APRILIA Blue Marlin Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 2001, Aprilia unveiled an advanced prototype machine under the Aprilia Blue Marlin designation at the Milan Show, Italy. It was made in collaboration with the French company Boxer Design.

The motorcycle concept used a back-to-basics approach that provided a raw sports bike experience. It used a 60-degree V-twin engine, expected for Aprilia large-displacement motorcycles. It was housed by a tubular steel frame with aluminum rear plates.

The bike's frame line continued back to the tail, in the same style as racing motorcycles in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition, the bike also packed modern components, such as an aluminum tube swingarm, an upside-down front fork, and a twin headlamp nosecone.

Suspension-wise, the prototype was fitted with a 43 mm upside-down Ohlins telescopic fork with 120 mm of travel on the front and a single gas-charged shock absorber on the rear with 120 mm wheel travel.

Besides its high-end Ohlins suspensions, the bike's stopping power was handled by Brembo brakes. The front wheel was handled by two 320 mm stainless steel floating discs with four-piston calipers and a 220 mm stainless steel disc on the rear with a two-piston caliper.

As for performance, the 2001 Aprilia Blue Marlin had installed a 998cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine at its core, boasting 130 hp with maximum force at 9,500 rpm and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) torque at 7,250 rpm.