Should we expect the launch of the Aprilia RS150 at Auto Expo 2020?

The 2020 Auto Expo is right here next week and we are expecting an exciting launch from Aprilia. This bike had been showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo and still haven’t been launched. The company might finally enter into the market of small displacement performance motorcycles with the Aprilia RS150.

Why not the Aprilia RS4 125?

Aprilia is known worldwide for its small segment motorcycles with the RS4 125 and the Tuono 125. But in India, we have only 2 performance bike in the 125cc segment. It is the KTM Duke 125 and the RC 125. These bikes are from KTM and they sell because of the brand value of KTM. The actual small displacement performance segment starts from the 150cc. This segment has the Yamaha R15 which killed its competition the Honda CBR 150R. With the V3 of the bike, Yamaha has gone one step further. The bike gets VVA which allows it to make 18bhp of power which is almost equivalent to the power on some of the 200cc bikes. Currently, the only bike dominating the segment is the Yamaha R15 V3. With the launch of the Aprilia RS150, the company will take head-on competition with this bike. With its experience in making performance-oriented, we expect the Aprilia RS150 to give a healthy competition to the Yamaha R15 V3.

What triggered the discussion?

Last year the Aprilia GPR 150 was spotted in India. This bike is currently manufactured in India. This leads us to the fact that the GPR 150 will be brought to India with the body of the RS 125. The GPR 150 is not as sporty as the RS 125 but this bike will be a good bike to compete with the Yamaha R15. If Aprilia prices the bike properly then it will be a great deal below the R15. At the Auto Expo 2018, Aprilia had confirmed that the new engine that they develop will have a power of 18 bhp and 14 Nm of torque.

Also with a sporty scooter at lower cost by TVS and Suzuki have dropped the sales of the Aprilia SR150 and the 125. So a strong product for Aprilia is needed to change the fate of Aprilia in India.

Aprilia RS150 Price

If the bike is manufactured in India it will give it a price tag of Rs 1.5 lakhs. This extra premium will be charged for the additional features. It will get upside-down forks and high tech ABS system. There will also be an option of a quick-shifter. This will increase the price further.