Two new riders, Aleix Espargarò and Sam Lowes, and the new 2017 RS-GP, more powerful and technologically advanced.

The new red, white and green livery designed by Aldo Drudi celebrates a fiercely proud, all-Italian project.

ROBERTO COLANINNO: "Staff, technology and a lot of passion. We have everything we need to continue growing. Aprilia's history of success demands that we be protagonists."

ROMANO ALBESIANO: "We grew a lot in the pre-season tests; we intend to do the same throughout the Championship."

Last year the RS-GP made its début in the Doha tests, the first MotoGP bike developed entirely by Aprilia Racing to compete in the premier class of Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. Just twelve months later, the all-Italian project must now face an important final exam: the constant progress demonstrated in the first season, with 16 Top-10 finishes, was reconfirmed during the tests in Valencia, Jerez, Sepang and Phillip Island.

Aleix Espargarò, a welcome returnee to the Aprilia camp, immediately found the right feeling with his RS-GP, especially in terms of braking stability. The Spanish rider was also able to test the 2017 evolution of the Italian MotoGP bike, approving of the progress made compared with the 2016 version and demonstrating encouraging competitiveness during the official tests.

Sam Lowes, on the other hand, could not help but have a different task than his teammate's. The talented English rider must first of all become familiar with a prototype that is very different from the Moto2 bike he has ridden in the past, both strictly in terms of performance and in terms of the riding style it requires. The progress demonstrated during the tests led to reducing the gap behind the best in the category and, much more importantly, improving his sensations in the saddle.

ROBERTO COLANINNO - PIAGGIO GROUP CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
“Aprilia Racing represents one of the Piaggio Group's points of technological excellence. In fact, racing is the highest point of experimentation and the development of technological solutions from which all the products and brands in the group then benefit. Last year, we introduced our RS-GP, the first MotoGP bike designed and built entirely here in Noale. In the second half of the season, the new bike showed clear progress, consistently finishing in the Top-Ten. This year, we want to continue our growth trend and be a threat to manufacturers who have been in this class for decades and we have everything it takes to achieve this goal: staff, technology, experience and a lot of passion. Aprilia's sport history boasts 54 World Titles, most of which, no less than 28, have been earned since Aprilia has been part of the Piaggio Group. A history with such great success demands that we work hard to always be protagonists with the goal of continuing to entertain and attract the young people who have always been Aprilia's greatest asset.”

The 2017 Aprilia RS-GP comes to the beginning of this season dressed in a new red, white and green livery to celebrate a fiercely proud all-Italian project. The fairing was designed by Aldo Drudi, certainly the most famous designer in the racing world, just one more Italian value that Aprilia will hold high in 2017 on tracks all over the world.

Important partnerships have been renewed this year that go beyond a simple sponsorship relationship, like SAP with whom the Piaggio Group is developing important future projects for connectivity between vehicle and rider and NOW TV, Sky's Internet TV, with a wealth of content such as Cinema, TV Series and Sports, with whom Aprilia Racing will be pioneering innovative content and entertainment formulas.

ROMANO ALBESIANO - APRILIA RACING MANAGER
"For us, 2017 begins with a different situation compared with last year. We already know that we have a bike, the RS-GP, which has reached a good competitive level. The evolutions that we studied and applied in view of the new season concern every aspect of the bike, from its weight, which has been optimised, to overall balance, not to mention engine performance and the electronics package. An all-around operation but without any drastic changes, given the good starting base, with which we want to take another step toward the goals set for the Aprilia MotoGP project. The initial feedback has been encouraging. Aleix likes the new bike and has some rather clear ideas on which characteristics have the most room for improvement, so we will be working in those areas throughout the season. The racing department put in a lot of effort during the winter break. Everyone understands the importance of the challenge we are facing and our front fairing is just the most visible example of Aprilia's dedication to innovation. During the tests we stayed in a group of very competitive bikes and riders, where just a few tenths of a second can make a big difference. Our goal, after showing that we can consistently battle for the Top-10, is to improve further."

ALEIX ESPARGARO'
"I am happy to unveil the new livery that we will use this year. It is always nice to officially launch a new project, especially because I have great confidence in Aprilia Racing and the team's work. It will definitely be a good season. We still have a lot to improve, but we have undoubtedly gotten off on the right foot. We are keen to grow. We have specific goals and in order to achieve them, both the team and I will put all of our energy onto the track. All that's left now is to take on the first race in Qatar and see where we stand against our rivals."

SAM LOWES
"First of all, I am happy to be part of this big family with such a strong bond to racing, with a prestigious history of success like Aprilia Racing. I can't wait to get back on the track in Qatar. I think that I was able to express about 85% of our potential in the winter tests and from the first race I would like to identify a good base to build on, improving step by step all the way to Valencia. We are setting our sights on the points zone straight away and then aiming for the Top-Ten and to battle for some important MotoGP placements. I believe in myself and I fully believe in the potential of my bike and my team."

FAUSTO GRESINI - TEAM MANAGER
"We are approaching the 2017 season well aware that we can count on a good starting base: in the tests at Sepang and Phillip Island, the team and riders worked very well. On one side, a determined Aleix got straight to work astride the new RS-GP, finding excellent sensations and providing important indications to steer technical development, which is obviously nonstop and concerns all areas of the bike. On the other side, Lowes has made significant progress, getting much closer to his teammate in terms of times. Sam is tackling this new adventure with the right spirit, aiming at building up the necessary experience. The new RS-GP is very nice and none of us can wait to see it in action in the new colours: we are ready for a new and exciting challenge together with Aprilia Racing.”

With 104 World Championships in its collection (54 Aprilia, 15 Moto Guzzi, 21 Derbi, 14 Gilera) the Piaggio Group is the most victorious motorcycle group of all times, and Aprilia, born into racing, is the true sports banner for the Piaggio Group.

With 294 Grand Prix races won in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, Aprilia holds the record for the most wins of any European manufacturer in the history of top motorcycle competition. These race wins are joined by 54 world titles: 38 in the World Motorcycle Championship (20 in the 125 class and 18 in the 250 class), 7 in Superbike (double Rider/Manufacturer title in 2010, 2012 and 2014, Manufacturer in 2013) and 9 in the Off Road disciplines (7 in Supermoto and 2 in Trial). The Aprilia trophy case also includes the 2005 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, won with the RSV4 RF ridden by Lorenzo Savadori, currently riding an Aprilia in World Superbike alongside Eugene Laverty.

Back for its 6th year, giving the motorcycling community in the North West a major indoor motorcycle show to be proud be part of and attend... and in March, with the anticipation of a good summer to follow...

The event has various zones covering over 22,000 sq meters of space - about the size of four football pitches making the Manchester Bike Show the largest indoor motorcycle show in the North of England. Attending will be a large variety of exhibitors and traders including Ducati​, Chester Harley-Davidson​, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha, local and national dealers, clothing and helmets, parts and accessories, touring holiday companies, along with many other exhibitors that you would expect to see at a bike show of this size and stature, including THE BIKER GUIDE. 

Also see 100's of rare, exotic, modern, classic, custom and Streetfighter machines from clubs and private individuals, music and entertainment, stunt shows, DJ’s, special guest stars and much much more...

In 2016 16,500 motorcycle enthusiasts attended for an unforgettable action packed day and weekend out for all. Since 2012 they have doubled the floor space, doubled the number of trade exhibitors to 120 individual companies, doubled the number of participating clubs to 50, doubled the number motorbikes on display to over 1,000 and doubled the number of visitors.

Lots of Motorcycle clubs attending, including BMF, Ducati Owners’ Club, Gawsworth Jesters, Goldwing Misfits​, Honda Owners’ Club Manchester, NABD, Rainy City Harley-Davidson, Rigby’s Guardians MCC, Royal British Legion Riders and the Chunky Tread Motorcycle Adventure Club​. Clubs and individuals are welcome to display their bikes. Entry forms on the website. 

venue: EventCity, Phoenix Way, off Barton Dock Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TB. Free parking. 
price: Pre-book: Adult: £14. OAP: £12. Child (5-14): £4. Two adults & two children: £32. OTD: Adult: £17. OAP: £15. Child (5-14): £4. Two adults & two children: £37.
tel: Organisers number 01484 667 776 
website: www.manchesterbikeshow.com
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e-mail: [email protected]

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced that Nevis Marketing has become the official distributor of Garmin’s ZÅ«mo range of motorcycle satellite navigation products and accessories in the UK and Ireland.

Head of Category at Garmin, Anton Beavis says, ‘‘We are delighted to have Nevis Marketing on board as part of the Garmin network. Nevis have an unquestionable appetite for success and a real passion for the motorcycle industry. They have a devoted team whose wealth of knowledge spreads widely throughout the dealer community. We look forward to working alongside our new partner to address the needs of the market, to ensure customer satisfaction and continued confidence in our premium range of Motorcycle products.”

“Garmin have a clear vision to be the global leader in every market we serve, with sought after products based on our compelling design, superior quality and great value. The motorcycle arena is just another example of our dedication and commitment to the independent channel, who do such a tremendous job in representing the brand, serving loyal customers and new found friends in this sector. I wish Nevis every success with their new appointment as our official motorcycle distributor.’’

Scott Empson, Managing Director at Nevis adds, ‘‘Garmin and Nevis share a synergy and long term marketing strategy that includes supporting the independent motorcycle dealer with full training and product support to ensure that Garmin motorcycle products are properly presented and offered to the end user to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. We have already started the process and the Nevis team is looking forward immensely to developing sales and further enhancing the Garmin brand in the UK and Ireland.’’

First UK customer to benefit from ‘plug in’ grant for e-motorcycles

The first electric motorcycle to be bought with the new ‘plug in’ subsidy will be on the road from today (March 1^st).

The dealer, 21^st Moto in Swanley, Kent, confirmed that 48-year-old Fred Murphy from Redhill in Surrey is the first customer in the UK to benefit from the subsidy, introduced by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.  

Mr Murphy bought a Zero FXS, which has an average range of 60 miles, a top speed of 85mph and costs the equivalent of a penny a mile to power.  It can be charged using a household three pin plug, with faster charge options, which can reduce full charging time to 2 hours.

Up to now the ‘plug in’ subsidy has only been available for electric cars and vans, but it can now be applied to electric motorcycles and scooters, so long as they meet certain quality criteria.  This includes having a battery with 5 years’ warranty and a good range.

Rob Francis, Dealer Principal of 21^st Moto, which has now sold a total of three zero motorcycles since the grant was introduced, says the system of claiming the subsidy is extremely easy for customers:

“The dealership does all the work, so there are no forms to fill out, or paperwork to complete.  The dealer makes the application direct to OLEV and the price is reduced by £1500 or 20% of the total purchase cost, whichever is the smaller number.”

Customer Fred Murphy, who hasowned and ridden motorcycles for more than 25 years, has traded in a petrol bike for his electric one.  He said enjoyment and an interest in new technology was the motivation behind his purchase and that he will be commuting to work on it:

“As an ‘electronics geek’ and an early adopter, I have always been interested in electric bikes and tried my first zero back in 2012, so when the ‘plug in’ grant finally came in, this was enough to justify my jump to electric.” 

Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which lobbied for the subsidy, says motorcycles and scooters will help cut congestion:

“Whether electric or not, a motorcycle, scooter or moped benefits from reduced journey times, easier or free parking, no congestion charge and is normally cheaper to run and insure.  There is also the added benefit that it’s just more fun than other modes of transport.”* 

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• Background: A plug-in grant for cars was introduced in January 2011. In 2015 it was announced this would be extended to motorcycles by the Coalition Government. The details were finalised in October 2016.  Manufacturer/importers with qualifying products apply direct to OLEV to be included.  If they qualify, the grant is applied at the point of sale and customers are just asked to fill out a questionnaire.

• Eligibility criteria also includes a range of at least 30km for mopeds and 50km for motorcycles between charges and a top speed of at least 40 kilometres per hour. Machines must be registered with the DVLA, require a driving licence, be insured and the rider must wear a protective helmet. The full requirements can be found here

• The number of motorcycles licensed for the road (and licence exempt) has increased from 720,000 in 1994 to 1,330,000 for the last quarter, which is the highest number since 2009. (See Department for Transport table VEH0301).

• The model bought was a Zero FXS 6.5 version. It can be ridden on an A2 license. Full spec can be found here

• Travelling to work on a motorcycle, scooter or moped is one of the least likely modes of transport to affect your well-being according to a one-off government travel survey by the Office for National Statistics.  It found that for journeys up to 30 minutes there was no ill effect on levels of anxiety, happiness and satisfaction for those who rode a motorcycle, scooter or moped.  In contrast, those who walk, cycle, drive a car or take the bus all experience an adverse increase in all or some of the factors measured after just 15 minutes.

• The Motorcycle Industry Association, Highways England and the National Police Chiefs’ Council recently launched a joint whitepaper exploring the motorcycling opportunity. See www.motorcycleframework.co.uk