One among many noteworthy things that can be traced to Italy is the famed motorcycle company that goes by the name Aprilia. Considered the fourth largest motorcycle company in the world, Aprilia started out as a bicycle production company, founded by Cavaliere Alberto Beggio. Today, Aprilia is owned by Paiggio and manufactures bikes, scooters as well as components. It is considered Europe's second largest producer of motorcycles and scooters. Incidentally, in Europe, Aprilia is one of the few non-Japanese manufacturers of motorcycles with a complete assortment of two-wheeled vehicles.

The first bike to be produced by Aprilia was a gold-and-blue 50cc model designed and manufactured under the watchful and discerning of eye of Alberto's son, Ivano Beggio. It was the production of the cross bike Scarabeo that brought notice and recognition to the company. The Scarabeo is available in two versions: 50cc and 125cc.

The decade 1969-1979 saw enormous growth for the company which, by then, had successfully carved a niche for itself as an entity that manufactured mopeds and cross bikes. The company had increased its production of mopeds and bikes by a significant number in the ensuing period.

Aprilia is renowned for its scooters. However, the company's race-winning sportsbikes such as its flagship 1000cc V-Twin superbike and the RSV Mille are just as popular and coveted. The RC and VX 125 are two bikes from the Aprilia stable that are also fairly popular. The bikes and scooters manufactured by Aprilia are innovatively designed and sufficiently fuel efficient. The many sporting successes that the Aprilia team has to its credit helped it create and support an image of a good bike manufacturing company.