Mad motorcycle designer Starck speaks out

i could have told him that years ago, for example the Juicy Salif. all it managed to do was leave 3 holes in the nice wooden table you ate at while covering yourself in the lemon juice that was meant to be aimed at the octopus. Thank got the scooter Lama never went into production or the Xray project, that would have been another disaster for Aprillia.

Posted: 08/04/2008 at 08:56

In response to the slating of the Aprilia Moto 6.5. I currently own one and ride it regularly, it is brilliant in towns but a little lary when you go a too quickly (very simliar to a riding a 250LC). This bike was slated when it came but if you notice some of the styling now you can see echos of the Moto 6.5. Incidentally this bike attracts more attention than any other bike I have owned - mostly from Non-bikers - which is pleasant.

Posted: 16/06/2008 at 15:54

FFFspencer wrote (see)

In response to the slating of the Aprilia Moto 6.5. I currently own one and ride it regularly, it is brilliant in towns but a little lary when you go a too quickly (very simliar to a riding a 250LC). This bike was slated when it came but if you notice some of the styling now you can see echos of the Moto 6.5. Incidentally this bike attracts more attention than any other bike I have owned - mostly from Non-bikers - which is pleasant.

I can see why bikers wouldn't pay it much attention.

If the designer says it's crap - then I'm prepared to take his word for it. I'd be too embarassed to ride on of those.

Posted: 16/06/2008 at 15:59

I love the Moto 6.5

I remember selling a couple as an Aprillia dealer and i would happily ride around on one now

Posted: 16/06/2008 at 16:00

It is a rather ugly looking bit of kit, but then again I ride a Beemer GS1150

Posted: 16/06/2008 at 16:43

Midnight Specia wrote (see)

It is a rather ugly looking bit of kit, but then again I ride a Beemer GS1150

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  ... but you can get it out with Optrex.

Posted: 16/06/2008 at 16:53

I think he's a bit harsh on himself. It's his job (graphic / aesthetic designer) to come up with things that look or feel nice or intriguing to use. It was Aprillia's job (engineering designer) to achieve the look he wanted with a package that worked properly.

I get cheesed off with people confusing design with engineering.

Posted: 17/06/2008 at 00:21

huskydealer wrote (see)

I love the Moto 6.5

I remember selling a couple as an Aprillia dealer and i would happily ride around on one now

YOU FOOKING SADDO !!!!!

Posted: 17/06/2008 at 22:44

I thought it looked rather nice, although the triumph of form over function seems rather pointless it's by no means unique to the 6.5 - it seems to me a large part of modern motorcycle production is more or less dedicated to the same aestheticism.

Can you really claim the Triumph Bonneville (Hinckley) or any number of factory customs aren't similarly flawed as examples of 'useful engineering'?

As a design I fail to see the Moto 6.5 was any more insulting than any number of stylish Italian scooters, and was more or less intended to appeal to the same crowd of trendy urbanites.  

Posted: 17/06/2008 at 23:16

I think aprilia sold about 3  them 2 huskydealer sold plus one a short sighted guy from the fens brought .

Posted: 18/06/2008 at 07:38

Thumbs up Len - just been down the pool?

Posted: 18/06/2008 at 07:39