Aprilia in Dakar 2008

After a long time of absolutely no interesting news in the world of Aprilia there is finally big news worth mentioning. Aprilia is competing in the Dakar 2008 rally! This time its Dutch enduro driver Henk Knuiman who's riding the Aprilia RXV450. Last year Patrick van Lee had a great result finishing the rally in 75th place overall on his Aprilia RXV450.



Henk Knuiman is working with Aprilia Holland and Aprilia dealer Startwin that build the bike. Closely followed by the Factory in Noale. Startwin will also give technical support during the rally traveling along with the team's own service truck.



The team build totally rebuild the RXV 450. Here's a list of changes on the bike:

-3 fuel tanks holding 35 liter (2 on the front and one under the seat)
-Completely new Dakar fairings with a Pegaso headlight(looks great)
-Marzocchi Shiver forks
-Sachs rear shock build by the Aprilia Offroad team.
-Totally new exhaust build by Startwin and Bos Exhausts
-Special dashboard and roadbook
-Alpina rims
-Special Twin Air airfilter
-08 RXV 450 engine build by the factory Aprilia Offroad team

Henk Knuiman is no stranger to the Dakar rally. He finished the rally 4 times always in the top 20. Best result was last years 11th place. As part of the preparation Knuiman entered in the Shamrock 2007 rally which he finished in 2nd place.



Aprilia News will be following the rally closely and will give updates every day during the rally about the progress of Henk Knuiman.

For more pics & info go to:

Aprilia Riders
Rallymaniacs Images
Henk Knuiman's website