MAX BIAGGI WITH APRILIA FOR THE 2011 AND 2012 SEASONS

 

Team Aprilia

The duo which dominated the 2010 world SBK championship is reconfirmed. 

  

Noale, 18 October 2010 – Aprilia Racing and Max Biaggi sealed the contract which ties the 2010 World Superbike Champion to the name which has seen him triumph from his début in the 250 Moto GP class.

Thanks to this agreement, which is valid for two years, Max Biaggi and Aprilia will be able to team up together to defend the Rider and Manufacturer titles earned this year.

In fact, 2010 was an extraordinary year in sport for the Biaggi-Aprilia duo in World SBK: ten victories, four double wins and another four podiums led the five time champion to take the rider world championship (the first Italian in motorcycling history) and Aprilia to its first triumph in the WSBK Manufacturer standings.

With confirmation of the Biaggi-Aprilia association, one of the most victorious pairs in sports history is renewed: Max boasts five world championships in a record time frame, considering the fact that sixteen years have passed since his first 250 world championship and this year’s SBK title. Aprilia boasts a collection of 45 world titles and, with 277 victories in GP, it is the most victorious name in the history of MotoGP.

“I’m obviously very happy to be continuing this winning adventure in World SBK with Aprilia” stated Max Biaggi. “After an exciting but tiring season, after many years of racing and many victories, it was only natural and right to stop and think, to reflect on such an important future commitment. And in my considerations a very decisive factor was, as it was at the beginning of this adventure with Aprilia, the fact that I feel so close to a team and a company which is so capable and so focussed on the sports objective. Now we need to prepare as best as we can for next season. We are well aware that we cannot rest on our laurels and that we will be in all of our rivals’ sights. But now I am also sure that we will be highly motivated at the start of the first race, with a bike which I have brought up and which I did not want to abandon, ready to die hard… extremely hard“.

Aprilia Race Team Does it Again!

2010 World Manufacturers Champion

Magny Cours, 3 October 2010 – Thanks to the 13 points earned today by Max Biaggi in the last round of World Superbike, Aprilia is the World Manufacturer Champion in the highest championship for factory motorcycles. The final standings show: Aprilia 446, Ducati 408, Suzuki 399, Yamaha 332, Honda 309, Bmw 201 e Kawasaki 108.

 Aprilia’s 2010 WSBK season – with race 2 at Magny Cours still left to close out the championship – boasts incredible spoils: 9 wins, 7 podiums and two world titles.

Valentino Rossi going into the corner hard

 The success on the French track is a new and extraordinary result which comes just eight days after the world rider title won by Max Biaggi on the Imola circuit. An absolutely exceptional double achievement because this sweep by Aprilia comes in just the second year that they 1000 four cylinder V RSV4 has taken the track, establishing Aprilia’s sport and technical dominance in World SBK. And so Aprilia strengthens its enviable collection which now holds 45 world titles (36 in Moto GP, 2 in Superbike, 2 in trial, 5 in Supermotard) and makes it, with 277 GP titles won, the most victorious Italian and European name in the history of World Motorcycle racing.

 Maurizio Roman, Managing Director of product development and strategy for the Piaggio Group comments: “This is a result that bears witness to the our absolute state-of-the-art technology and products. The fact that this comes just 48 hours from the grand opening of our Cologne motorcycle showroom, whose queen will be precisely the most advanced road technology of our magnificent RSV4 which has dominated this world championship, fills me with joy. This is a bike which combines all of the electronic innovations utilised on the track to make the greatest technology applied to the sport bike available to enthusiasts everywhere”.

 “Aprilia Racing confirms itself today as a point of excellence with few equals in the world – states Leo Francesco Mercanti, Director of product development for the Piaggio Group and Managing Director of Aprilia Racing – We are only in our second year of racing with a completely innovative project like the RSV4, and it is only thanks to the extraordinary skills at work every day in Piaggio Group that we were able to achieve high enough levels of competitiveness and reliability to win this match against well known brands which have years of experience in this difficult championship”.

 Gigi Dall’Igna, technical and sport manager of Aprilia Racing, has been a key player on the road to this victory: “Even just one of the championships already seemed like a mirage two years ago when we began with the completely new and totally different bike from anything that we had made before. Celebrating a “world sweep” like this one today makes me happy and confirms for me that the Aprilia Alitalia team is made up of exceptional technicians and personnel. A team to whom I want to give full credit today for having made possible in only 27 races what seemed like a silly dream until just a few months ago”.

Ride the Wind, Feel the Energy

Aprilia makes you shiver again, with the 2011 750 Shiver

NEW YORK –  September 30, 2010 – Aprilia USA, the North American importer and distributor of award-winning motorcycles, announces the introduction of the 2011 Aprilia 750 Shiver. With a revised handlebar position, narrower seat and adjusted footpegs, the Aprilia Shiver boasts a much sportier riding position. Riders will find that the bike’s erognomic design is perfect for short trips as well as longer hauls.

Race-Inspired Design

The Shiver’s sportier look is attributed to the introduction of a short windshield and aggressive wave brake rotors. The Shiver also comes closer to the rider’s needs with a two-inch narrower saddle, yielding better bike control. Additionally, the rider foot pegs are set backwards and the handlebar curves set to the front end allowing the rider to assume a more race-riding position. The Shiver is also outfitted with a 5.5×17-inch rear wheel, which provides improved handling and also increases turn-in speed.

Engineered for Power, Stability and Smoothess

To ensure the rider has power and stability, the Shiver is designed with the multi-map integral Ride by Wire technology that was developed from racing experience gained with the Aprilia RSV4 superbike. With the simple touch of the starter control, the rider can select one of three maps (even while moving with closed throttle), including:

–          “Sport” to use when the rider wants to kick the bike in high gear;

–          “Touring” when smoother power delivery and fluidity are essential during the moments when the racing desires are set aside to enjoy a more relaxing ride, even two-up; 

  

–          “Rain” when the road grip is not as good as it should be and maximum safety is the main objective. 

 

Exceptional Performance

The Shiver’s V-90 engine achieves outstanding output values, with a maximum output of 95 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 81 Nm at 7,000 rpm.  The engine features the Aprilia twin-cylinder, which combines an exceptionally high level of output with maximum exploitation rates and user-friendly riding options. With top-of-the-class output levels, the Shiver delivers generous torque over most of the rpm range, insignificant vibrations and smooth full-power delivery.

The  2011 Shiver is available in Aprila Black or Crowd Silver, and retails for $8,999. For more information on the Aprilia 750 Shiver or to find a local Aprilia dealer, visit www.apriliausa.com.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè.  With 43 motorcycling world championship titles (36 road and 7 off-road)  and 274 speed GP wins under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

With approximately 7,000 employees, approximately 610,000 vehicles sold in 2009, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and commercial operations all over the world, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market.  Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.

# # #

Aprilia Brings the Entertainment to Moto GP Indy

From road racing and flat track competition to extreme stunts downtown,
Aprilia is everywhere during 2nd annual Red Bull Indianapolis Moto GP
weekend

NEW YORK – August 12, 2009 – Aprilia USA races into legendary Indianapolis
Motor Speedway for the 2nd annual Red Bull Indianapolis Moto GP weekend with
a full schedule of world-class competition and entertainment.  As the
dominant manufacturer in both the 125cc and 250cc Moto GP classes, Aprilia
will be setting the pace to claim pole positions and podiums. The weekend
also holds plenty of action for dirt racing fans, with the Aprilia USA/Lloyd
Brothers Motorsports flat track team returning to the historic Indy Mile for
the AMA Flat Track Grand Nationals.  Also returning is the popular Aprilia
All-Star Challenge, the main event of the stunt-riding XDL freestyle
championships, held in downtown Indianapolis.

Aprilia, which leads the manufacturers’ standings in both the 250cc and
125cc GP classes, is the brand to beat thanks to world-class machines and
talent. Team Blusens Aprilia will be the team to watch in the 125 GP class.
2008 125cc Rookie of the Year Scott Redding, the youngest rider ever to win
a Grand Prix race at the age of fifteen, will battle for repeat victories.
In the 250 cc GP class, Team Toth Aprilia will also be prepared to claim the
podium thanks to the winning rider combination of Imre Toth and Mattia
Pasini. 

The Brickyard won’t be the only place to get caught up in the spirit of
competition.  The best dirt trackers in the nation will duke it out at the
Indiana State Fairgrounds Indy Mile when the AMA Flat Track Championship
Series comes to town the same weekend.  Aprilia owners and dealers are
invited to cheer on the Aprilia USA/Lloyd Brothers Motorsports team of Jon
Goodwin and Jerry Steele.

Aprilia also has a high-energy presence in downtown Indianapolis.  The
Aprilia All-Star Challenge portion of the 2009 XDL Sportbike Freestyle
Championship series combines racing with serious stunt riding.  The nation’s
top talent competes on stock Aprilia SXV 450 Supermoto machines on a
predetermined course, battling the clock and each other with target
stoppies, rolling burnout slaloms and other gravity-defying stunts.

Aprilia owners, their guests, racers and dealers will again find a special
welcome mat put out just for them.  From 6 to 9 pm on August 29th, Aprilia
USA will welcome them at an exclusive Moto GP party at the Pioneer of Our
Land Pavilion inside the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The event, which takes
place just prior to the AMA Flat Track Grand Nationals, features food,
refreshments, entertainment and a special unveiling of the much anticipated
Aprilia RSV4.  The party is free for Aprilia owners and dealers, their
guests are welcome for $10 per person. An RSVP is required.  Please contact
apriliaparty@piaggiogroupusa.com to reserve or to request more information.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962,
the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with additional
production facilities in Scorzè.  With 40 motorcycling world championship
titles (33 road and 7 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European
manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging
from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers
to award-winning super sport bikes including.  For information on Aprilia’s
complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

Davey Durelle Takes First Place with the Aprilia SXV 5.5 for the Second Year in a Row at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Aprilia Brings Success in the 87th Annual Race to the Clouds

 New York, NY – July 30, 2009 – Aprilia USA defended its crown at the 87th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with Davey Durelle outdistancing a competitive field on the Aprilia SXV 5.5. With a time of 11:48.649, Durelle proved to be the fastest rider on the mountain for the second year in a row. In addition to Durelle’s decisive victory, other Aprilia riders found success in this year’s competition. Italian rider Giuliano Covezzi finished fourth in the 750 class and was subsequently awarded “Rookie of the Year” by the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb staff. Landers Sevier of TWO Magazine and Visordown.com finished 6th in the 450 Supermoto class on an Aprilia RXV450 converted to supermoto specifications, and in the 750cc motorcycle class John Pierce and Ryan Sweeney finished 8th and 13th, respectively, on Aprilia SXV 5.5s. “We anticipated an influx of Aprilias in this year’s competition, after Davey beat much larger bikes to the top on the SXV last year,” explained Rick Panettieri, Aprilia Brand Manager. “As evidenced by another triumph, the SXV is ideal for a mountain road like that at Pikes Peak. The revolutionary light-weight body, packed with power and superb maneuverability, makes this the best motorcycle for twisty mountain roads – paved or dirt.”

Touted as the second oldest motor sports race in America, The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb started in 1916. With a course that climbs 12.42 miles, has 156 turns and climbs to over 14,000 ft – reducing bike power by up to 30 percent – the Aprilia SXV 5.5 climbed to the top again, securing another title for Durelle. Less than a mile from the summit, Durelle made good use of the SXV 5.5’s formidable power to take the lead from second place finisher Gary Trachy in the wide open dirt section. Durelle and Trachy battled side by side to the top finishing a mere .094 seconds apart – one of the closest finishes in the history of the International Pikes Peak Hill Climb. “I had pole for race day and was able to get the hole shot. I lead for the first two miles of the race until Gary passed me,” explained Durelle. “He put a little distance on me on the lower asphalt section. We were neck-and-neck and I just beat him to the inside of the last left hand sweeper. I held him off until the finish line.” This year’s Aprilia success can also attributed to former AMA Aprilia Supermoto Team technician Amauri Nunez, who was on hand at Pikes Peak to assist all Aprilia riders, according to Durelle. “Amauri was a great help not only to me but to the other Aprilia mounted riders,” said Durelle. “It was great to see all the Aprilias entered in this year’s race.” Davey Durelle is sponsored by Aprilia USA, Erico Motorsports, Dunlop Tire, Arai, Spider Grips, Scotts Perf, & Victory Circle Graphixs.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy). Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè. With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.

For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com. In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

Aprilia USA Brought Hollywood to Road Racing with Blockbuster Debut

Aprilia USA Brought Hollywood to Road Racing with Blockbuster Debut

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen inspired Aprilia race bike unveiled
during action-packed Road America weekend

NEW YORK, NY – June 6, 2009 – Aprilia USA  added a special dose of Hollywood
blockbuster excitement to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike series when it
unveiled a one-of-a-kind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen inspired race
bike today.  This special stealth edition of an Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory
competition machine made its debut during Round 6 of the road racing series
at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

The aggressively styled Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Aprilia bike
revved up excitement for the June 24 opening of one of this year’s most
anticipated movies among an estimated audience of over 70,000 race fans. 
     
Enthusiasts had plenty of chances to see the bike up close, on the track,
online and will be able to watch it during a future segment of AMA Pro Prime
Time on SpeedTV.  Following its Paddock debut, KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium
Technologies rider Ben Thompson (97) took the bike to the starting grid
twice.  Race 1 of the Daytona SportBike was at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 6 and
Race 2 begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.  In addition to his exclusive
ride, Thompson waged an equally ferocious helmet, whose design matches the
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen theme.

In addition, Aprilia hosted an exclusive Midwest unveiling of the
revolutionary 2010 RSV 4 Factory streetbike.  Expected to transform the
production superbike category with its unique blend of brutal power, Italian
style and technical innovation, this was the very first Midwest appearance
of the Aprilia RSV 4.  It is the only RSV 4 currently on U.S. soil.

Aprilia and superbike fans also had the chance to test the latest
motorcycles from the Italian manufacturer by partaking in the Aprilia
Adventure: Road America.  For riders who want to experience the adrenaline
rush of Aprilia motorcycles, the Aprilia Adventure is the antidote to the
traditional short demo ride.  Instead of a few minutes riding through
traffic, enthusiasts had plenty of time to fully appreciate the real
capabilities of the bikes.  Along the way, participants also enjoyed
hospitality, refreshments and an Aprilia gift bag.  The Aprilia Adventure
was open to licensed riders with proper riding gear for $20.00 per person. 

About “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”

In the highly-anticipated “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” debuting
June 24, 2009, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again joins with the Autobots®
against their sworn enemies, the Decepticons®. Michael Bay directs from a
screenplay by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman.
“Transformers” was the highest grossing original film and bestselling DVD of
2007. The film also received three Oscar® nominations and won “Best Movie”
at the MTV Movie Awards.

TRANSFORMERS is a brand of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS). Hasbro is a worldwide
leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a
rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of
the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences
in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro
brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from
traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as
TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and
WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at
http://www.hasbro.com (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present In Association with
Hasbro A di Bonaventura Pictures Production A Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy
Production A Michael Bay Film “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” starring
Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie
White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower
and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay. Written by Ehren
Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Based on Hasbro’s Transformers™
Action Figures. Produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura
and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian
Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense
sequences of sci-fi action violence, language, some crude and sexual
material, and brief drug material.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962,
the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production
facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32
road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European
manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging
from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers
to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete
U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading
manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and
respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

APRILIA USA UNVEILS TWO BLOCKBUSTERS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT ROAD AMERICA

APRILIA USA UNVEILS TWO BLOCKBUSTERS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT ROAD AMERICA

 

WHAT:

One of this year’s hottest movie properties is this summer’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and one of the year’s most eagerly awaited superbikes is the 2010 Aprilia RSV 4.  It’s only fitting then that an exclusive Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Aprilia race bike, as well as the all-new RSV 4, will be unveiled at the same time during the June 5-7 AMA Pro Superbike weekend at Road America.  Media planning on attending the races are invited to be among the first to see both and meet with Aprilia executives and the KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium Technologies race team to learn about the latest product and company news.

 

WHERE:         Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

                        Road America Paddock, at the Aprilia race truck

 

WHEN:           Saturday, June 6, 2009

Noon:              Media-only lunch with Aprilia race team and executives (rsvp required)

1 p.m:              Official unveiling of both motorcycles

 

Video and photography available to media following the event

 

DETAILS:

Aprilia USA will add a special dose of Hollywood blockbuster excitement to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike series when it unveils a one-of-a-kind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen race bike on Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at the Aprilia race truck inside the Road America Paddock. 

 

KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium Technologies rider Ben Thompson (97) will compete in both races onboard this aggressively transformed Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory.  He’ll be waging battle on the track sporting an equally ferocious helmet, both inspired by Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, in theaters June 24.   

 

In addition, Aprilia will also host an exclusive unveiling of the revolutionary 2010 RSV 4 superbike.  Expected to transform the production superbike category with its unique blend of brutal power, Italian style and technical innovation, this is the very first Midwest appearance of the Aprilia RSV 4, the only one currently in the USA.

Aprilia to Unveil RSV 4 Factory on May 30 at FIM Superbike World Championship Race

Aprilia to Unveil RSV 4 Factory on May 30 at FIM Superbike World Championship Race

 

Eagerly awaited U.S. debut to be held at Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park

 

NEW YORK, NY – May 27, 2009 – Aprilia USA, the North American importer and distributor of Aprilia motorcycles and scooters ,  announced plans for the official U.S. unveiling of its eagerly awaited RSV 4 Factory superbike at the  upcoming FIM World Superbike Championship USA round at Miller Motorsports Park in Toole, Utah.

 

Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at noon at the Aprilia display truck, the U.S. premiere will also be highlighted by the appearance of Aprilia Racing’s World Superbike team of Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano. The racers will be stateside to compete in the HANNspree FIM Superbike Championship, the seventh and only U.S. stop in the 14 race series.

 

Biaggi and Nakano will look to add to Aprilia’s extensive history of on-track accomplishments.  To date, the brand has earned 40 world championships, 254 MotoGP wins and eight Superbike victories.   Aboard a racing version of the RSV 4, the newly formed team takes to tracks around the world on a superbike that has generated acclaim throughout the international motorcycle community.

 

Designed and built with the same philosophy adopted by Aprilia’s racing division, the RSV 4 Factory follows a completely innovative approach in its design and construction.  Its narrow 999 cc V-four cylinder engine, the use of state-of-the-art electronics, lightweight frame and extreme compactness are only a few of the features that will make this newest Aprilia truly unique to customers in the U.S. and throughout the world.

 

“The level of excitement and anticipation for the RSV 4 Factory has been unprecedented,” said Aprilia USA Brand Manager Rick Panettieri.  “This is a truly amazing bike with awesome performance and we felt it would be ideal to unveil it here to Superbike race fans and passionate Aprilia enthusiasts.”   Race fans who visit the Aprilia display this weekend can have their photo taken with the RSV 4 and receive complimentary Aprilia racing gifts and memorabilia.

 

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at http://www.apriliausa.com.

 

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

 

With approximately 7,000 employees, approximately 708,500 vehicles sold in 2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market.  Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.

Arai Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Motorcycle Helmets for an 11th Consecutive Year

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:

Arai Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Motorcycle Helmets for an 11th Consecutive Year

 

Helmet Owners Increasingly Likely to Purchase Online

 

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 26 May 2009 — Arai ranks highest in satisfying motorcycle helmet owners for an 11th consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study^SM released today.

 

The study measures the overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors: ventilation, face shield, and design and styling; which consist of 11 attributes: quietness; ventilation/air flow; de-fogging; face shield ability to keep wind out; face shield ability to resist scratching; ease of replacing face shield; scratch resistance of shell; color/graphic design; weight; ease of fastening the strap; and fit and comfort.

 

With a score of 830 on a 1,000-point scale, Arai ranks highest and performs particularly well in the ventilation and design and styling factors. Shoei follows with a score of 815 and performs well in face shield. Icon ranks third overall with a score of 806.

 

“Arai continues to improve in the areas critical to customer satisfaction, which has further differentiated it from other manufacturers,” said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Arai’s focus on fit and comfort—the most important consideration when purchasing a motorcycle helmet—and its ability to cater to different types of riders have given the manufacturer a consistent edge in satisfying customers.”

 

Overall satisfaction with motorcycle helmets has increased to an average of 766 in 2009—up 5 points from 2008—the highest level since the study’s inception in 1999.

 

The study finds that while the percentage of helmet owners who conducted research online before buying has remained relatively steady from 2008 at 36 percent, the proportion of helmet owners who purchased their helmet online has increased—up to 17 percent in 2009 from 14 percent in 2008. Additionally, those who purchased more expensive helmets ($200 or more) are more likely to both research and purchase their helmet online. More than one-half of these helmet owners researched online prior to their purchase, and 22 percent of them made their purchase online.

 

The 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 4,600 purchasers of new 2008 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study was fielded in September and October 2008.

 

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village , Calif. , J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

 

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:  MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

The Aprilia Adventure Heads Cross-Country

The Aprilia Adventure Heads Cross-Country 

Aprilia USA adds five additional dates to its popular new consumer ride experience

 NEW YORK, NY – April 3, 2009 – Following the successful launch and fast sell-out of the Aprilia Adventure ride experience during this year’s Daytona Bike Week, Aprilia USA has added five additional dates to the program.  Enthusiasts will now be able to reserve a full hour of seat time to evaluate and enjoy the latest Aprilia motorcycles on the best regional roads.  Participants even take home some special mementos of the experience.  The Aprilia Adventure is available at:

• AMA Superbike Weekend at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA, April 3-5
• AMA Superbike Weekend at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI, June 5-7
• AMA Daytona SportBike Weekend at Laguna Seca Speedway, Monterey, CA, July 3-5
• AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid Ohio Sportscar Course, Lexington, OH, July 24-26
• AMA Superbike Weekend at Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA, August 14-16.

For riders who want to experience the adrenaline rush of Aprilia motorcycles, the Aprilia Adventure is the antidote to the traditional short demo ride.  Instead of a few minutes riding through traffic, enthusiasts have plenty of time to fully appreciate the real capabilities of the bikes.  Along the way, participants also enjoy hospitality, refreshments and an Aprilia gift bag.  The Aprilia Adventure is open to licensed riders with proper riding gear for $20.00 per person. 

“The Aprilia Adventure Daytona ride sold out by 9:30 a.m. each day – in fact, we had riders lined up with their lawn chairs as early as 7 a.m. just to get a jump on the line,” said Rick Panettieri, brand manager, Aprilia USA.  “We think there’s strong demand from serious motorcyclists to do more than just kick the tires or take a few turns – and we’re looking forward to offering that opportunity at more events this year.”

Each hour-long Aprilia Adventure ride is customized to take advantage of the best local and regional riding routes.  Along the way, riders sample and swap new 2009 models such as the all-new Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 as well as long-time favorites, such as the award-winning Tuono and RSV 1000 R.  Registration for the ride is exclusively on-site at each event.  For the latest information on Aprilia products and events, visit www.apriliausa.com.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at www.apriliausa.com.

 In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.