America’s Most Star-Spangled Ride This Year Is a Jaw-Dropping Italian Moto

Much as Ducati had motorcyclists swooning over its centenary V4 Superleggera last week, the Borgo Panigale brand isn’t the only Italian manufacturer to be flexing its engineering prowess at the moment.

Far from it. Ducati’s winged carbon fiber stunner might have only just entered the limelight, but Aprilia is already here, saying “hold my Peroni” as it has an exotic two-wheeler of its own that demands attention. 

Aprilia

Regardless of how it stacks up to its compatriot, I’d argue the bike is the dark-horse standout of America’s motoring-related birthday tributes as the country rings in a historic milestone this summer.

Italian-American tribute

It’s called the X 250TH, and, as you might surmise from the name, it’s a release that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Aprilia

Now, if you’re confused about why an Italian outfit like Aprilia has decided to honor the United States of America with such a motorcycle, you’re not alone. Admittedly, it does seem a bit out of left field.

Even still, it’s as about as patriotic a tribute as they come. Efforts like Hennessey’s new VelociRaptor and Chevy’s various America250 trucks pale in comparison.

After all, the bike has been decked out in the Stars and Stripes from tip to tail. Moreover, the belly pan reads “July 4th, 1776,” while each of the X insignias hides some “250th” text along the diagonal.

Aprilia

It’s not just some token visual project, either, as the X 250TH is about as close as it comes to an off-the-shelf MotoGP steed. Aprilia rates the bike at 240 horsepower at 13,750 rpm courtesy of a 1,099cc V4, while redline comes at a head-turning 14,100 rpm.

A MotoGP-grade homage

Accordingly, Aprilia has given the X 250TH some truly cutting-edge components as part of its efforts to honor the good ole’ US of A.

Aprilia

For instance, to handle the mammoth output, stopping power comes from a Brembo carbon braking setup Along with MotoGP-grade 340mm carbon rotors, this means the bike touts carbon pads and billet aluminum calipers replete with cooling fins.

If you’re able to look beyond the dazzling livery, you’ll see that’s not the only way the X 250TH incorporates advanced race-grade tech. 

According to Aprilia, the carbon fiber fairings are inspired by lines of the RS-GP. Along with being made by PAN Compositi through the same methods as used for competition bikes, this means that it incorporates everything from its mustachioed front spoiler to its trick seat wings and tail wings.

Aprilia

Add to that an Öhlins FKR shock up front, an Öhlins TTX at the rear and some forged magnesium Marchesini wheels, and it’s made only better by a set of SC Project titanium pipes that replicates the double-exhaust found on competition mounts.

Availability and pricing

While Aprilia’s X 250TH doesn’t carry quite as much carbon fiber as its Ducati rival, it’s nevertheless a highly exclusive offering. Just 30 examples are slated for production, 25 of which have been allocated for the United States.

Aprilia

Unsurprisingly, then, it’s been priced to suit. MSRP runs from some $150,000 for the American market.

However, if it’s of any consolation, Aprilia will also be providing a Yashi laptop to manage the ECU parameters and electronic strategies, a bike mat, a personalized cover, a set of RCB titanium stands and some IRC tire covers to keep that sticky Pirelli rubber ready.

Aprilia

Aprilia X 250TH

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