Aprilia Motorcycle Brief History

Like many motorcycle manufacturers, the Aprilia Company began with producing bicycles. Founded in post-World War II Italy, Aprilia’s fortunes changed dramatically in 1968 with the introduction of the company’s first motorbikes or mopeds. Then in 1970, Aprilia added its first motocross model, the Scarabeo. In the years to come Aprilia would produce a variety of street sport and off-road, 2 wheel bikes, becoming a dominant player on the international racing scene.

The late 1990’s saw yet another series of product innovations, with the entries into the growing touring bike market. The RSV Mille models, introduced in 1999, featured 1000cc engines and allowed Aprilia to successfully compete in World Superbike Championship racing. The Rotax engine configuration features an innovative V-twin cylinder design.

Radical engine designs and other engineering advancements has kept Aprilia motorcycles competitive on the international racing on the motocross, moto grand prix and super bike circuits.

The Aprilia Company was acquired by Piaggio SPa in 2004. The combined company is now the world’s 4th largest producer of motorcycles, in the world, with distribution in over sixty countries.

Yamaha Motorcycle Brief History

Since their first motorized product was built in 1955; the YA-1 Motorcycle (125cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, street bike), Yamaha has made many changes to their bikes to improve their quality.

Though, at first only sold in Japan, Yamaha brought their commerce to the United States in 1958 to sell their bikes through an independent dealer. The models were the YD1 (250cc, 2-stroke, twin cylinder, street bike) and MF-1 (50cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder, street bike, step-through). In 1960, the Yamaha International Corporation was founded and Yamaha started selling their bikes themselves.

Yamaha then broadened their range of power-driven products; the brand already known for electronic and music products. In 1968, Yamaha introduced both the world’s first dual purpose motorcycle, the DT-1 Enduro, which had both on and off road capabilities as well as producing their first snow mobile, the SL350 (2-stroke, twin cylinder).

Over the years to come, Yamaha continued the expansion of their business. The bikes became more advance, and Yamaha also introduced the world’s first 3 wheeled ATV, the Tri-Moto (YT125) as well as personal watercrafts such as the sit down Waverunner and the stand-up WaveJammer.

With their incessant desire to constantly advance their products, Yamaha made their name one that is now known world-wide. They continue to further the quality of their products to this day.