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| 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille |
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| 2002 Aprilia SL 1000 R |
Not much news this year regarding Aprilia’s production machines. Bold new graphics is pretty much the whole story — although the SL 1000 R has a black frame and new fuel injection mapping (to improve low rpm power delivery).
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| Aprilia Blue Marlin |
The machine drawing the most attention at the Milan show was the naked concept from Aprilia known as the Blue Marlin. Although Aprilia indicates that it may go into production, Aprilia is gauging reaction to the controversial styling first.
The Blue Marlin is powered by the 998cc V-twin from the Mille — putting out 130 horsepower. Featuring styling reminiscent of older cafe racers, and inspired by one of Ivano Beggio’s first designs, the Blue Marlin has virtually no family resemblance to Aprilia’s other models. With the twin goals of light weight and simplicity, Aprilia’s in-house designers collaborated with Thierry Henriette of Boxer Designs to create the Blue Marlin. Combining a steel frame with an aluminum subframe and swingarm, the Blue Marlin does evoke the simplicity of older machines.
If you want to let Aprilia know what you think of the Blue Marlin, visit their website and provide some feedback.
