Aprilia India has recently shared a teaser image of its much-anticipated RS440 on its official social media handles. Although it doesn't reveal much about the motorcycle, as you might anticipate, there are certain clues that the sub-500cc sport bike is in fact what the company is coming up with. The latest teaser shows the silhouette of the supersport motorcycle and the date September 7, 2023, which hints at when the upcoming bike will arrive on our shores. Furthermore, it is expected that the new RS440 will come equipped with a 440cc parallel-twin engine. Adding the Aprilia RS440 to the company's India lineup would also help the Italian bikemaker close the existing gap in its portfolio. At the moment, Aprilia's 125cc and 160cc scooters are its main volume producers. For the uninitiated, limited quantities of Aprila 660cc motorcycles are imported as CKDs.
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Aprilia RS440: Styling and Hardware Details
Along with the teaser, an Aprilia test mule has been previously sighted cruising across India on multiple occasions, which fuels speculation that the bike spotted could be none other than the RS440. The Aprilia RS440's engine case looks a lot like the Aprilia RS660 as well as the Tuono 660 from the outside. The bike appears to be riding with a balanced stance and a moderate lean angle in photos shared by the company. The pulled-back handlebar lessens the whole leaning angle despite the rear-set foot pegs. Although a new engine and chassis are anticipated, the Aprilia RS 440's styling is very similar to those of its older siblings. The enormous fuel tank and noticeable fairing give the model a massive-bike appearance. Tri-headlight arrangement, a significantly large windscreen, trapezoidal rear-view mirrors, a robust engine cowl, a step-up seat, and an elevated tail section are distinguishing elements lifted from Aprilia bikes with greater carrying capacity.
Hardware-wise, the RS440 most likely has an upside-down front fork and a mono-shock in the back. A single front and rear disc with ABS will be used for braking. The bike will be mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels with perhaps TVS Eurogrip tyres that are road-biased. Additional components might include sleek brake rotors, a radial front brake calliper, and lightweight alloy rims.
Aprilia RS440: Engine and Features
We already know that the upcoming Aprilia RS440 will have a smaller engine than its bigger sibling. A 440cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine with a maximum output of 48bhp is expected to propell the new motorcycle. This unit will be coupled with a six-speed transmission that includes a quick-shifter and a slipper clutch. The motorcycle's top speed can stand at around 180km/h.
In terms of features, the RS440 is expected to include the newest technologies, including ride-by-wire, traction control, and cornering ABS, among others. A saree guard might also be included on the motorcycle, as mandated by Indian safety regulations. A fully digital TFT display with Smartphone connectivity, various ride modes, all-LED lighting, and an anti-lock braking system can be further incorporated into the feature list.
Aprilia RS440: Market Competitors
Upon launch, the RS440 will face off against rivals such as the KTM RC 390, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the soon-to-be-launched Yamaha YZF-R3.
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