When word dropped that Aprilia was going to celebrate America's 250th anniversary of becoming a thing, my first thought was, "What, why?" I mean, Aprilia is famously an Italian company, and while the States are an important market for the company, it ain't the end-all, be-all for the company, you know?
Then there's the motorcycle in question, the X 250th, which is ostensibly just another MotoGP-bred RSV4. It's a cool superbike, don't get me wrong. But I don't truly understand why Aprilia, of all companies, would be celebrating America's 250th birthday. Well, I must be in the minority, as while Aprilia said it'd only make 30 examples of the special edition motorcycle, and tacked on a truly eye-watering $150,000 price tag, all 30 have been sold.
And Aprilia did so in just 14 days. Clearly, I'm the weirdo in the equation.
"The ‘X’ brand continues to establish itself as one of the most exclusive and desirable expressions of Aprilia Racing," said Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing's CEO, adding, "These bikes are at the same time collector’s items and tools for riders who are aware they can experience a riding sensation extremely close to that of MotoGP. Once again announcing a sell-out just two weeks after launch is a concrete demonstration of the strength and uniqueness of these true jewels."
Again, it's insane that all 30 of these $150,000 motorcycles sold in just two weeks. I mean, when the rest of the industry is going toward more entry-level, cheap options, for a limited edition superbike, one so adorned with the Stars and Stripes in a time when American patriotism isn't as attractive as it once was, is a fascinating thing. I'd honestly love to know who bought them, though I guess we'll have to wait and see who shows up to a local track day with it to find out.
According to the brand, when the motorcycle was first shown to a select group of potential buyers at Circuit of the Americas during the last MotoGP round, "During the presentation weekend at COTA, booking requests were already very high, highlighting the strong appeal of a unique project that, since its debut in 2019 with the first X, has redefined the concept of limited-edition production-derived motorcycles." It didn't take long to sell out, obviously.
As far as the motorcycle's concerned, it's a thing of radness, with carbon brakes, carbon fairings, and a wild-ass V4 engine pumping out 240 horsepower. You also got Ohlins suspension front and rear, Marchesini wheels, and slick Pirellis, too, along with a host of other accessories.
But if you bought one, sound off in the comments below and TELL ME WHY?!
