Technical analysis: The secrets behind Aprilia’s 2025 MotoGP bike

Aprilia kicked off its 2025 MotoGP campaign with a special launch event at Milan’s Sky Studios last week. george martin And Marco Bezzecchi Made its first appearance in Aprilia gear during the event, while new technical director Fabiano Sterlachini was also present.

The Noel-based brand also showcased the latest version of its MotoGP bike on stage and the event was broadcast live around the world. Interestingly, the RS-GP25, as it is called, was not hidden from view immediately after the unveiling, with Aprilia giving attendees a rare opportunity to photograph every detail of the bike.

The 2025-spec RS-GP is not a complete novelty as the bike was already seen in public during Barcelona testing in November. Reigning champion Martin and three-time Grand Prix winner Bezzecchi were both able to get a first taste of the new Aprilia at the official Dorna test, and it was clear from their feedback that it was significantly better than the version driven by. alex espargaro and Maverick Vinales last season.

The two bike frames showcased at the Milan launch last Thursday will now be used in the 2025 season. During the winter break, Aprilia managed to bring several updates, and the bike shown in Italy is already different from the bike tested by Martin and Bezzecchi in Barcelona two months ago.

At the front of the new RS-GP, the shape of the wing has changed, the result of work done by Aprilia in the wind tunnel. Its purpose is to guarantee the same load but with less resistance. The biplane remains in place but is now more arched and has more pronounced holes in the middle. Interestingly, the upper attachment to the fairing seen on the 2024 model is now missing.

The new wing works in coordination with the fork wing, which is now separated from the fork. The overall design is increasingly functional in generating vortices that will be directed towards the rider’s body.

Below, beneath the Brembo brake caliper, the presence of an air conveyor has been confirmed. It performs an essential function when the bike is being tilted sideways.

The RS-GP features a Formula 1-inspired S-duct like the Aprilia. But while the upper air vent has always been visible on the sides of the fairing, the same cannot be said for the air intake, which is a new addition to the bike.

Another interesting aspect is the ‘butterfly’ which is placed below the oil radiator in the V-shaped cradle of the chassis: cool air is drawn in from above the front wheel and then flows downwards. A carbon device is a vessel most commonly used to collect fresh air, but is now also used for aerodynamic purposes. This is one part that could change before pre-season testing begins in February.

Aprilia has always had an innovative approach to aerodynamics, thanks to the extensive experience of ex-Ferrari engineer Marco De Luca, but this time it appears to be following Ducati’s approach to diffusers on the fairings’ sides. However, on the Desmosedici, which could be seen outside the fairing, the same element flies inside the Aprilia.

The fairing features the now well-known stepped layout bordered by a vertical profile at the lateral trailing edge that curves towards the front of the winglet. The shape of the fairing at the bottom has been taken care of to ensure maximum downforce when the bike is at an inclined angle. With this, Aprilia is attempting to design an effective venturi channel.

Modern MotoGP bikes have become heat generators and riders are exposed to very hot air during races. This is a problem that has particularly affected Aprilia riders in recent years, and it is something that can affect their performance. Keeping in mind the need to protect riders as much as possible, technicians have made changes to the way heat is removed from the bike.

On the new RS-GP, one can see a five-element grille that directs hot air downwards in an effort to move heat away from the rider’s body as much as possible.

Another detail that did not go unnoticed is a carbon handkerchief that looks like a reinforcement but is actually a duct that draws fresh air and delivers it to two important points: the right handkerchief cools the exhaust, while the left handkerchief Helps keep the fuel cool. In the tank located at the far rear of the bike.

Moving to the rear, one can see the work done to clean up the lower exhaust area and swingarm which is surrounded by vertical carbon fiber pads. Last year it was even bigger, but now it has been adapted.

Viewed from above, the original wing profile can be identified at the rear of the bike. This can be useful in improving efficiency by reducing drag.

The tail, suitably cooled with two air intakes, has two vertical fins that perform different functions depending on the rider’s posture when leaning to one side or the other. This is an area where some novelties can be seen, such as the rear diffuser.

Espargaro and Viñales disapproved of this development, but since they were from the previous generation, they were less willing to accept the aerodynamic ‘devils’ that Aprilia was able to produce.

Martin and Bezzecchi, in contrast, are likely to exploit more extreme solutions that will require adaptations to riding style in exchange for improved performance.

The RS-GP seen in Milan is a bike that has been adapted to be more quiet, as Fabiano Sterlacchini summarized, the front-end of the bike is very serious in comparison but the rest of the bike is more nervous. It is felt. But once the riders find the balance they are looking for, one can expect more daring ideas and concepts. If not, Ducati will remain out of reach of its domestic rival…

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