Aprilia reveal 230hp, 165kg RSV4 X Ex3ma superbike in honour of Max Biaggi’s first 250 GP title

Aprilia are marking 30 years since Max Biaggi’s first 250 Grand Prix crown with a special edition RSV4 X Ex3ma superbike, wearing an iconic Chesterfield-inspired livery on carbon fibre bodywork, ground-effect MotoGP aero, and pumping out a claimed 226.9bhp.

Biaggi, also known as The Roman Emperor, took his first of three consecutive 250 two-stroke crowns for Aprilia in 1994, with this new four-stroke V4 providing the fitting tribute at €80,000 plus VAT.

It’s the first customer bike to use the firm’s MotoGP-derived ground-effect aero, which sucks the bike into the tarmac.

“Participating in the development of a bike like the RSV4 X Ex3ma was like being at the test sessions of a real racing prototype,” Biaggi said. “Similarly, the dedication on the track has been unwavering, seeking to prepare a motorcycle that provides its fortunate riders with the same sensations as a racing prototype.”

He continued: “On the track, it was an explosion of emotions – you could feel the downforce from the ground effect fairing in fast corners, a wonderful sensation.”

Designed for the track, the bike is the latest in a line of V4 specials that started in 2019 with the RSV4 X. This was followed by the Tuono X, and then the 2022 RSV4 X Thirty (also known as the X Trenta).

Aprilia say the bike will weigh 165kg dry and put out 226.9bhp at 13,500rpm – powered by a 65° liquid-cooled 1099cc V4, complete with a Sprint Filter air filter, and a twin exit – almost two-stroke mimicking – SC Project exhaust.

Torque is also a claimed 96.6lb.ft at 11,000rpm, with the motor held in place with a twin spar aluminium chassis. Suspension comes courtesy of Öhlins, with GP4 MS billet calipers using Z04 racing pads and 330mm T Drive brake discs providing stopping power.

“The Ex3ma is the first motorbike on general sale with a complete ground effect package,” Technical Director of Aprilia Racing, Romano Albesiano explained. “The front wing, a true MotoGP design, is 550mm wide and generates five times more downforce than the previous X Thirty model.”

This aero is derived from Aprilia’s current RS-GP 24 MotoGP bike, which has seen victories in the hands of both Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaro this season.