Aprilia RS 440 launch soon; spied testing

Aprilia has a gaping hole in its portfolio between its locally-manufactured scooters and the imported premium bikes it retails in India in extremely limited numbers. However, all that is about to change with the advent of a brand-new sportbike that has just been spied testing. 

1. Launch in next 18 months 
2. Could feature new 440cc parallel twin
3. Will be priced above KTM RC 390 

Aprilia RS 440: parallel-twin engine

While there are speculations that this bike will get a 300-400cc engine, a source informs us that it will in fact use a parallel-twin that displaces 440cc. The engine casing visible here is very similar to that of the bigger motor on the Aprilia RS 660 and Tuono 660, and we have learned that the engine on the RS 440 (and on future derivatives) will be a reworked, smaller-capacity parallel-twin unit that will displace roughly 440cc. 

While power and torque figures are still under wraps, it is likely that they will be in the ballpark of its benchmarked rivals such as the Kawasaki Ninja 400, if not slightly higher. This 440cc motor is likely to be designed in a more cost-effective manner than the 660, so it probably won’t have as high a specific output, but even so, around 45-55hp is entirely possible, given that the RS 660 motor produces 100hp. From the blurry images, it also appears that this bike has an underbelly exhaust muffler, similar to the RS 660. 

Where the RS 440 differs from its elder sibling is in the hardware and chassis department. This being a new engine will likely necessitate the development of an all-new chassis to accommodate it. The swingarm also appears to be skinnier to the RS 660’s unit, although both have a similar design. Keeping in mind that this will be a relatively less powerful (and cost-effective) bike, the RS 440 has a single disc at the front. However, its USD fork and monoshock setup is par for the course. The wheels on the RS 440 are all-new as well and don’t share their design with any of Aprilia’s other larger offerings.

Aprilia RS 440: design 

The styling of the Aprilia RS440 test mule spied here bears a clear resemblance to the bigger sportbikes retailed by the Italian brand. The signature tri-headlight setup and the angular tail section are near-identical to the Aprilia sportbikes and the large digital dash resembles the one on the multi-cylinder 2021+ Aprilia and Moto Guzzi bikes. The bike also appears to have a large fuel tank, which will contribute to the sense of this being a big bike.

While the RS 440 has aggressive sportbike styling, its seating position strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, as is the case with the RS 660. Aprilia hasn’t had a presence in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment in India and it remains to be seen what electronic rider aids the RS 440 comes equipped with, especially since rivals like the KTM 390s are very well specced, as are the 660 Aprilias.

Aprilia RS 440: India launch, pricing

The Aprilia RS 440 will be manufactured in India at Piaggio’s plant in Baramati, outside Pune. We are given to understand that the bike could be launched in India in the next 18 months. When it does, expect it to carry a significant premium over the Rs 3.16 lakh KTM RC 390 and in fact, its pricing will probably be closer to the Rs 5.14 lakh Kawasaki Ninja 400, but hopefully not too close. 

In due course, the RS 440 is likely to be joined by a Tuono naked and perhaps even a Tuareg ADV, just as we’ve seen on the larger 660 platform. 

To read our ride experience of the Aprilia RS 660 and Tuono 660, click here.

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