Aprilia RS 440 Spied Again Ahead of India Launch, to Rival TVS Apache RR 310, KTM RC 390 & More
The recently spotted test mule of the Aprilia RS 440 seems to be in its final stages of testing, with it undergoing multiple rounds of testing. Expect the bike to arrive in India around the festive season, with an estimated starting price of Rs 4 lakh, ex-showroom.
By Kanika Sachdeva
Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia seems almost ready to bring its brand-new offering to the Indian market – the RS 440, as the upcoming bike has been spotted testing once again in India. While a previous set of spy shots showed only the right rear quarter of the motorcycle, the fresh spy images revealed its sleek front fascia with a pair of split LED headlamps, small air intakes, windscreen, clip-on handlebars, full fairing, and more. In terms of riding ergonomics, the RS 440 bike has been fitted with a clip-on handlebar and comes with a sporty rider's triangle. In all, the new bike from the stable of Aprilia resembles the RS 660 quite closely. For those unaware, the test mule of the Aprilia RS 440 was also sighted doing testing rounds in Europe, giving away the abovementioned details. The RS 440 is a sub-500cc sport bike that will be manufactured in India at Piaggio's plant in Baramati, outside Pune (Maharashtra). Given that the design of the Aprilia RS 440 is largely inspired by the bigger RS 660, the image used in this feature is for representational purposes only.
Also Read: Aprilia RS440 Spotted Testing in Production-Ready Guise, Global Launch Likely in Early 2024
Aprilia RS 440: Engine and Gearbox
We know that the upcoming Aprilia RS 440 will come with a scaled-down engine from its larger counterpart. Expect the new bike to come powered by a 440cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 48bhp of maximum power. This engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission, accompanied by a slipper clutch as well as a quick-shifter. The motorcycle could offer a top speed of about 180km/h.
Aprilia RS 440: Hardware
In terms of hardware, the RS 440 will likely feature upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock. Braking duties will be carried out by a single front and rear disc with ABS. The bike will sit on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in road-biased tyres – possibly TVS Eurogrip tyres. Other bits could be sleek brake rotors, lightweight alloy rims, and a radial front brake calliper.
Aprilia RS 440: Features, Electronic Aids
Expect the RS440 to come with the latest technology, such as ride-by-wire, traction control, cornering ABS, and more. In addition, the bike could also feature a saree guard, as required by Indian safety standards. Other features could include a fully digital TFT display, all-LED lighting, an anti-lock braking system, smartphone connectivity, etc.
Aprilia RS 440: India Launch Details, Market Rivals
The test mule seems to be in its final stages of testing, with it undergoing multiple rounds of testing in India and abroad. The Aprilia RS 440 could make its entry into India around the festive season of this year, with an estimated starting price of Rs 4 lakh, ex-showroom.
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Upon launch in the Indian market, the Aprilia RS440 will take on the likes of the upcoming Yamaha YZF R3, the Kawasaki Ninja 300, and the KTM RC 390.
