Limited Edition Aprilia X 250TH – First Look

Aprilia is adding a new limited edition X model to its lineup, this time in celebration of the United States Semiquincentinnal. Revealed at Circuit of the Americas, the Aprilia X 250TH builds upon last year’s X-GP, but adds some updated aerodynamics and, for the first time on a motorcycle available for the public, MotoGP-caliber carbon-carbon brakes.

The X 250TH is the sixth model to come from Aprilia’s X brand, with each version moving closer and closer to its RS-GP MotoGP bike. In this case, the big innovation is the use of Brembo carbon-carbon 340mm front brake discs, the same configuration used in MotoGP. The rotors are made from carbon fibers reinforced with a carbon matrix.

Coincidentally, Aprilia revealed the X 250TH just a day after Ducati revealed its Superleggera V4 Centenario, which uses carbon-ceramic discs (carbon fibers with a silicon carbide matrix). Carbon-carbon discs are typically lighter than carbon-ceramic, so the Aprilia has the edge in that regard, but they’re less durable, which is likely why they make better sense for the track use-only X 250TH, while Ducati opted for carbon-ceramic for the street-legal Superleggera.

According to Aprilia, the carbon-carbon discs are half the weight of traditional steel discs, which contributes to less unsprung weight and improved handling. Aprilia pairs the discs with Brembo billet aluminum calipers with integrated cooling fins and carbon pads. The rear brake uses a traditional steel disc, with a nickel-plated caliper.

The aerodynamic package is similar to the X-GP, revealed just six months ago, with the exception of a new design for the wings behind the seat. According to Aprilia, the seat wings work with the wings on the tail to add aerodynamic load when braking in corners. All of the fairings are made from carbon fiber from PAN Compositi, which also produces the carbon subframe.

The X 250TH is powered by Aprilia’s 1,099cc V4 engine, with further refinements from its superbike racing department, including a higher compression ratio, a Sprint Filter racing air filter, race-spec intake trumpets, and an SC Project titanium dual exhaust. Aprilia claims a peak output of 240 hp at 13,750 rpm, and 96.6 lb-ft. at 11,750 rpm.

A WSBK-derived Aprilia Racing APX control unit manages the electronics, including power delivery, traction control, and engine braking customized for each individual gear.

The suspension system consists of an Öhlins FKR pressurized cartridge fork with CNC machined fork bottoms, and a MotoGP-derived Öhlins TTX shock, both with full adjustability.