Alien Transport

ALIEN TRANSPORT

When it comes to building out-of-this-world scooters, Aprilia leads the league. True to form, the new Area 51-named for the top-secret U.S. military installation in Nevada-takes step-through design to an otherworldly level. The 220-pound machine is propelled by a humble, 50cc, two-stroke Single working through a centrifugal clutch, but beyond that, it’s totally high-tech. Witness the twin-spar aluminum frame and single-sided swingarm front suspension, which in conjunction with the wide, 130/60-13 tires and double disc brakes are said to provide unparalleled handling for a scooter. Then, there’s the electronic dash, which incorporates a digital speedometer and LED scales for fuel level and coolant temperature. Capping off the creation is wind tunnel-tested bodywork meant to emulate the skin of a spacecraft-presumably from this planet, though with a name like Area 51, who knows?

Unfortunately, this is one scooter that will remain alien, as Aprilia has no plans to import it to the New World.