- Patent describes lateral aerodynamic surfaces in the area of the rider’s legs.
- Intended for mounting on passenger footrests of standard road motorcycles.
- Aerodynamic benefits at top speed and in corners.
Aprilia continues to push forward with the transfer of racing technology to road-legal motorcycles. Now that front winglets from MotoGP have long since found their way into series production, the manufacturer is now working on another, hitherto little-known aerodynamic element. A published patent shows so-called leg wings, which until now have only been seen on current Grand Prix motorcycles, in a version intended for everyday use.
Patented solution for series production
The components shown in the patent are large aerofoils located directly behind the rider’s feet and lower legs. Unlike pure racing machines, these elements are not permanently integrated into the rear fairing. Instead, they are to be attached to the passenger footrest brackets. According to the description, this is precisely the key point for road use.
Aprilia envisages that the wings can be fitted as accessories. The patent specification expressly states that the solution is intended for motorcycles with passenger footrests. If these are removed, for example on a track day without a passenger, the brackets can be used for the aerodynamic surfaces. This means that the system would not be limited to a single model.
The patent shows an Aprilia RSV4 as an example. However, the design could also be used on an Aprilia RS 660 or, theoretically, on motorcycles from other manufacturers, provided that the appropriate footrest mounts are available.
Aerodynamic benefits when riding in a straight line
The leg wings described are not just for visual effect. The patent specification explains in detail how they influence the airflow around the rider and motorcycle. When riding in a straight line, the rider’s boots are aligned with the front edge of the wings. This creates a comparatively smooth surface for the oncoming air.
Viewed from above, the two elements taper towards the rear. This teardrop-shaped silhouette is designed to reduce turbulence behind the rider’s legs. Less turbulence means less air resistance, which should have a positive effect on top speed.
Additional downforce when leaning
The second effect described by Aprilia is particularly interesting. When cornering, when the rider leans inwards and stretches the knee on the inside of the curve far outwards, the flow situation changes significantly. A channel is created between the lower leg and the motorcycle, through which air hits the leg wing on the inside of the curve.
In this situation, the component is not only exposed to airflow from one side, but from both sides simultaneously. Since the winglet is shaped to generate downforce, a force is created that presses the motorcycle further onto the asphalt. The opposite element cannot compensate for this effect, as it continues to be shielded by the other leg. The rider thus becomes an active part of the overall aerodynamic system.
Focus on road bikes rather than racing
The wording in the patent makes it clear that Aprilia does not intend the technology to be used exclusively for racing. It states:
“Preferably, the support can be connected to a bracket of the passenger footrest. In this way, it is possible to mount the pair of wings as an accessory on any road bike comprising passenger footrests. In practice, when it is not necessary to accommodate a passenger, for example while riding on a racetrack, the passenger footrests can be removed to accommodate the respective wings in accordance with the present invention in the relative brackets.”
Whether and when this solution will actually go into series production remains to be seen. However, the patent clearly shows that Aprilia is continuing to work intensively on making complex aerodynamic concepts from racing usable for everyday life.
What does this mean for me as a motorcyclist?
If Aprilia were to actually transfer the solution described in the patent into series production or as an accessory, this would have practical implications for sport-oriented riders in particular. The leg wings would not be permanently installed racing parts, but removable attachments that can be mounted in place of the passenger footrests. In everyday use with a passenger, the motorcycle would remain unchanged, while additional aerodynamics would be available for sporty solo riding or on the racetrack. The potential benefits would be less noticeable at normal highway speeds, but would be particularly evident at higher speeds and when leaning into corners. In these situations, the components are designed to provide more stable handling by making targeted use of airflow. Whether the effect is actually noticeable on the road depends heavily on riding style, speed, and seating position, and can only be assessed once a production-ready version is available.
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