Aprilia Leonardo SR 500 Concept

An unexpected “product concept” for the Leonardo SR with Ditech 500 engine. A new concept in scooters which is already convincing right from its specifications: 175 kg, 50 HP, 170 km/h, 38 km/litre, 0-400 metres in 12.5 seconds and 450 km on a full tank. All this together with direct fuel injection, sequential gear change, a fixed engine and a frame with aluminium structural parts.

Leonardo as an atypical, but extremely competitive and equally enchanting mega scooter. In a sector overrun by vehicles which are much the same as each other both in terms of technical content and look, the Leonardo SR, surprises. It is astounding because it successfully and consistently keeps to its initial philosophy of being an elegant sport scooter, thanks to the brilliant sobriety the Leonardo range has always shown. And it amazes above all due to the technical choices made.
Engine Its chief strength emerges when you look at the fuel system, which uses DITECH electronic injection technology, developed years ago in Noale and successfully used on small two-stroke engines. The aim is to use it even more successfully on the big 500 cc Aprilia single-cylinder engines. The engine has also aroused interest due to its extremely light weight and small size. This technology, applied to the new 500 engine, promises surprising results: 50 hp at 6500 rpm with a torque of 65 Nm at 6000 rpm. Shall we talk about performance? 170 km/h at top speed with an acceleration of 0-400 metres in 12.5 seconds should keep even the most demanding scooter rider happy.
The data regarding the consumption obtainable is equally thrilling: 38 km/litre with an ECE 40 cycle and 34 km/litre at 110 km/h. This data takes the fuel distance of the vehicle on a mixed route (town and out-of-town) to a good 450 kilometres on a full tank. APRILIA has always shown great concern for the environment and in confirmation of this the 500 DITECH project envisaged that the LEONARDO will comply with the EURO 3 standards which will come into force in 2006. The engine is fixed centrally to the frame (with the benefit of reducing the non-hanging masses) and has a CVT timing system with electronically controlled speed changer and two different riding modes:
- Continuous (comfort). - Sequential (race riding).
Chassis Another peculiarity of this scooter is the frame. The central aluminium part (splendidly visible) is structural and this gives rise to a 50% increase in torsional rigidity and nothing short of a 70% increase in flexural rigidity. As rear suspension, the designers have opted for a mono-tube shock-absorber with dual adjustment, which clearly stems from APRILIA's consolidated motorcycling experience.
Brakes Other “pluses” in favour of the Leonardo SR are found in the brakes: at the front there is a double disc system, whereas at the back there is a single disc. An integral braking device and ABS wheel antilock system is available on request. All this clearly increases the safety of the Leonardo maxiscooter. The front wheel is 15”, whereas the back is 14”.
Components The quality of the construction, materials, assembly and chassis of the new Aprilia “half litre” are at the same high absolute standard as the now mythical Leonardo series.
Let's look at some examples: - There are two possible “positions on the saddle”. One more comfortable, with the feet and legs relaxed and one more sporting, marked by the position of the side fins
- The carrying capacity is high: although the saddle is not high off the ground, the compartment under the seat can contain a whole crash helmet. There is also a compartment for a mobile phone and/or CD player. In addition to these, if need be, a rear boot, side bags and travelling bag may be fitted.
- The Leonardo SR dashboard is extremely innovative. The display is graphical, and acts as an exchange interface for all information useful to the rider either by GMS or GPS (traffic info, tourist info, etc.).
- The front headlamp insert is top level: in this case it stems from the Aprilia racing sportbikes: the Leonardo SR has the same front lights as the superlative RSV 1000 m.y. 04, whereas the modern rear lamp consists of LEDs.
All this on a scooter “maxi” in fittings, performance and comfort, but “mini” in weight: with its 175 kilo dry weight, the Leonardo SR is the lightest scooter in the 500 cc class and beyond. Despite this, thanks to its ergonomics, Leonardo has all the virtues of a maxiscooter in terms of room and carrying capacity, without forgoing its particular riding characteristics marked by easy handling and casual sportiness. Its set-up and the riding pleasure it gives move this scooter towards the world of motorcycles, providing feelings and emotions, but also safety, ease-of-use and protection.