Aprilia to build 1200cc supermoto motorcycle to rival Ducati's Hypermotard

This is the first picture of Aprilia’s new V-twin supermoto motorcycle– aimed at taking the fight to Ducati’s Hypermotard.

The Aprilia clay model you see here is set to be turned into a production V-twin supermoto bike by the end of this year, and will make its public debut at the Milan show in November.

Initially, the motorcycle will be powered by a retuned version of the Aprilia Shiver’s 750cc DOHC V-twin, making slightly under 100bhp. However, the firm is also working on a 1200cc version due to be launched in late 2008, which will have well over 100bhp, making it the most powerful supermoto in the world.

The supermoto shares the same frame as the Aprilia Shiver, combined with new forks and a longer rear shock to give it more ground clearance. A flat, motocross-style seat and tank and wide, flat bars give it a real supermoto feel.

In MCN today, Wednesday June 13, 2007, we speak to market expert Paul Ingram about how the new Aprilia Supermoto motorcycle should sell in the UK, and speak to an Aprilia insider.