Aprilia India confirms this year’s KTM RC 390 rival could be called RS440

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After years of waiting, Piaggio India will finally enter the entry-level performance motorcycle market in India and has confirmed its intention to do so as the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary in the Indian market. Upcoming is expected to be the rumored Aprilia RS440, which was recently field tested and will be a rival to the KTM RC 390 in this segment.

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Updated on:
February 9, 2023 at 14:04 pm

Aprilia RS660
Aprilia RS660

Piaggio has announced that it will “enter the Indian performance motorcycle market with Aprilia, the group’s large racing motorcycle brand. So far, Aprilia has retailed scooters and performance motorcycles in the country. The company is in Shared a prototype of its 150 cc performance bike in 2018, but has since changed strategy to introduce an updated product into the 300-400 cc segment.

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs KTM RC 390: Price, Specs, Features Comparison

Details are scarce on Aprilia RS440, which could be the model’s potential name. Considering the RS660 and RS1100 in the company’s product line, this fits with Aprilia’s nomenclature. The new products are likely to be designed for emerging markets, and India could become a global manufacturing hub for the upcoming models.

Upcoming Aprilia RS440 could take styling cues from RS660

Upcoming Aprilia RS440 could take styling cues from RS660

The Aprilia RS440 can borrow styling cues from the RS660, including twin headlights, sharp lines and a full body. Spy shots show aggressive but forgiving ergonomics, suggesting it’s a sporty wagon rather than the company’s dedicated track machine. To be fair, even the new KTM RC 390 got slightly looser ergonomics to make this model more comfortable for the rider.

No word yet on the powertrain, but expect the RS440 to feature a newly developed liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Let’s hope Aprilia pulls all the stops in delivering some great power figures, while offering rider aids including dual-channel ABS, traction control, ride-by-wire, two-way quickshifter, cornering ABS and more. Spy shots also hint at USD forks and rear monoshocks, as well as lightweight disc brakes with alloy wheels.

Estimated price between ¥29,000-350,000 (ex-showroom), which is also where the BMW G 310 RR, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and KTM RC 390 operate. The upcoming Aprilia RS440 is expected to arrive in India during the festive season and we could get our first glimpse of the bike at the inaugural Indian MotoGP – Bharat GP scheduled for September this year. Not just Piaggio, but other manufacturers in India and MotoGP are hoping to make some big announcements at the top level.

First published date: Feb 9, 2023 at 14:04pm CST

https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/two-wheelers/aprilia-india-confirms-ktm-rc-390-rival-for-this-year-could-be-called-rs440-41675929477086.html

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