The Aprilia marque goes all the way back to the second world war and was originally built as a bicycle at a factory in Italy. It stayed that way until 1968, when the son of the original owner decided to copy the success of Piaggio and turned the small factory into a moped production. From there, they built scooters until 1970 and finally entered into the off-road market with their Scarabeo models. They have done exceptionally well in the enduro and off-road race platforms (thus selling lots of bikes to the off-roading public.) In 2004, the company was purchased by Piaggio, where they are part of a company which is number four in worldwide motorcycle sales
According to Aprilia the ETV 1000 is a touring bike, ask anyone who owns one and they'll tell you differently. Look for this bike on road, off-road and everywhere in between. It has all the makings of a touring bike; comfortable seating, a windshield, perfectly placed handlebars, handguards, faring, lockable and underseat storage and a rear rack. It also has optional storage in the form of aluminum panniers and top box. It has digital instruments; a speedometer, with trip and a tachometer, a fuel gauge with a low level warning light.
Everything a rider could ask for in touring, correct? Now, let's talk about that off-road. The front forks are adjustable Marzocchi telescoping; the rear is a Sachs Boge aluminum twin-sided swing arm. The 996cc engine is a fuel injected twin, bringing in almost 87 horsepower. With 9.49 inches of ground clearance, it was made for getting off the pavement. The plastic body parts cover a 90.2 inch, aluminum and steel frame. All that power is brought to a halt by the Brembo brakes, front and rear.
With a smooth acceleration in all gears, owners like almost everything about this bike. It has a reputation for having electrical problems, but they're usually an easy fix. Aprilia enjoys a great standing in off-road racing and this bike does everything to add to it.