Aprilia-same old question

[DanJR1]

r aprilia in 4 the long run or is it another flash in the pan thing?personally i fink its a proper long term thing look at the 125s and 250s:confused:

[f1manoz]

I think they will be more long term than many other manufacturers. Aprilia are certainly more committed to MotoGP than they ever were to WSBK.

[Gerrit]

Like Ducati, their INTENTION might be long-term.... but will they be able to afford it? The RS3 has shown little reward for great expense, it is a dead duck that is no match for even the KR3 at most tracks. According to Colin Edwards the 2004 RS3 will reach the minimum weight for triples- why isn't the 2003 RS3 at that limit? My guess is that Beggio will pull the plug on it if the results continue to be as they are at present. Beggio also pulled the plug on the RSW500- at least it had a few poles and third places to its credit thanks to Harada and McWilliams. Realistically, the RS3 doesn't stand a chance of even equalling those results- and costing much, much more than the RSW500 ever did. And with no results to attract sponsors, lack of money will kill it off.

[DanJR1]

bit harsh aint it.the thing with the KR3 was because the RS3 cube had techincal problems in the race and qualifying.most factories r struggling at the moment anyway

[asha]

i see edwards getting it on the podium this year

[f1manoz]

With a bit of luck perhaps, and if Aprilia can really develop the machine. But on out-right pace Aprilia don't really stand a chance.

Rain, as always the great leveller, will probably be Edwards' greatest ally.

[gomick]

what about sachsenring - no power circuit there..... aprilia's best chance of a gp podium

[asha]

the sachsenring is all about handling is that the aprilia strength??

[wreckless]

Originally posted by asha
the sachsenring is all about handling is that the aprilia strength??

You would want to hope so because the horsepower isnt really flash, it should handle better than the others because its 10 kg lighter than the rest.

[Gerrit]

Yes, the minimum weight limit for the triples is 135 kg, 10 kg less than the fours and fives. BUT..... the Aprilia is nowhere near that minimum weight. Last year it was no less than 152 kg; for this season, some weight has been removed, but it is currently said to be around 148 kg. So, no weight advantage at all.
I still stand by my remarks concerning the comparison between the KR3 and the RS3. Despite a winter's development, 490ccs extra displacement, the switch to Michelin tyres, new riders and some 30-40 hp more than the KR3 (which did not see ANY development work at all over the winter), the KR3 still outperforms it at most tracks, except the superfast tracks such as Suzuka and Barcelona.