Aprilia’s first competitive motocross machine was introduced in 1974 and was entrusted to Maurizio Sgarzani, who rode it in the cadet class. The next year, 1975, saw the introduction of the first Aprilia with genuine hopes of racing success. The first titles arrived in 1977 in the 125 and 250 classes of the Italian motocross championship. Then In 1978, Alborghetti finished the season with two race third places and in sixth overall place in the motocross world championship - the best result ever achieved by an Italian rider. In the meantime Aprilia’s reputation was spreading. Export markets were beginning to show a growing interest in Aprilia motorcycles.

The Aprilia scooter range has been expanded and the Scarabeo family extended and updated (Scarabeo is now available with a wide choice of engines from 50 to 500 cc and is complemented by other successful models like the Sportcity). These developments have been accompanied by the introduction of motorcycle models packed with advanced technology, style and innovation, like the Shiver 750, the first production bike in the world with a ride-by-wire electronic throttle, and the Mana 850, the first bike to boast a revolutionary, fully electronic automatic gearbox. On the off-road scene where Aprilia’s racing success began, Aprilia’s new, high performance 450 and 550 V twins have started a revolution.

On the 22nd February 2008, Aprilia unveiled the RSV4 ‘Race Machine’. With 4 cylinders, a displacement of 1000cc and over 200 bhp in the racing version, the new bike marks Aprilia’s return to the Superbike world championship in 2009. The RSV4 will be launched commercially before the end of 2008. The arrival of the RSV4 confirms Aprilia’s determination to compete at the highest levels. The excellent work done at the Noale based racing department has enabled Aprilia to collect another two championship titles with Aprilia bikes and riders winning the 125 and 250 classes of the 2007 MotoGP world championship, and taking four titles out of four just as in 2006.
Aprilia has now accumulated a total of 40 world championship titles, including 33 in MotoGP.