Summary
- Aprilia has teased the upcoming RS 440, a sub-500cc sport bike that has the potential to change the game in the beginner sport bike segment.
- The RS 440 is expected to have a stunning design, comfortable ergonomics, and a powerful 440cc engine that is essentially a scaled-down version of the RS 660 engine.
- The RS 440 will face tough competition from bikes like the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400, but high expectations are set sky-high.
Aprilia recently teased the upcoming RS 440 on their Instagram handle, and we can’t keep calm. The beginner sportbike segment has gotten more exciting than ever, and a sub-500cc sport bike from the Italian marque has the potential to change the game entirely, given the brand’s reputation for building radical, focused sport bikes that constantly set benchmarks in their respective segments. Aprilia has done a terrific job keeping the RS 440 hush-hush, but there have been a few spy shots floating around on the internet. We already know a few things about the upcoming bike, and our expectations are soaring.
What We Know So Far
Thanks to the spy shots and the teaser image, the RS 440 looks stunning, much like its elder sibling, the RS 660, with its tri-headlamp setup, beefy fairings, and assertive styling. But it seems more comfortable than it looks; the clip-ons aren’t so low and far, the foot pegs are slightly rear-set, and the seat is big enough to accommodate most butts. The pillion set is step-up and, in true Aprilia fashion, seems small and somewhat uncomfortable, but not as bad as the one on the RSV4!
Powering this beautiful beginner sport bike is expected to be a 440cc DOHC parallel twin engine, a scaled-down and reworked version of the RS 660 engine, with a more relaxed state of tune and locally sourced parts to keep the costs down. The engine is supported on a twin-spar aluminum frame, USD forks at the front, and a (potentially) preload adjustable shock at the rear. The stopping comes from a single disc at each end with radial calipers at the front, which a dual-channel ABS will support.
The RS 440’s Competition
The RS 440 was a long time coming, but it’s late to the party, and it has some tough competition to deal with. Some of the RS 440’s biggest rivals include:
- KTM RC 390
- Kawasaki Ninja 400
- Kawasaki Ninja 300 (still sold in India)
- TVS RR 310 (in India)
- CFMoto 450 SS
- Yamaha YZF-R3
- Honda CBR 500 R
Considering the competition, our expectations are high. For starters, the engine is expected to produce at least 40 horsepower with a strong mid-range and an exciting top-end, and hopefully, at least as refined as the KTM 390 engine. Plus, the engine would be fun to exploit if supported by a responsive chassis and suspension setup, and sticky rubber. We also expect reliability, unlike Aprilia's bigger motorcycles, which are often expensive and difficult to maintain.
The RS 440’s most formidable rival is the RC 390, a bike packed with features. And if Aprilia wants to win against the Indo-Austrian machine, it must offer a comprehensive range of tech. So, we’d like the RS 440 to feature cornering ABS and traction control, ride by wire, slip and assist clutch, ride modes, a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable suspension. That’s the basics the RS 440 must have if it wants to lock horns with the RC 390. The more tech and features Aprilia offers, the more appealing it will be.
The next thing we would like is competitive pricing. The RS 440 will be produced in Aprilia’s Baramati facility in Maharashtra, so competitive pricing is a given. In the States, the RS 440 should be around the $6,000 mark. Again, it’s an Aprilia, so we won’t be surprised if it comes with a slight Italian premium.
The last thing we want to see is a Tuono 440 and a Tuareg 440 — that would seal the deal. And it would be a dream come true if Aprilia also offers an RS 440 Factory version!
It's Launching On September 7
The Aprilia RS 440 is the brand’s attempt at filling the gap between their small mopeds and the 660 lineup, and producing a sub-500cc motorcycle in India seems like a no-brainer. Harley and Triumph are the latest participants in this trend; now, it’s Aprilia’s turn. The fruit of this collaboration will likely be something we’ve never seen before — it’s an amalgamation of Italian flair for beauty and performance with Indian mass-production capabilities. The hopes and expectations are high; we’re sure Aprilia will surpass those.
Aprilia will launch the motorcycle on the 7th of September, and let's hope we get to see the motorcycle in the metal at MotoGP India. More details to follow as the launch approaches.