Superbike shown to dealers

Aprilia unveiled its new RSV 4 Superbike at the Piaggio Group Convention in Italy, that the company plans to campaign in WSB next year.

It's powered by a four-cylinder, 1,000 cc 65-degree V that the company says is the "most powerful" it's ever built. Ride-by-wire electronics and an extensive range of adjustments for traction control are claimed.

It's being bandied about that a turn-signal-equipped RSV 4 will be on public roads by the end of this year, though we have no information yet on Canadian availability. 

Shiver GT gets half fairing.

Aprilia has announced two new GT additions to their Shiver and Mana motorcycles, which come with a half-fairing for better touring abilities.

The Shiver's 95 hp, 750 cc motor and chassis otherwise remains unchanged. Likewise, the 839 cc, 76 hp, electronically-controlled transmissioned (that allows the rider to choose between automatic and sequential seven-gear modes) Mana is also otherwise unchanged.

Neither model is expected to be seen in Canada in the near future. 2010 maybe?

Mana X gets radical.

A Mana X concept bike has been shown by Aprilia.

Based loosely on the Mana 850 concept, which uses a CVT transmission, the X model Mana is lower and bears a distinctive flat-track appearance, with 17 inch wheels shod in dirt rubber and a new braced swingarm.

The Mana X transmission allows automatic gear shifting as well as push-button gear changes. And like a scooter, it may ultimately sport a left-handlebar-mounted rear brake lever.