilias is passionate, but buyers must be aware of the unique challenges of owning an Italian machine in the Southern Hemisphere.

Parts Availability & Shipping Costs

One of the most critical considerations for Australian Aprilia owners is the cost and availability of parts. While the Piaggio Group has a presence in Australia, many specific parts for older models like the RS 250 or RSV Mille often need to be sourced from Europe or the UK. Shipping costs can be significant, often adding 20-30% to the price of the part itself. Furthermore, international shipping times can lead to long periods of downtime for your motorcycle. It is highly recommended to join local enthusiast groups or forums where members often pool orders to save on freight.

The distance from Italy also means that specialized knowledge can be harder to find. While there are excellent Aprilia mechanics in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, those in more regional areas may struggle to find someone with the specific tools and experience required for the more complex models like the RSV4 or the older two-strokes. This makes the service history of any potential purchase even more important, as it demonstrates that the bike has been cared for by someone who understands its unique requirements.

Buying Advice

1. Two-Stroke Maintenance: For the RS 125 and RS 250, history is everything. Ask for receipts for top-end rebuilds. On the RS 250, the power valves are a known weak point; if they fail, they can drop into the cylinder and cause catastrophic damage. Aftermarket "cougar" valves are a common and recommended upgrade. It's also worth checking the condition of the oil pump and ensuring that the correct high-quality two-stroke oil has been used throughout the bike's life.
2. Electrical Gremlins: Like many Italian bikes of the era, Aprilias can suffer from charging issues. The "brown connector" on the RSV Mille is a famous failure point where the wires melt. Check the battery voltage with the engine running; it should be around 14V. Additionally, the starter motor sprag clutch on the V-twins can be a weak spot if the battery is allowed to get low, so a trickle charger is a wise investment for any owner.
3. Originality: In Australia, many Aprilias were fitted with aftermarket exhausts (Arrow, Giannelli, Akrapovič). While these improve performance and sound, having the original parts is vital for long-term investment value. Look for bikes that still have their original indicators, mirrors, and number plate hangers, as these are often the first things to be replaced and can be difficult to find later.
4. Heat Management: Australia's harsh summer temperatures can be tough on Italian cooling systems. Ensure the radiator is in good condition and the cooling fans are functioning correctly, especially on the RSV Mille and RSV4 models. It's also worth considering an upgrade to a high-performance coolant to help manage the heat during those long summer rides.

Riding Experience & Performance

Riding an Aprilia is an emotional experience. The brand has always prioritised chassis feel and front-end confidence, which is perfect for Australia's varied road conditions.

The RS 250 is perhaps the most rewarding. It feels impossibly light and narrow. There is no power below 8,000rpm, but once the needle sweeps past that mark, the bike lunges forward with a frantic, metallic scream. It requires you to be in the right gear at all times, making every twisty road blast a focused, engaging session.

The RSV Mille offers a different kind of thrill. The 60° V-twin has a unique cadence—less "thumpy" than a Ducati but more soulful than a Japanese inline-four. It has massive torque, allowing you to power out of corners with ease. The stability is legendary; it feels planted and secure even at high speeds on undulating Australian country roads.

The Pegaso 650 is the sensible sibling. It’s comfortable, with a commanding upright riding position. It’s not a bike for chasing lap times, but it’s a fantastic companion for exploring the hinterlands or coastal roads, where its supple suspension soaks up the bumps.

Design & Accessories

Aprilia's design philosophy has always been bold. They weren't afraid to use bright, "loud" colours that reflected their racing success.

• Racing Liveries: The "Chesterfield" black and the "MS" silver/red liveries are iconic. They evoke memories of the 250cc GP battles of the 90s.
• Engineering as Art: Aprilia often left their beautiful aluminium frames exposed. The polished finish on the RS 125 and RS 250 frames is a hallmark of the brand.
• Accessories: Australia has a dedicated aftermarket scene for Aprilia. Performance chips (EPROMs) for the RSV Mille and high-quality exhaust systems are common. However, for the serious collector, finding a bike with its original toolkit, pillion seat hump, and owner's manual is the ultimate goal.

Other Considerations

Racing Culture

Aprilia's success in the 125cc and 250cc world championships is the foundation of the brand's identity. In Australia, this racing pedigree made the bikes incredibly popular for track days at circuits like Phillip Island and Eastern Creek. While this means they were well-maintained in terms of performance, it also means they may have seen the gravel trap once or twice.

Export Markets

Australia was a significant market for Aprilia's smaller-capacity bikes due to the popularity of the 250cc production racing class. This has created a deep-seated nostalgia for the brand among Australian riders who grew up in the 90s.

Summary

Buying an Aprilia is an entry into a world of Italian passion and racing excellence. Whether you desire the lightweight precision of an RS 250, the thundering power of an RSV Mille, or the avant-garde style of a Moto 6.5, Aprilia offers a unique alternative to the mainstream.

In Australia, the market for these classics is maturing. Prices for the best two-strokes are rising rapidly, while the V-twins remain surprisingly affordable. Focus on finding a bike with a documented service history and as much originality as possible. Be prepared for the logistical challenges of parts sourcing, but know that the reward is a riding experience that is truly world-class. Find your perfect Aprilia on Classic Trader today and join the legacy of Noale.