December 2020 started with a bang for Aprilia India as Diego Graffi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Piaggio India had announced his ambitious plans for India.
RS 400 and Tuono 400
The plan is to bring small capacity motorcycles in the range from 300 cc and 400cc. India will get them by 2022-2023.
Further, he said the new motorcycles would get design and build in Italy.
However, these motorcycles will specifically be for the Indian market. The cues come from its famous flagship models, the Aprilia RS and Tuono.
With China already started the production we also understood Aprilia had planned to bring the RS 150 to Indian shores.
However, as per Graffi, with evolved dynamics in the Indian market. Aprilia now sees more traction in midsegment.
Therefore they now plan to bring what we would see as Aprilia RS400 or Tuono 400.
Aprilia did display the RS150 and Tuono 150 during the 2018Auto Expo. But then it is likely we would be able to see it in future.
The new Aprilia RS 400 or Tuono 400 as we see will entirely be a new platform as Aprilia had developed for the RS 660.
We do expect these bikes will be high on premium when they arrive in India.
Bezzi’s Aprilia 400 Concept
Oberdan Bezzi has fuelled rumours by designing some cool Aprilia 400 Concepts. We do see the rumours strongly link with what Diego Graffi has said in his plan for India.
And as we take a look at these three concepts. Each concept helps to solve a different purpose.
- Pegaso: The pulled up naked version comes with much height. And is a mix of Naked and an Enduro. But not as intimidating as the other Rally concept.
The sublime concept in Silver grey comes with a flat handlebar with a small windshield. The funnel shape exhaust and the alloy spoke are present to grab the attention.
Further, the saddle height is comfortable for the rider. The black tank cover on the chiselled fuel tank is something to look forward.
The headlights look with small blinkers look sharp. The telescopic black front forks on the front perform the suspension duties.
- Scarabeo: As the front fender touches the headlight, the concept takes cues from Scrambler and Enduro. The under-seat huge exhaust adds a different dimension altogether.
What more the small round headlight and front thick telescopic forks ensures the model is robust.
Compared to Pegaso to add more safety, the engine slightly pulled up. The Silver colour Scarabeo looks ready to ride.
- Rally: One thing looks more attractive is the two-tone blue and red paint scheme. At the same time, the headlight comes from another concept Pegaso. The concept seems enormous.
The blue seat, red front fender and the mix of red and silver fuel tank show the strong presence of the Enduro.
For long hauls, the concept comes with the large fuel tank. Both Pegaso and Rally get the proper air circulation with the thin net located below headlights.
What more?
All these three concepts come with the same engine and swingarm.
Aprilia can use the same platform as they are building for the upcoming RS 400 and Tuono 400.
Lastly, Aprilia should not shy away from pushing these concepts in production.
