Aprilia’s Rival To KTM RC 390 & TVS Apache RR 310 Spied
Modified On Jan 27, 2023 01:17 PM By Bernard Mascarenhas
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This is slated to be the brand’s affordable, fully faired, performance motorcycle for India
A test mule of what could possibly be called the Aprilia RS 350 was spotted near the Italian marque’s manufacturing plant in Baramati, about 110km from Pune. While this bike was heavily camouflaged, the overall design definitely looks to be a derivative of its bigger sibling, the RS 660.
The rider triangle is not too aggressive thanks to raised clip-ons like its 660cc sibling, which should help position it as a sports tourer and a capable corner-carver, like the Yamaha R3.
The engine specifics of the test mule are not known, however, it is likely to be a 350-380cc mill. Back in 2020, Aprilia did state that a 300-400cc bike was being evaluated for India. The development mule has an aluminium swingarm, underbelly exhaust and is underpinned by an upside down fork up front and a monoshock in the rear.
In terms of features, the test mule sports what appears to be a TFT screen, and you can expect Aprilia to offer dual-channel ABS with the bike. That said, electronic rider aids like traction control, quickshifter and cornering ABS would give the bike an edge over its competition.
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While the test mule looks ready to go into mass production, this is only the first time that the RS 350 has been spied. We expect it to be launched only by March 2024 here, with a price tag of approximately around Rs 3.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
The 300-400cc supersport space in India is heating up, and Aprilia looks set to take on the likes of the KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300, Keeway K300 R and BMW G 310 RR.
