Motorcycle specifications Veloce-MotorcycleAperion 2027 Born to X

Over time, mechanical innovation has given us reliable, powerful engines—sometimes refined, sometimes brimming with character—that are suitable for everyday use… and, on certain occasions, truly astonishing in their design. We naturally think of the NR 750 and its oval pistons, but also Midual’s flat-twin engine oriented in the direction of travel, and Feuling’s W-3; not to mention a host of artisans and enthusiasts designing their own engines.

And then there’s Veloce Motorcycles. A small British company whose project is sure to send shivers down your spine. Do you love 2-strokes? Their Apérion model will give you more than you can handle. This roadster will be powered by a mind-blowing engine: a 1,000 cm³ 8-cylinder 2-stroke, rated at 280 chevaux!

More powerful than an X-Wing: an X8

Here’s something to really blow your mind: this engine is fueled by carburetors, and its configuration is one-of-a-kind. Its cylinders aren’t arranged in a straight line or a V—they’re in an X.
To put it simply, the designers drew inspiration fromthe old Aprilia RS 125 to create the high-revving engines, formed two V4 banks, and assembled them on a central crankcase. Each cylinder bank is CNC-machined from solid aluminum blocks, assembled into four distinct sections. Power is transmitted via two crankshafts per cylinder bank (four in total), meshed with a common central intermediate shaft that drives the hydraulic clutch and the 6-speed transmission.

No ride-by-wire, but a throttle system that will delight tech-savvy enthusiasts with a knack for tinkering. The eight 24-mm-diameter Dell’Orto ball-valve carburetors are arranged in pairs of four and controlled by a specialized throttle grip featuring a spiral-wound mechanism that guides eight independent cables.
So yes, that many cylinders add up to some weight. The engine alone is listed at 105 kg. But since the bike is minimalist, the total weight should be close to that of a sport bike—or even less.
And besides, with the power of a MotoGP bike at your disposal, there’s no need to worry about acceleration—every burst will be stratospheric.

At Veloce, attention to design is evident everywhere. For example, to eliminate vibrations, the firing order is synchronized via opposing pistons.
As for the exhaust system—where fitting everything in while optimizing the complex shapes required by 2-stroke technology could drive anyone crazy—the engineers used 3D printing with laser sintering of metal powder.

It’s almost surprising to find an inverted fork on this café racer. Given how captivating its 280-bourrins X-8 engine, its massive single-sided swingarm with an industrial-style profile, and its ultra-aggressive riding position are, one might almost have expected an equally exotic front end—like that of a Bimota Tesi or a parallelogram system.
The Apérion is also very minimalist in its frame design—or rather, its frames. The engine block serves as a support for two steel trellis frames: one at the front to hold the steering and the other at the rear to act as a subframe.

No electronics on board?

Braking is handled by large discs—even at the rear—paired with Tokico 4-piston calipers. Surprising; a beast like this would be better suited to Brembo (the GP4-MS, for example). On this particular model, there’s no sign of ABS, and the manufacturer provides no details about the electronics. If the Veloce Aperion is indeed confirmed to have no traction control, no ABS, and no safety features whatsoever, it will take an exceptional combination of courage and composure—coupled with extensive riding experience—to dare unleash its full power.

A select few

The two-stroke isn’t dead, despite regulations and environmental concerns. With the Aperion, it reaches a peak of fantastical excess. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027, at a price as wild as the bike itself. It’s priced at 78,000 pounds—just over 90,000 euros. That gives you a little time to find a pied-à-terre in England. Because each Aperion will have a specific authorization to be driven on British soil, in accordance with the MSVA (Motor Single Vehicle Approval) procedure. Only 24 units are planned.

M.B. – Manufacturer photos