The middleweight segment is one of the highly contested motorcycle genres. While Aprilia is known for fast and capable motorcycles, they’ve never shown interest in middleweights. Aprilia’s foray into the segment shows how manufacturers are betting on this sector for a generous bump in their annual sales figures. Aprilia has stepped in to fill the gap between the RS 150 and RSV4 with the new RS 660.
However, emerging markets like India have always had an increasing demand for small displacement motorcycles. Aprilia has plans to take on the popular KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400, as well as the Yamaha R3 with a reportedly new offering. Dubbed the RS 400, this small displacement Aprilia should slot between the smaller RS 150 and the RS 660 middleweight. Also, the naked Tuono 400 should also find its way into the market as a smaller sibling to the Tuono 660.
The Aprilia RS 400 is an all-new motorcycle scheduled to hit markets in early 2023 if reports are consulted. However, a mid-2022 reveal could also be a possibility. That said, nothing is confirmed as of yet.
According to the Noale marque, the RS 400 could slot in as a relaxed small-capacity motorcycle with similar styling and driving experience as the bigger RS 660. Here’s what we know so far about the proposed Aprilia RS 400.
Aprilia RS 400: What About Its Engine And Chassis
Expect the Aprilia RS 400 to boast a downgraded version of the 660 twin-pot unit from the middleweight twins. The Aprilia RS 660 comes with a completely new 659-cc parallel-twin motor putting out 100 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 49.4 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 rpm. This engine has close relations to its more capable elder sibling, the RSV4. Essentially, it’s one half of the V4 put into a lighter and more compact package. The internals remain fairly similar with the same bore and slightly longer stroke for better torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit with bi-directional quick shifter as standard.
Chassis-wise, Aprilia could gather its knowledge from the RS 660 and get hold of its underpinnings for the proposed RS 400. The RS 660 uses an aluminum dual-beam main frame with removable seat support subframe. The RS 660 comes in at 404-pounds with all the fluids making it one of the nimbler sportbikes in the market. Up front Kayaba 41 mm forks take care of suspension duties while a monoshock takes care of things at the rear. Both of the units come with preload and rebound adjustability along with an asymmetric rear swingarm. However, none of these have officially been confirmed by Aprilia.
Aprilia RS 400: Would The Riding Experience Be Similar To the RS 600
There’s every reason to expect the RS 400 to have a similar riding experience as its elder sibling. In simple words, we highly doubt Aprilia will drastically stray away from the 660 when fine-tuning the RS 400. The Aprilia RS 660 is a comfortable motorcycle. Although its seating position is less relaxed than the Ninja 650, it’s not as aggressive as the Yamaha R6. The folks at Aprilia have done a wonderful job in blending near-perfect ergonomics whilst keeping both its street and track capabilities intact. The ride is very composed for a supposedly track-ready bike. Although it can fare well on a track, most RS 660 owners would rather prefer its on-road dynamics. The RS 400 should slot in with an equal blend of both traits however, we’re not sure if Aprilia will target the aggressive ergos of the KTM 390 or the mixed-nature of the Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Aprilia has done a good job with the RS 660 in offering all the latest electronics but on most of the days, you’ll be hardly using any of the riding aids. For one, the bike is not exactly an all-out tracker so the IMU seems pointless, and having riding modes should suffice when things are less than favorable. But if you’re the person who intends on tracking your RS 660, then having an IMU is always welcomed.
Aprilia RS 400: Will It Be a Tech-fest Like The RS 660
One of the standout features of the Aprilia RS 660 is the amount of electronic gadgetry available. Aprilia has done a fabulous job in loading the RS 660 with all the latest tech. As standard, the latest APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) has found its way into the RS 660. The APRC houses all the electronic rider-aids like traction-control and a six-axis inertial-measurement unit.
Also part of the package are wheelie control, adjustable engine braking, and dedicated driving modes. As standard, you get three street (commute, dynamic, and individual) and two track (challenge and time attack) modes. Also, thanks to the IMU, cornering ABS is a standard fitment in the RS 660 which is not a common sight in this segment.
We don’t expect a lot of these driver aids to end up in the RS 400 as that could result in a massive price hike. Things are a blur at the moment, however, as 2021 progresses we should be getting a clearer picture of whether the proposed RS 400 will actually fruition. With Diego Graffi (MD of Piaggio India) hinting at the possibility, enthusiasts have a reason to wait.
Sources: MCN, Bikewale