- World’s first production motorcycle with carbon-carbon brakes from MotoGP
- 240 hp (176.5 kW) at 13,750 rpm from the 1099 cc V4 engine
- Limited to 30 units, 25 of which are reserved for the US market
- Price: 115,000 euros plus VAT in Europe, 150,000 USD in the USA
The unveiling took place on March 27, 2026 at the Grand Prix of the United States in Austin. With the X 250TH, Aprilia Racing simultaneously celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Fittingly, the special edition features a striking livery in the style of the American flag under the motto “Stars and Stripes”. Of the 30 units produced, 25 are reserved for the US market, with the remaining five available to the rest of the world.
Carbon-Carbon Brakes Straight from MotoGP
The technically most outstanding feature of the Aprilia X 250TH is undoubtedly the braking system. For the first time ever, a manufacturer installs carbon-carbon brakes in a commercially available motorcycle – the same type used exclusively in MotoGP. The Brembo-manufactured system uses carbon brake discs with a diameter of 340 mm in the so-called High-Mass configuration, combined with carbon brake pads and a billet-machined aluminum caliper with cooling fins. The rear brake disc is enclosed by a nickel-plated caliper.
According to Aprilia, the advantages of this technology are significant: The carbon discs are said to weigh only about half as much as a conventional steel disc, while the carbon pads are roughly a third lighter than sintered brake pads. This not only saves weight but is also intended to ensure consistent braking performance under extreme loads. As a result, the X 250TH brakes with the same deceleration as the RS-GP of Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín, according to Aprilia.
Fabiano Sterlacchini, Technical Director of Aprilia Racing, describes the braking system as the true highlight of the project: “The truly particular aspect of this project, however, is the cutting-edge braking system. The carbon discs allow extreme braking without stressing the braking system. This is MotoGP-derived technology, partly utilized in Formula 1 as well, and it represents an entirely new feature that will allow braking performance never before seen on a bike sold to the general public.”
Aerodynamics at MotoGP Prototype Level
In the field of aerodynamics, Aprilia Racing is considered one of the pioneers in MotoGP, and the X 250TH is intended to underline this role. The design follows the current RS-GP prototype, particularly in the rear section, where the airflow has been faithfully replicated according to Aprilia. The aero package includes a whole range of wing elements: Seat Wings, which are considered Aprilia’s proprietary technology, plus Tail Wings, which were first used on the RS-GP25. These are complemented by the Front Wing, Under Wing, and Cornering Wings.
Another detail is the structural carbon seat support, manufactured by PAN Compositi using the so-called sandwich process. In this manufacturing method, the carbon fibers are layered in such a way that the component remains particularly lightweight while retaining its rigidity. All fairing parts of the X 250TH come from PAN Compositi and are produced using the same processes as those used for the MotoGP machines.
Aprilia quantifies the effect of the aero package in concrete terms: On the straight, the vertical downforce is said to be five times higher than on the standard RSV4, which increases stability and reduces wheelies. At lean angle, the downforce is three times greater according to the manufacturer, which should benefit traction in corners. Additionally, the X 250TH features a ground-effect system developed and patented by Aprilia Racing. The side fairings generate downforce at lean angle, intended to further increase grip and stability in corners.
240 hp from the V4 with Superbike Specification
The 1099 cc V4 engine with a 65-degree cylinder angle was built by the racing department in Noale to SBK racing specifications. Power output stands at 240 hp (176.5 kW) at 13,750 rpm, with a maximum rev limit of 14,100 rpm. Maximum torque is rated at 131 Nm (96.6 lb-ft) at 11,750 rpm. This makes the X 250TH the most powerful RSV4 ever built, according to Aprilia.
This power is achieved through a series of measures: an increased compression ratio, a high-flow racing air filter from Sprint Filter with race-specific velocity stacks, the titanium full exhaust system by SC Project in a MotoGP replica design with a 4-into-2 configuration and a crossover pipe between the cylinder banks, as well as a dry clutch from STM.
Electronics and Suspension Components
Control is handled by the APX ECU from Aprilia Racing, an evolution of the systems used in the Superbike World Championship when Max Biaggi won the title on the RSV4. All parameters can be individually adjusted to suit riding style and track conditions. The APX system allows control of wheelie control, power delivery, traction control, and engine braking for each individual gear. The package is complemented by an integrated GPS system.
The chassis consists of an aluminum twin-spar frame, combined with mechanical Öhlins suspension units with a dedicated setup. At the front, a pressurized Öhlins FKR fork cartridge operates with adjustable spring preload, rebound, and compression damping. The triple clamps were designed by Aprilia Racing and are fully CNC-machined, suitable for MotoGP calipers with 108 mm spacing. At the rear, an Öhlins TTX shock absorber with remote reservoir is used, derived from MotoGP specification, also fully adjustable. An adjustable Öhlins steering damper is also included.
The forged Marchesini magnesium wheels in M7R GENESI format (front 17 x 3.5 inches, rear 17 x 6 inches) are fitted with Pirelli Diablo SBK slick tires, as used in the Superbike World Championship. The dry weight of the complete machine is 165 kg (363.8 lbs).
Sixth Generation of the X Series
The Aprilia X 250TH is already the sixth generation of a globally unique project that Aprilia Racing launched in 2019 with the RSV4 X. It was followed by the Tuono X in 2020, the RSV4 X Trenta in 2022, the RSV4 X ex3ma in 2024, and the RSV4 X-GP in 2025. All models in the X series are created within the Factory Works program, which aims to make the same technology developed in MotoGP accessible to private riders, whether for use in production-based racing series or for collectors.
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, puts the new X 250TH into perspective: “Once again, Aprilia Racing introduces an exclusive product which is even closer to a MotoGP bike. The Aprilia X 250TH is clearly an item for true connoisseurs – something unrivalled. Over the years, the X bikes have become highly sought after for both collectors and for those seeking to experience a thrill that is extremely close to what MotoGP riders feel.”
Price, Availability, and Scope of Delivery
The X 250TH is not road-legal. In the USA, 25 of the 30 units are offered at a price of 150,000 USD (approximately 139,500 EUR). The remaining five units, available in Europe among other regions, are priced at 115,000 euros plus VAT. Reservations can be made immediately through the platform factoryworks.aprilia.com.
The scope of delivery includes, in addition to the numbered motorcycle itself, a Yashi laptop with the software for managing ECU parameters and electronic strategies, a personalized motorcycle mat and cover, titanium front and rear paddock stands from RCB, and tire warmers from IRC.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2026: All Models, Releases, and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
