2003 Aprilia Sl Falco R on 2040-motos

Moto blog

EICMA 2008: First Impressions

I have had a little walk around checking out the preparations for the show. I haven’t seen anything that I haven’t already seen or heard about previously, but here’s a selection from three of the halls. Yamaha are the only manufacturer to use an industrial crane to place some of its bikes up on high rise stands.

Aprilia Reportedly Developing 250cc Sportbike

For a company with such a rich history in motorcycle racing including nine World Championships in the 250cc Grand Prix category, it comes as a bit of a surprise Aprilia does not already have a 250cc sportbike in production. From 1994 to 2007, Aprilia won nine 250cc Grand Prix championships with an impressive roster of riders which includes Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Jorge Lorenzo, Loris Capirossi and Marco Melandri winning titles. Despite making a name for itself racing in the 250cc class, Aprilia does not have a 250cc production sportbike to compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 250 (and its replacement, the Ninja 300) or the Honda CBR250R.

Used Review: Gaerne G-ike boots

This is Gaerne’s entry-level boot and I’ve been wearing it mainly as a commuting tool over the last year and a half. It’s a good-looking boot that looks like a trainer under jeans and is as comfortable as one too.  The G-Ike has plenty of support in the heel from a steel plate in the sole and plenty of thick plastic around the ankle.  I know for a fact having come off an Aprilia Shiver in these that they provide a fair amount of protection though not enough to stop me twisting an ankle. But they’ve held up really well and I’m still happy wearing them though not for winter as they’re far from waterproof and a tad drafty for sub-zero days.