The hypothetical concept for a Gilera motorcycle, based on its Group “sister,” the highly successful Aprilia RS 660, would represent a bold and highly strategic move. Rather than being a mere badge-engineered twin, this machine would tap deep into the emotional well of the brand’s history, specifically the legendary four-cylinder Grand Prix racers from Arcore.
Design: Modern Aggression Meets GP Heritage
This new Gilera 660 would not just nod to the past; it would actively embody it. Its fairing would draw heavily on the aggressive, aerodynamic shapes of the classic Gilera GP bikes, naturally modernized and scaled to the dimensions of current middleweight superbikes.
- The Headlight Unit: Unlike the modern, multi-LED clusters of the Aprilia, the Gilera concept could feature a deeply recessed, perhaps single or twin circular LED headlight setup, evoking the early-era race bikes while providing cutting-edge illumination.
- Color Scheme & Livery: It would launch in an unmistakable, modernized version of the classic Gilera racing livery, possibly a deep red or the signature blue/silver, instantly recognizable to enthusiasts.
- Ergonomics: The bike would feature a decidedly radical and committed riding position, pushing the boundaries of the trendy movement that combines classic styling with cutting-edge components. It would be an uncompromising sports machine, perhaps even more track-focused in its stance than the RS 660.
Technology and Positioning
By leveraging the Aprilia 660 platform, Gilera gains immediate access to a proven, modern technological package:
- Engine: The potent and characterful 660cc parallel-twin engine (shared with the Aprilia RS 660 and Tuono 660) would provide the performance, perfectly tuned for aggressive road and track riding.
- Electronics: It would inherit the latest APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic suite, including traction control, cornering ABS, multiple ride modes, and a quick-shifter.
- Chassis: The lightweight, twin-spar aluminium frame of the 660 platform would ensure razor-sharp handling, but Gilera could spec it with unique, premium suspension components (perhaps a non-adjustable but finely-tuned fixed setting) to differentiate the feel.
The Provocation and Purpose
While clearly a provocation—a dramatic design study rather than an immediate production model—this concept serves a powerful purpose: to draw urgent attention back to the Gilera brand, which has been inexplicably abandoned to itself within the Piaggio Group.
This radical retro-sport machine would be an extreme prefiguration of a potential sports model, proving that Gilera still has a relevant and unique aesthetic voice. It would be a market test to gauge consumer appetite for a brand that prioritizes raw, historically-inspired style over the current hyper-modern aesthetic. The ultimate goal? To provide the necessary impetus to bring Gilera roaring back to the market with a portfolio of models that blend evocative heritage with contemporary performance.
What aspect of this hypothetical motorcycle do you think would be the biggest selling point: the historical look or the proven Aprilia performance platform?
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