The successful inception of middle layer sports platform by Aprilia is itself a great achievement.
There is no surprise as we talk about the new Noale wonder RS660 and Aprilia is the first Italian player to enter this segment.
The Future
In future, we may see MV Agusta, Ducati and Bimota ready to enter this segment.
MV Agusta has a partnership with Loncin and may want to explore with Loncin.
On the other hand, in 2018 Ducati entered a partnership with Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero Motorcorp to develop 150 cc to 330 cc lower displacement scramblers.
However, Hero doesn’t have the experience to develop middle layer segment bikes, and we are still yet to see those scramblers on the roads.
Plus recently we did hear Hero were in talks with Harley to develop higher displacement motorcycles.
There is a twist here looking at the drop in the revenues, Harley recently has replaced CEO, Matthew Levatich, by Jochen Zeitz.
So we are not sure if the partnership between Hero Motorcorp and Harley will go ahead.
Bottomline Ducati may think to build the middle layer platform on its own or chances are they may enter into a partnership.
However, to help Bimota already has Kawasaki and if we consider naked Kawasaki already has Z 650.
Naked RS660
The real question here is
Will Aprilia opt to build a naked RS660 and take advantage of its already existing RS660 platform?
If they think to develop the naked RS660. Aprilia is already ahead in the game
The RS 660 comes with 660cc para-twin engine. Para-twin DOHC engine makes use of the 270 – crankshaft.
270 architecture halts one piston while the other may run in parallel. It helps to develop reliable traction and gives a unique sound to its exhaust note.
The elder siblings RSV4 1100 Factory and Tuono V4 are responsible for inspiring the engine architecture of RS660.
To ride RS660 is EURO 5 compliant and gets 100 horses. However, the Torque figures are still under the wrap.
Is it worth to enter the naked middle layer segment?
Our answer is YES.
Why?
Kawasaki has one, and it is Z 650. Z650 is 649cc, Parallel Twin, 4-stroke, 8-Valves, DOHC and is capable of churning 67 hp.
Yamaha has hypernaked MT07
The 689cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 8 valves and makes cool 73 hp.
Suzuki has SV650 and SV650X
While SV650 has two cylinders 645 cc engine, it makes three hp mover than its rival MT07.
SV650X comes with the same engine and power; however, the main difference between SV650 and SV650 X is styling and handlebars.
Honda has CB650R
CB650 has a 649 cc engine. The engine generates a power of 95.1 ps @ 12000 rpm which is close to 93hp.
Aprilia RS660 comes with more power when compared to all the above naked’s.
Well, we are not only considering the power, but Aprilia RS660 naked will get enough space before other manufactures join the race.
Therefore it is lucrative enough for Aprilia to think on the same lines and bring the naked RS660 in market.
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