Aprilia RS 150 (Yamaha R15 Rival) Spotted In India, Launch Later This Year

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aprilia rs 150

India-spec Aprilia RS 150 spotted come with a different design for the fairing along with wider pillion seat, new mirror and switchgear

Aprilia showcased RS 150 and Tuono 150 at the 2018 Auto Expo and these performance motorcycles were expected to be launched sometime later this year. The first image of India-spec RS 150 has hit the internet as the company showcased the upcoming performance bike along with SR Max 300 scooter at dealer meeting held in Goa.

The India-spec RS 150 is different from the model displayed at the 2018 Auto Expo, which is similar to the European version. The model spotted in India had GPR name on the fairing as the company also sells a similar model in China, which is called GPR 150. Aprilia might bring CKD kits from China and assemble the model at Piaggio’s Ahmednagar plant.

They might shift the production from China to India, which will keep cost down. The design of fairing is not aggressive like the one at the Auto Expo bike as the company has given a simple design along with new graphics. The fuel tank design is also different while the rider seat has been carried over from the European version.

The pillion seat on the India-spec model is wider along with foot pegs, which have been repositioned forward to make it more comfortable. The changes on the India-spec model extend to new mirrors and switchgear. The front disc brake is also smaller and the rear also gets disc brake as Aprilia will offer either single or dual channel ABS system.

The company made all these changes to keep cost down as pricing will be key to the success of the performance bike in the Indian market. But Aprilia has carried over upside down forks, perimeter frame and mono-shocks at the rear from Euro-spec model. We can expect the RS 150 to handle really well.

The RS 150 showcased at the Auto Expo is powered by 150 cc single cylinder liquid cooled and fuel injected engine producing 18 hp of max power at 10,000 rpm and 14 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and Tuono 150 is also powered by this same engine. We can expect Aprilia to price the RS 150 around Rs. 1.40 lakh and it will be a direct competitor for Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0.

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