Aprilia USA Announces 2006 AMA Supermoto Team And Sponsorship

New York City (April 24, 2006)—Aprilia USA is proud to announce that Atkins Global Management, LLC will field an Aprilia SXV 550cc in the AMA Unlimited Class for the 2006 season. Darryl Atkins will be the primary rider for the team, which will compete in eight AMA Supermoto and other non-AMA events this season.

"I am really happy with the support the team has gathered in the past weeks,” says Atkins, a native of New Zealand. “I believe our program will offer a lot of exposure in and out of the sport. We have already had some tests and the bike is very promising. Having an all-new bike and a new team will be exciting for sure, and we're looking forward to meeting the Aprilia and Supermoto fans in the AMA paddock.”

“We are proud to take our place on the grid alongside other enthusiast-based brands from Europe,” says Mike Kull, Aprilia USA Vice-President of Marketing. “The unlimited class featured some of the best racing in 2005, and 2006 will likely be no different. The professional team, along with our other off-road activities in 2006 will give Aprilia a strong entry into the North American off-road market.”

Recent rules changes in the AMA Unlimited Supermoto class allow the Aprilia SXV 550 V-twin to race alongside European counterparts KTM, and Husqvarna, in the unlimited class.

“We are satisfied with the 2006 rules addendum allowing the SXV 550 to race in the unlimited class,” says Robert Pandya, Product Manager for Aprilia Off-Road. “We know that the multi-cylinder format of the SXV is challenging the status quo, however at this configuration was developed to make horsepower while reducing maintenance and stock sound emissions. We hope that 2007 rules changes will also see the SXV 450 racing in the AMA Supermoto Championship class.”

The SXV 550 is based on a 77-degree v-twin, dry-sump engine, powered through fuel injection and housed in a unique trellis frame. Designed to be a flexible and efficient motor, the design of the engine also greatly reduced service intervals and wear of thermodynamic components when compared to single-cylinder machines. MSRP for the SXV 450 is $8399. MSRP for the SXV 550 is $8699. For more information visit www.aprilia-offroad.com.