Excitement Builds as Aprilia RS 440 Nears!

Posted On 01 Oct 2023

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This entry is part 26 of 44 in the series AusMotorcyclist Issue#1

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Aprilia has finally teased its upcoming sub-500cc sport bike across social media

It’s happening! Aprilia has finally dropped a teaser for the much-anticipated RS 440. As you’d expect, it reveals little about the motorcycle but there are some cues to confirm it’s indeed the company’s sub-500cc sport bike. To jog your memory, the motorcycle has been spied a few times already. These first came to light in early 2023 on Indian turf, followed by more recent sightings on Aprilia’s home turf, Italy.

Jumping right in, the teaser shows the silhouette of an RS 660-like sport bike. However, the tail end is different, and so are the split seats for the two occupants. Yes, we know the saddle looks like a single-piece unit, but zoom in, and you’ll see a clear split. Similarly, the tank and windscreen are also different from the RS 660, in case you think this is a special edition of the middleweight sport bike. The biggest confirmation, meanwhile, is the set of Indian-made TVS Eurogrip ProTorq Extreme tires. These were also present on the test mule spotted in Europe and if this is the OEM rubber, the 440 will mark the debut of these tires outside India.

Full details of the new sport bike will come out on September 7, 2023. Aprilia will probably launch it in European and British markets first, followed by India in quick succession. The States will come post that since there have been no sightings or hints about the bike’s arrival here. Whenever it’s here, though, the baby RS will enjoy a healthy dose of competition from popular names. Expect the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 to be the biggest rivals, while the KTM RC 390 and CFMoto 450SR will make life even harder for the Italian offering. So it’s safe to assume the 440 will need good componentry and that seems like the case as well.

The Aprilia RS 440 Could Produce Over 40 Horsepower

So what can you expect from the new Aprilia? Well, for starters, it will employ an all-new engine that displaces 400-440 cubic centimeters. Liquid cooling is clearly visible in the spy shots, so the power output should be in the 40-horsepower ballpark. Not too far-fetched, considering the company’s GPR250R (with its 249cc, single) produces around 29 ponies. This will position it right in the crosshairs of the 43-HP RC 390 and 41-HP YZF-R3. Also part of the package will be basic safety aids like traction control, slipper clutch, and dual-channel ABS, all accessible via a fully digital instrument cluster.

In the meantime, the engine will sit inside what looks like a new perimeter chassis. It suspends on upside-down forks (non-adjustable) and monoshock, paired with 17-inch alloy wheels. Single disc brakes make up the braking package. Last but not least, the riding triangle will be aggressive yet upright, just like the RS 660.

Continue exploring the article at this link : https://www.topspeed.com/get-ready-the-aprilia-rs-440-is-just-around-the-corner/

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