Aprilia has officially launched its 2024 superbike flagship in the form of the Aprilia RSV4 and also expanded its 660cc segment bikes in the form of the trio of RS660, Tuono 660, and Tuareg 660. Each is designed to cure a different itch for the petrol head.
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory remains the superbike flagship for the Italian outfit. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 1100cc V4 engine producing 214 bhp and a peak torque of 12.7kgm, it features a slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter. With a price tag of Rs 31.26 lakh (ex-showroom), the bike will continue to hoist the flag of Aprilia in India.
Moving to the 660cc trio, the RS660, Tuono 660, and Tuareg 660 are all powered by a 659cc parallel-twin engine. They differ in tuning.
The Aprilia RS660, the younger sibling of the RSV4, is powered by the 659cc engine with 98 bhp and 6.8kgm of peak torque. The bike is mated to a 6-speed transmission system with a slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter as standard. With a price tag of Rs 17.74 lakh, this bike is the track-ready sibling according to Aprilia.
The Aprilia Tuono 660 is powered by the same 659cc engine; however, it produces a peak power of 93bhp and a peak torque of 6.8kgm. However, the Tuono 660 misses out on the quick-shifter. Want to make it yours? Be prepared to shell out Rs 17.44 lakh.
Both the RS660 and the Tuono 660 will be equipped with five riding modes, including road, track, and three other preset modes. The bikes will also have the ability to build custom modes as per the rider’s tastes. Coming to suspension, both bikes come featured with Kayaba inverted forks and a mono-shock with adjustable preload and rebound. Braking is achieved by a 320mm and a 220 mm disc on the front and rear with a 17-inch allow wheel. Dual-channel ABS is standard and will also be adjustable according to rider tastes. With a seat height of 820mm, they both have a kerb weight of 183kg.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660, features the 659cc engine, but it has been tuned for more torque at lower RPMs. The Tuareg 660 produces 78.9 bhp and 7.1kgm of torque. With a price tag of Rs 18.85 lakh, the Tuareg 660 goes against the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, BMW F 850 GS, and the Honda XL750 Transalp.
The Tuareg 660 comes equipped with four riding modes, two preset and two open for rider customization. The bike will also feature Kayaba inverted forks and a mono-shock with adjustable preload and rebound and travel of 240mm. Braking is achieved by a 300mm and a 240 mm disc on the front and rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard and will also be adjustable according to rider tastes. The bike sits at a height of 860 mm for the rider and with a kerb weight of 204kg.
Other common features amongst the 660s are the 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, and Aprilia Performance Ride Control which will include traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and cruise control.
John Abraham, the new Aprilia brand ambassador, expressed his excitement at being associated with the brand, emphasizing his connection with Aprilia’s ethos of passion, performance, and style. He expressed his honour of being part of a brand with a celebrated legacy and eagerly anticipated contributing to Aprilia’s journey.
Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd also spoke on Aprilia’s commitment to delivering extraordinary riding experiences, particularly with the introduction of new superbikes, including the RS 457, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s Indian journey. He further spoke on their belief that these bikes would fulfil the aspirations of Indian riders and redefine the superbike segment.
Apoorva Saigal, Head of Corporate Communication and Marketing, spoke on the significance of John Abraham’s addition as Aprilia’s brand ambassador. Saigal highlighted Abraham’s genuine passion for motorcycling, which deeply resonates with their discerning customers.
