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For some time I've wondered what is the connection between Aprilias and Lions. A while back I got as far as searching the internet to solve this mystery - but with no success.



Just wondering if anyone here knows the story or whether we're all in-the-dark.

Any clues?

Sorry Andy,
I've no idea either. If I ever got to visit the factory I ask the question (provided they let me in)

F9

Maybe its just the sound comparison? The Lions roar n all that!?!?

I think falcomunky has it, I remember some guy asking that question of an aprilia rep at the NEC show when I was looking at a falco for the first time, that was the answer he gave. mind you never believe what a rep tells you.

How did the company get it's name?

Aprilia was named after the Lancia model of the same name manufactured in the 1950's

Alberto Beggio knew the name "Aprilia" was already well known in Italy and would help the sales of his then small company

This much I am certain of. The Lions .................well I'm still struggling

F9

there is a place called Aprilia, just outside Rome.

Thumper wrote:I think falcomunky has it, I remember some guy asking that question of an aprilia rep at the NEC show when I was looking at a falco for the first time, that was the answer he gave. mind you never believe what a rep tells you.

I guess this may be it ... but it would be nice if we could find someone who really knew.
One thing that makes me a little sceptical is that most Aprilia models are 2-strokes - particularly the older ones .... maybe not such a roar from them ...
I guess it may help to understand when the Lions first appeared but I don't know the answer to that one either!

Aren't lions supposed to be "the king of the jungle"?

Would make sense to attach some sort of power / majesty / grace to a brand name, even if it's indirect.

I was always under the impression the Lion was born from the passion amongst the workers and riders for the brand.

Passion with the strength of the heart of a Lion.. etc, etc

Also they had to go one better than DuCATi.. what better than the king of the cats?

Mystery solved !

I also posted this up on the AF1 site and Olivier (go_modem_go) posted this:

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... p?t=106755


As he says, Aprilia issued a press release that states:

A stylised lion symbolises Aprilia's origins, the history of Venice and the history of Aprilia itself. (The lion was one of Aprilia's first logos.) The lion represents exotic places, fearless character, and sporting courage. More than just a graphic, the lion is part of art itself and a universally recognised symbol.

.... so now we know!

What DOESN'T Oliver know about Aprilias???