The RS 440 finally has a launch date! Aprilia’s highly awaited small-capacity supersport will make its public appearance on September 7. Though the company hasn’t revealed much apart from a silhouette, here’s what we know so far:
Looks Just Like The RS 660
The upcoming Aprilia RS 440 looks like just the RS 660. Going by the spy pictures of the heavily camouflaged unit of the upcoming supersport, the RS 440 flaunts the same mean-looking LED headlight as its bigger siblings. Heck, even the fairing seems to be straight off the 660cc supersport, and the RS 660 is not a bad-looking bike. So, this is not a bad move in our books.
Engine That Packs A Serious Punch
Although it is too soon to say for sure, the leaked videos hint that the upcoming Aprilia RS 660 will be powered by a liquid-cooled parallel-twin powerhouse. This engine may be derived from the RS 660’s plant, and here it could churn out 45 bhp. Now that’s enough to square up against the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Electronic Package To Woo The Gen Z
The upcoming Aprilia RS 440 is expected to come with a comprehensive electronics package that could include traction control, quickshifter and riding modes apart from the usual dual-channel ABS. Aprilia could also throw in a TFT console to complete the package.
A Thoroughly Modern Chassis
The spy shots have revealed that the Aprilia RS 440 will feature a bolt-on subframe. Furthermore, it packs USD fork and monoshock to take care of suspension duties while disc brakes at either ends drop the anchor. Interestingly, the silhouette in the teaser image gives a glimpse of the tyres, which appear to be the TVS Protorq Extremes.
Heavy On The Pocket?
Now, considering all that the Aprilia RS 440 will pack, and also that it is an Aprilia, it won’t be affordable by any means. We expect this Italian beauty to demand anywhere between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh (ex-showroom). That means it would slot right in between the RC 390 (Rs 3.2 lakh) and the Ninja 400 (Rs 5.14 lakh). Hopefully, this Aprilia should hit the streets by the end of this year or January 2024.
