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What a Drag: Aprilia’s New Trend with Aerodynamic Add-Ons

Kicking 2023's Vehicle Drag Coefficient in the Pants One Velcro Piece at a Time

Aprilia's RNF team, who are apparently working on add-on aerodynamic gear. Media sourced from Aprilia.
Aprilia's RNF team, who are apparently working on add-on aerodynamic gear. Media sourced from Aprilia.

35 years ago, Dainese debuted their aerodynamic hump to racing leathers, setting a trend that’s lasted to the circuits of today – and now, Aprilia‘s continuing their legacy by experimenting with new ideas in aerodynamic gear for MotoGP. 

The Italian bike brand has, admittedly, been getting a lot of attention as of late; recent tests show Aprilia’s RNF team working with around ten panels (likely stuffed with some kind of foam/air/gel) which are held to the racer’s suit via Velcro. 

The idea may show an alternative mindset, but hey. The gamble paid off. 

The panels apparently work really well.

A view of the new aerodynamic add-on placement Aprilia's has been experimenting with for their RNF team. Media sourced from MCN.
A view of the new aerodynamic add-on placement Aprilia has been experimenting with for their RNF team suit. Media sourced from MCN.

“Aprilia’s suit concept uses flexible, padded panels filled with foam, air pockets, or gel,” explains coverage from MCN.

“They’re shaped to allow the rider to move freely while eliminating the wrinkles of bunched-up leather that are normally found on a rider’s sides, arms, and legs.”

“Testing the leathers, 250 rider Jean-Philippe Ruggia noticed they reduced turbulence and neck strain, making it easier for him to concentrate on riding, and the concept was rapidly adopted.”

A view of the new aerodynamic add-on placement Aprilia's has been experimenting with for their RNF team. Media sourced from MCN.
A view of the new aerodynamic add-on placement Aprilia’s has been experimenting with for their RNF team. Media sourced from MCN.

With Aprilia’s team now trying out a pair of panels on each arm, an armpit-to-hip moment on both sides, thigh contributions, and knee sliders integrated into the leathers, we can only hope that this will soon be a kit to play with on the unofficial circuits of our good country.

Until then, expect an Aprilia RNF team positively *bristling* with competition.

*Media sourced from MCN, MotoGP and Aprilia*