Aprilia RXV 4.5 Dakar Unveiled for 2010

[Schneegz]

Don't get too excited, it's just a race bike.

Aprilia has announced that it will be backing Team Giofil’s 2010 Dakar Rally effort, with their four modified 2010 Aprilia RXV 4.5 race bikes. Team Giofil is already off to an impressive start this year, with a class win at the 2009 Rally of the Pharoahs, and hopes to add to that success in the Dakar Rally, which is confusingly being held in South America again this year.
With Dakar kicking off tomorrow (January 1st-17th), Team Giofil will have 16 grueling days of racing that will push the Italian adventure bike to it’s limits. Riders for Team Giofil will be Paolo Ceci, Gerard Farres, Francisco Lopez and Alex Zanotti.

See more pics at the link.

[falconati]

looks awesome

[miles]

How many engines per race are allowed in the Dakar Rally?

[falconati]

Only 1 :P

(http://www.dakar.com/2010/DAK/presentation/docs/concurrents/reglement_moto_us.pdf)

[miles]

Then I'd stick with a Honda XR.

[Schneegz]

As of stage 13, Aprilia is holding strong in 3rd place.  They were in second place yesterday, but dropped back today.  It's a very impressive showing for a manufacturer that is not known for their dirt bikes to hang with KTM through this race.  

[Schneegz]

Aprilia took 3rd place in the 2010 Dakar Rally.  That's a great accomplishment for a company that hasn't been competing in this race for long.

[thatguy]

I believe three stage wins as well.Aprilia is underrated and underestimated.

[Mr Sunshine]

You know that bike gives me a woody.  I want it...but I have NO idea where to ride it.