Whether considered a tribute or simply a clever advertisement, Aprilia has released a visually stunning video on its YouTube channel giving a motorcycle nod to the momentous last launch of the Space Shuttle.

Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle company, one of the seven marques owned by Piaggio, the world's fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer. Aprilia USA brought together the video tribute to the last flight of the Space Shuttle.

Using footage of the space shuttle mixed with sweeping shots of its RSV4 the Aprilia made video follows the shuttle from preparations, to the launch and on into space with the Italian motorcycle manufacturer paying tribute to all those who have worked so hard to bring the miracle of space flight to mankind through the shuttle.

The RSV4 is Aprilia’s model which features a narrow 4 cylinder V engine, boasting state-of-the-art electronics coming together in a light and extremely compact motorcycle.

Sweeping lines of the Space Shuttle flow into those of Aprilia performance sportsbike detailing engineering feats of both forms of transportation.

Noting such things as;

The Space Shuttle costs $1.7 billion dollars while a RSV4 can be bought for a mere $16,999

Comparing the 230 miles of electrical cable in the Space Shuttle to that of 1,640 feet which goes into a RSV4

The Space Shuttle was the first aircraft to use a fly by wire system and coincidentally Aprilia’s RSV4 was the first motorcycle to use a ride by wire throttle system

With Rockets, the Space Shuttle weighs 4.5 million pounds. On a lighter note the RSV$ only weighs 394 pounds dry

The final launch of the Space shuttle successfully took place on Friday at 11.30am.

"With today's final launch of the space shuttle we turn the page on a remarkable period in America's history in space, while beginning the next chapter in our nation's extraordinary story of exploration," Administrator Charles Bolden said. "Tomorrow's destinations will inspire new generations of explorers, and the shuttle pioneers have made the next chapter of human spaceflight possible."

The STS-135 crew consists of Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. They will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with more than 8,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts to sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired.

"The shuttle's always going to be a reflection to what a great nation can do when it dares to be bold and commits to follow through," Ferguson said shortly before liftoff.  "We're not ending the journey today...we're completing a chapter of a journey that will never end."

Motorcycle enthusiasts should watch the video with the volume turned up and be prepared to be awed.

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