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Aprilia Moto 6.5
on the block (Oct 3, 2022) ![]() Divisive
style exercise
Love it or hate it? Apparently there is no middle ground with the radical curves on Aprilia's Moto 6.5 of the mid-nineties.
It was intended as a vision of the
future, with urban use in mind. According to the Bonhams auction
description: "Widely recognised as a
motorcycling design icon, the Aprilia Moto 6.5 was
created by Philippe Starck, the famous French
industrial designer whose portfolio ranges from wind
turbines to lemon squeezers, which perhaps explains
its passing resemblance to one of his kitchen
appliances. "Introduced in 1995, the
Moto 6.5 was powered by the Aprilia Pegaso's (Rotax)
five-valve single, which went into a curvaceous
bespoke frame. "With 42bhp on tap, a low
seat and weighing a mere 150kg dry (181 wet)
Starck's Moto 6.5 effectively fulfilled Aprilia's
brief to produce a chic and user-friendly urban
roadster." ![]() Sales were sluggish and
reviews deeply divided, mixed with criticism of some
of the quality and consistency of the finish. The
first batch lasted in the market until 1997. However the model had a
near three-year return, starting in late 1999. It has over the years
gained traction on the international art motorcycle
circuit, starting with Guggenheim's Art of
the Motorcycle show in 1998. More
recently it featured in the Queensland Art
Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (aka QAGOMA,
Australia) show in 2020-21. See the
YouTube video. This 1996
example claims around 23,000km on the odo and
is carrying an estimate of Au$2600-4400
(US$1700-2800, GB£1500-2500). In Australia, they were
listed new at a premium price of Au$14,990 (US$9700,
GB£8600). ------------------------------------------------- Produced by AllMoto abn 61 400 694 722 |
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