R15-rival Aprilia RS150 India launch next year – Company CEO reveals new bits
Last year at the 2018 Auto Expo, Aprilia surprised everyone by showcasing two scintillating 150cc motorcycles – the sports RS150 and the tourer Tuono 150. Ever since then there has been an obvious expectation of their launch in India.
In a recent update according to Economic Times, Diego Graffi, Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles India, has revealed some new bits about their plans. Graffi said that they want to enter the mainstream motorcycle market, however, like it is the case at the moment with their scooters, they will start their innings by foraying in the premium sub-segments. He added that they plan to launch four motorcycles under the Aprilia brand.
Aprilia RS150 India Launch
| Aprilia 150 launch | Sometime in 2020 |
The biggest revelation he has put in is regarding the specifics of the model and the timeframe, for the first time. He said that they will start manufacturing a 150 cc motorcycle and the time frame he revealed is “in next 12-15 months“.
The website also said that the upcoming motorcycle(s) will be based on the concepts showcased at the Auto Expo. Which takes us back to the RS150 and Tuono 150. The source also hinted that the sports motorcycle will be in the 150 cc range whereas the (other) street bike could get a bigger displacement.
However, in a latest word to Autocar Professional, Diego said that if everything goes as per plan they will launch the motorcycle in the ‘next 18 months’. Though these may be contrasting timelines, but it confirms that development of these sports motorcycles is definitely underway and 2020 is what Aprilia is targeting – now it could be the first half of the year or the second!
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The RS150, in whatever form it gets launched, will compete with the brilliant Yamaha R15 in an expected price range of Rs 1.3-1.5 Lakh. The concept was powered by a 150cc liquid cooled fuel injected engine which pumped out 18 bhp of peak power at 10,000 rpm and 14 Nm of maximum torque at 7500 rpm.
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It featured 40 mm upside down front forks, 300 mm front disc brakes with 4 piston calipers, Quick Shifter (as an accessory) etc. The market response has been positive and it has already been revealed that Aprilia intends to make them locally!
