Aprilia RS and Tuono 300-400cc in works? Could rival KTM 390 Duke, TVS Apache RR 310 and BMW G 310 R
Italian motorcycle brand Aprilia was known to be working on two small capacity motorcycles, the RS 150 and the Tuono 150, both of which were showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. Both these motorcycles derived their styling from the larger siblings and also packed in premium equipment. The Aprilia was powered by a 150cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine. making around 18.25PS at 10,000rpm along with 14Nm of peak torque at 7,500rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The Tuono 150 was the naked version of the RS150 and sits lower half of the Tuono hierarchy. These motorcycles were being readied for India launch to compete with the likes of the Yamaha R15 and the Honda CBR 150R. However, Aprilia India has discontinued this plan and is working on a larger displacement platform, confirmed Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio India.
Stating that the present scenario is more favourable for a larger displacement motorcycle, he confirmed that Aprilia India is working on a 300-400cc platform. And for that, an all-new platform is being developed along with new engines, as the previous showcased platform would not support the same. This will take a minimum of 2 to 3 years to get into production, stated Graffi which makes us believe that the launch could take place somewhere in 2022 or 2023.
Naked/supersport segmentWhen OVERDRIVE asked Graffi, if Aprilia India's upcoming entry-level motorcycles will tap in the now popular Adventure segment, he replied that the motorcycles will stay true to the brand's sporting legacy. This could mean that the upcoming motorcycles could take shape of a RS 300/400 or a Tunono 300/400 as both these nameplates have earned quite a following with the larger siblings.
Economics of scale
Internationally, Aprilia has smaller displacement motorcycles in the 50cc and 125cc class that are sold under the RS, Tuono, RX and SX brands. Bringing any one of them could have not been a viable option for the Indian market as paying a premium for a small-displacement motorcycle will not have many takers here. A 300-400cc platform, on the other hand, could be a promising offering, which can also be exported to the other countries from India, considering the favourable economics of scale here.