Aprilia RS 150 sportsbike was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. Now, a top official has confirmed that the performance bike will be in the market by 2020.
Piaggio has confirmed that it will launch the Aprilia RS 150 and Tuono 150 motorcycles in India by 2020. RS 150 is a fully faired sportsbike and Tuono 150 is a semi-faired streetbike.
In a recent interview to ET, the top official confirmed that they will start manufacturing both the bikes in the next 12-14 months. Piaggio plans to launch 4 new bikes under the Aprilia brand.
Aprilia RS 150 was recently spied in full flesh at an event in Goa. The sportsbike will compete with the likes of Yamaha R15, its sole and perfect competitor. Both are performance-aimed fully faired bikes.
Also Read: Aprilia RS 150 first spy pics out!
RS 150 will be equipped with a 149cc liquid-cooled engine, expected with DOHC. The engine is capable of delivering 18 BHP and 14 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
There are speculations suggesting that Aprilia might equip its sportsbike with a quick shifter system as an option. Quick Shifter enables the rider to change the gears without pressing the clutch. It enhances the performance of the bike and is usually found in high-end litre-class motorcycles.
Meanwhile, R15 V3 gets a 155cc liquid-cooled VVA engine, that is capable of 19.2 BHP and 14.8 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch.
Also Read: Yamaha R15 V3 Review – An affordable everyday sportsbike
The India-spec Aprilia RS 150 will look different from the European-spec. The India-spec will be rather inspired by the Chinese version. That’s why it gets a GPR badging on the side-fairing.
RS 150 will get features such as LED headlamps, low clip-on handlebar, front and rear disc brake with dual-ABS as standard and a Quick Shifter system. Based on the recent photos, the bike might get a digital-analogue cluster with a giant pod.
We expect the prices to be around Rs 1.5 Lakhs, so as to maintain its stiffer competition with Yamaha R15 V3. The R15 is priced at Rs 1.41 Lakhs and is the only performance sportsbike in this price range.
Also Read: Aprilia SR 150 ABS and Vespa 150 ABS start reaching dealerships
Aprilia RS 150 will be the first product from Piaggo, followed by a couple of more. It will be manufactured from Piaggio’s plant in Baramati, Maharashtra.
