Does the Aprilia GPR 250 fulfill the promise of its racing heritage?

If the name Aprilia rings a bell, it’s likely from the Italian manufacturer’s rich racing history in smaller displacement categories. But the GPR 250 is marketed as a sporty machine that has the DNA of Aprilia's racing pedigree. But enthusiasts are wondering whether a 250cc production bike can really be a racing machine, considering Aprilia's other models, or some purpose built race bikes. The debate usually revolves around how it performs, how it handles and feels – does it deliver a real race inspired experience or is it just a marketing gimmick? Riders who have ridden the GPR 250 both on the track and on the street often have different opinions on how well Aprilia's racing knowhow translates into a consumer friendly package.