This was a season of transition: while the "custom" versions were decidedly competitive, the official Aprilia bike, equipped with a new engine designed by Aprilia (hence the new name, AF/1V), could not keep up with its Japanese rivals and the best result was Reggiani's fourth place at Brno.

The Italian Motorcycling Federation ran a semi-official Aprilia bike with Bruno Casanova.

The adventure also began in the 125cc class for the Italia Team, on a bike with Corrado Catalano: he reached the podium in France, on 24th July, and had the fastest lap in Yugoslavia.