Aprilia India has released a teaser image on Instagram indicating that it is preparing to launch a new motorcycle. Planned to be introduced on September 7, 2023 it is believed to be the least expensive faired offering in India that could be dubbed the RS400. The Italian manufacturer has noted, “Here’s proof you can fall in love on a blind date.” accompanying the image.
The teaser shows the silhouette of what appears to be the Aprilia RS440, which has been spotted testing multiple times on Indian roads as well as foreign soil in the last few months. The RS440 takes plenty of design inspiration from its bigger sibling, the RS660 and it will likely compete against the upcoming Yamaha YZF-R3, KTM RC390, Kawasaki Ninja 400 and others.
What we do know is that the Aprilia RS440 will be equipped with a 440 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine. The liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve per cylinder unit is expected to produce a maximum power output of around 48 bhp and it will be mated to a six-speed transmission. The RS440 will undoubtedly be one of the most significant launches from the brand as a faired motorcycle from Aprilia has been anticipated for years.
The Aprilia RS440 has a similar silhouette as the bigger RS660 and it will feature sharp styling cues. Up front, a split LED headlamp unit will be present while the fuel tank will be muscular. It will come with a tall windscreen, clip-on handlebars, an aggressive fairing design, and a compact raised rear section with an LED tail lamp and LED turn indicators.
It will be underpinned by an aluminium twin-spar frame and will be suspended on upside-down front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. The braking duties will be handled by disc brakes at the front and rear with the radially mounted front calliper and a dual-channel ABS system will be standard. It will boast 17-inch front and rear alloy wheels.
Expected to cost around Rs. 4.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Aprilia RS440 will have an aggressive rider’s triangle and will feature a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation, traction control, slip and assist clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, quickshifter, adjustable levers and much more.
