Aprilia

Aprilia is sometimes regarded as “the other” Italian sportbike maker after Ducati. But any such second-fiddle reputation is undeserved. First, Aprilia’s record in World Superbike is stupendous. Second, the company is competing in MotoGP with promising results. And third, Aprilia’s motorcycle range has more sportbikes than some Japanese companies, including superbikes, naked bikes, adventure bikes and streetfighters. Leading Aprilia’s superbike assault is the 999cc RSV4 RF LE, a claimed 201-hp street version of the championship-winning V-4 racer. Naked bikes include the Tuono V4 1100 Factory ABS and the Shiver 900. The Caponord 1200 Rally is a tempting big-bore adventure bike, and the Dorsoduro 900 is a scrappy streetfighter. Factor in the SR Motard 50 scooter, and Aprilia indeed stands tall on the street.