Aprilia RSV4 R /Factory
$15,999/$20,999
Engine L-C 16V 1000 V-Four
Seat HT. 33.3 IN.
Wheelbase 55.9 IN.
Aprilia returned to the World Superbike Championship in '09 with the RSV4, and both the standard and Factory models make it to the U.S. for '10. The base RSV4 R is plenty trick, with its ultra-compact design and always stunning Aprilia execution, then add Öhlins suspension and adjustable everything for the Factory model.
Aprilia 850 Mana GT ABS $10,599
Engine L-C 8V 839 V-Twin
Seat HT. 31.5 IN.
Wheelbase 57.6 IN.
The Mana 850 sports an innovative Sportgear transmission, which offers a choice of three "Autodrive" mappings plus a manual seven-speed option. New for '10 is ABS, and other features include a helmet compartment and underseat fuel tank. Imported to the USA for '10 is the GT model, which adds a half-fairing and adjustable windshield.
Aprilia SXV 5.5 $9499
Engine L-C 8V 549 V-Twin
Seat HT. 36.1 IN.
Wheelbase 58.9 IN.
Only the 550cc-version of the SXV is offered for this year. The tiny twin offers less vibration than an equivalent single but is just as compact and lightweight, thanks to the use of materials like aluminum silicon alloy for the crankcase, magnesium for the engine covers and titanium for the valves.
Aprilia Tuono 1000R /Factory $12,999/$16,999
Engine L-C 8V 998 V-Twin
Seat HT. 31.9 IN.
Wheelbase 55.5 IN.
Many thought a fairing-less version of the stunning RSV4 would be in the cards for this year, but the long-running Tuono remains in the lineup. We're not disappointed at all; the Tuono is one of our favorite naked bikes of all time. The Factory version includes Öhlins suspension, loads of carbon fiber and forged aluminum wheels.
Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro $9599
Engine L-C 8V 750 V-Twin
Seat HT. 34.3 IN.
Wheelbase 59.3 IN.
A road-going supermotard model, the Dorsoduro was developed in close collaboration with both the supermoto and roadracing divisions of Aprilia's racing department. The result is a "distillation of performance and technology...a special, extreme, and elite motorcycle, capable of elevating its rider to motorcycling excellence." Alrighty then.
Aprilia SL 750 Shiver $8999
Engine L-C 8V 750 V-Twin
Seat HT. 31.9 IN.
Wheelbase 56.7 IN.
This middleweight naked model sports a spunky Aprilia-designed V-twin engine with ride-by-wire technology housed in an innovative modular trellis/aluminum frame with all the fixings. The compact and light result packs a lot of sophistication and fun for its modest price, especially when you factor in the Italian exclusivity.
Benelli Tornado 1130 $NA
'09 Model Shown
Engine L-C 12V 1130 Inline-Triple
Seat HT. 31.9 IN.
Wheelbase 55.9 IN.
Benelli's top-of-the-line sportbike is the ultimate expression of the company's inline-three-cylinder engine, which features a cassette transmission, slipper clutch, selectable mapping and a "Tre in Uno" (three-in-one) exhaust system. It's all wrapped in a beautiful carbon-fiber frame that doubles as bodywork and the air tunnel to the rear-mounted radiator.
Benelli TNT $NA
'09 Model Shown
Engine L-C 12V 1130 Inline-Triple
Seat HT. 30.7 IN.
Wheelbase 55.9 IN.
The proper standard version of the Tornado, the TNT packs 135 horsepower and an attitude to match. A more conventional frame than the Tornado's mixes steel tubes and aluminum plates and has the radiators mounted to the side as opposed to out back. If ever there was a bike that matches the song by the same name, this is it.