Separating The Winners From The Stinkers
Aprilia's history is packed with head-turners and head scratchers alike, with some bikes delivering blistering performance and others missing the mark with flawed engineering or limited appeal. So, for all the gearheads, we're here to show you ten Aprilias that really fell short on everything and ten amazing ones that practically defined the brand. First, let's take a critical look at the worst Aprilias to ever hit the road.
Aprilia Caponord 1200 Custom Design - Walkaround + Start-Up Sound by RideLux Motors
1. Aprilia Shiver 750/900
While the Aprilia Shiver 750/900 introduced an advanced ride-by-wire system, early models were jerky in Sport mode, which frustrated riders. Motorcycle News called its performance lackluster, with an engine many found forgettable compared to Aprilia’s storied racing heritage.
2. Aprilia Moto 6.5
Branded the "ugliest bike ever" by critics, the model struggled to attract buyers and quickly faded from showrooms. The Aprilia Moto 6.5 blended Philippe Starck's bold styling with capable engineering. However, its odd design divided opinions.
3. Aprilia Mana
With a CVT gearbox and a glovebox where the fuel tank usually sits, the Aprilia Mana stood out for unusual features. But these innovations alienated sportbike purists, which resulted in not-so-great sales and, over time, discontinuation.
Tim Parkinson from Sheffield, UK on Wikimedia
4. Aprilia Caponord 1200
The Caponord 1200 promised adventure touring capability with advanced semi-active suspension. What came in the way was its fragility, electronic glitches, and inconsistent suspension performance. The bike could not compete with BMW and KTM, and soon left the market.
5. Aprilia RSV4 (2012–2019)
Overheating and electrical faults were frequent complaints with this model—ECU failures undermined confidence in an otherwise highly capable superbike. Apart from its reliability issues, the 2012–2019 Aprilia RSV4 otherwise delivered exceptional performance from its V4 engine.
Frank Schwichtenberg on Wikimedia
6. Aprilia SR 160
The SR 160's aggressive looks made it a strong seller in countries like India. Even though it was popular, user reviews consistently ranked it as Aprilia’s least reliable scooter. Owners frequently reported start-up issues and poor build quality.
Aprilia SR160 - The Sports Scooter Review | Performance & Top Speed - Rev Explorers by Rev Explorers
7. Aprilia RS 457
While the RS 457 is regarded as one of the best in its class, early issues include compression loss and engine failures. However, Aprilia linked these problems to unauthorized modifications and inadequate servicing, not manufacturing defects.
8. Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200
The Dorsoduro 1200’s wild performance came from an incredible power-to-weight ratio. And it was so wild that the bike was simply overpowered for city riding. Plus, it lacked touring equipment and burned fuel quickly—factors that ended its run early.
The Most BRUTAL Bike I've Ever Ridden! Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 by Rick Chardet
9. Aprilia SR 125
Despite agile handling, the Aprilia SR 125 drew criticism for being a harsh ride whenever it met uneven surfaces. Sure, its sporty design maintained strong appeal with younger city riders, but the bike's performance lagged far behind competitors.
10. Aprilia Storm 125
The Storm 125 is cheap for an Aprilia. That might be part of the charm, but price aside, this bike can't handle more than city runs. It shakes too much, and the engine isn’t made for steep hills or highways.
Aprilia Storm 125 Review Does 120+ kmph Top Speed #ScooterFest by Dino's Vault
Now that you've read all about the worst Aprilia models, let's take a look at some of the best ones ever made.
1. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The RSV4 1100 Factory looks like it rolled straight out of MotoGP, with wings and all. Add Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, advanced electronics, a rare V4 engine, and you've got one seriously special superbike.
2. Aprilia Tuono V4
High-end components and modern rider aids round out the package, while its exhaust note earns frequent praise as “pure thunder”. Aprilia’s Tuono V4 offers superbike performance with a more upright, street-friendly riding position.
3. Aprilia Tuono 457
Based on the RS 457 platform, the Aprilia Tuono 457 pairs aggressive styling with strong value for performance riders. Upright ergonomics make it equally capable for daily commuting and spirited weekend riding.
4. Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200
This model stands out for its impressive power-to-weight ratio and sharp handling. The Dorsoduro 1200 combines dirt-bike agility with street-bike pace, backed by a twin-cylinder engine that delivers unexpectedly strong torque.
Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 review - walkaround | IAMABIKER by IAMABIKER
5. Aprilia RST1000 Futura
Aprilia's RST1000 Futura balanced touring comfort with stability at speed. Its distinctive futuristic styling and effective two-up seating made a fan base. Plus, the underseat exhaust marked a daring design decision for the early 2000s.
Aprilia RST1000 Futura 2004 by Moto-italy
6. Aprilia Tuareg 660
The Tuareg 660 can tear up a trail and still weave through city traffic like it's nothing. Sporting a light chassis and plenty of torque, it's one of the rare adventure bikes that actually feels nimble.
7. Aprilia RS 660
With advanced rider aids and a lively parallel-twin engine, the RS 660 delivers a refined performance package. Its balance of speed, handling, and weight efficiency has earned it the title "the thinking rider's sportbike".
2020 Aprilia RS 660 - Walkaround by DriveMag Riders
8. Aprilia SR 125
This bike looks sharp, stops well, and—despite a few quirks—stays a favorite for riders who want something affordable but still fun to ride. The SR 125 just zips through city traffic with unmatched ease.
2025 Aprilia SR 125 Review | 125cc Sports Scooter | Price & Mileage by BikeCar Rama
9. Aprilia Falco SL1000
Cycle World praised the Aprilia Falco SL1000 for its sport-touring balance in the 2000s. Priced between $2293–$4721 on the used market, it has an exceptional value, with performance reaching 162 mph and 0–60 in 3.4 seconds.
Aprilia SL1000 Falco First Impressions Review(Year 2000) by The GorillaBiker
10. Aprilia SXR 160
Equipped with ABS and a digital cluster, the SXR 160 is built for comfort in city riding. It comes with better refinement and fuel efficiency than the SR series, along with styling and plush seating that grabs attention.
2020 Aprilia SXR 160 review - Maxi impact | First Ride | Autocar India by Autocar India
