Aprilia launches SRV850

JUST hours after we broke the news that Piaggio was planning to rebrand the Gilera GP800 as an Aprilia and give it an RSV4-style facelift the firm has released a single image of the bike.

And, well, it's just what we said it would be. Underneath it's got all the same mechanical bits as the GP800, including the 76bhp, 839cc V-twin engine and automatic transmission, but the styling is a definite improvement. Whether sticking Aprilia badges on and trying to make it look like the RSV4's less-athletic brother will do anything to boost sales is still a moot point, though.

The firm has simultaneously revealed details of a new version of the big-wheeled Piaggio Beverly scooter, the Beverly SportTouring. With a new 350cc single, it makes 33bhp and has ABS brakes. All well and good, but could you bring yourself to ride a scooter called a Beverly? Although saying that, we know a man who does..