America is turning 250 this year, and to help celebrate that fact, Aprilia—an Italian brand—is bringing out a special limited edition of its RSV4 X that's purely for the American buyers, though it'll be available worldwide.
Called the RSV4 X 250th, it is the most powerful RSV4 Aprilia's ever built, with a whopping 240 horsepower being sent to that rear wheel. But its horsepower isn't the showstopper of this bike. In fact, not even the stars and stripes, and red, white, and blue paint are what's truly eye-catching, though it certainly helps the motorcycle stand out.
No, the mouth-agape stat of the RSV4 X 250th is the damn thing's price tag. While other special edition superbikes have been expensive, including other X-Edition Aprilias, this X 250th is going to set would-be buyers back a truly eye-watering $150,000. I'm not even going to check my wallet, as I know moths will fly out of it.
Oh yeah, and there will only ever be 30 bikes, too.
"On the occasion of the Grand Prix of the United States, Aprilia Racing unveiled the Aprilia X 250TH, a special edition born out of the cutting-edge technological excellence developed in MotoGP," states Aprilia, adding, "The new Aprilia X 250TH was built to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence, which took place on July 4th, 1776. For this reason, the decision was also made to earmark 25 of the 30 units for the U.S. market, with the remaining bikes available for the rest of the world, and to dedicate the spectacular 'Stars and Stripes' livery inspired by the colors of the American flag."
Before we get into the details on the X 250th, I will say I'm slightly lost as to why Aprilia is celebrating the 250th, with it being an Italian manufacturer. It doesn't quite square in my head, but hey, 30 folks are going to be really patriotic on their Italian superbikes when they finally get their hands on it.
As for specs, the RSV4 X 250th has the aforementioned 240 horsepower 1099 cc V4 engine, and puts down 97 foot-pounds of torque. An increased compression ratio, "high permeability" racing air filter, race-spec intake trumpets, an SC Project titanium dual pipe exhaust, and STM dry completes the drivetrain package, with the exhaust designed to emulate the MotoGP entry's unit, too.
Stopping this feral American beasty are a set of carbon ceramic Brembo brakes, both the disc and pads, and are basically off the MotoGP bike, as well. Though the aerodynamics of the RSV4 X 250th look pretty damn faithful to the racer, too, what isn't certain, at least from the pictures or press release, is if it utilizes Aprilia's Formula 1-inspired F-duct design, though it'd be cool as hell if it did.
Ohlins suspension front and rear, forged Marchesini wheels, and slick Pirellis complete the package, though customers will also get a Yashi laptop to change and mange the motorcycle's ECU parameters and electronic strategies, a floormat, personalized motorcycle cover, RCB titanium front and rear stands, and IRC tire covers to keep those Pirellis nice and toasty before a track day.
"Once again, Aprilia Racing introduces an exclusive product which is even closer to a MotoGP bike," said Massimo Rivola, Aprilia's CEO, adding, "The Aprilia X 250TH is clearly an item for true connoisseurs – something unrivalled. Over the years, the X bikes have become highly sought after for both collectors and for those seeking to experience a thrill that is extremely close to what MotoGP riders feel."
So who's ready to celebrate the 4th of July and America's 250th birthday with a nice Italian superbike? I think all I can afford is an espresso from the Aprilia hospitality unit, though.
