For several seasons, Aprilia has established itself as a major player in MotoGP, steadily progressing to establish the RS-GP as one of the most competitive bikes on the grid. However, one technical detail has long held back its rise: the reliability of the chain, responsible for failures as rare as they are catastrophic.
We still remember the dramatic turn of events in Jerez, when Maverick Vinales saw his chain eject from the bike on the last lap, ruining a race where he was fighting for victory. Aleix Espargaró, he too, suffered similar misadventures, sometimes with unexpected falls or abandonments.
These spectacular incidents have highlighted a recurring problem among Aprilia, at the very moment when the Italian brand was reaching the top.
The solution? A piece as discreet as it is ingenious: chain guide. During the last races, Aprilia has quietly introduced this device rarely seen in MotoGP.
These guides, made up of two parts – an upper and a lower one – surround the chain, keeping it perfectly aligned with the sprocket. The goal: to prevent any link from slipping off its path, especially during rapid starts or extreme acceleration phases.
To Brno with a reinforced Aprilia RS-GP
Since their implementation, no chain incidents have been reported on the RS-GP. This mechanical tranquility could weigh heavily in the second half of the season.
It must be said that the widespread use of holeshot devices has complicated the situation for all brands. By drastically lowering the rear suspension during departures, these systems cause a drop in chain tension, increasing the risk of chain jumping.
If all the manufacturers had to review the geometry of their swing arm to limit these risks, Aprilia was undoubtedly the most exposed factory, accumulating setbacks.
In a championship where gaps are decided by the thousandth, every improvement counts. But in MotoGP, progress isn't just about shaving off a few hundredths of a lap: it's also about avoiding those minor mechanical tragedies that can ruin an entire weekend.
With this innovation, Aprilia seems to have finally turned the page on its Achilles heel. Another step in its conquest of the summits of MotoGP.
