150cc Aprilia Sportbikes India Launch Put on Hold: A recent report from Moneycontrol has confirmed that the much-awaited Aprilia RS 150 and Tuono 150 are out of the priority product launch line as Piaggio will first bring the BS6-compliant scooters and electric vehicles for the country. Both the 150cc motorcycles are currently undergoing a feasibility study for an effective launch price. The Aprilia RS 150 and Tuono 150 will compete with the likes of Yamaha R15 V3 and MT-15 respectively.
Aprilia currently has a remarkable number of SR-series scooters on the road and introducing a more refined BS6-compliant version will help them keep up their image as a premium sporty brand that cares for the environment. RS 150 and Tuono 150 will share the frame, engine, and every possible cycle part with each other, getting a difference of just body panels and handlebar for a unique look. The powerful engine is said to use fuel injection and liquid cooling to produce 18 HP of maximum power and 14 Nm of maximum torque.
Speaking to Moneycontrol, Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “I can confirm that the interest for the segment and what would be the market opportunity for it here in India exists. The brand will be Aprilia (and) the kind of bike will be a premium, mid-range with an engine size between 150cc and 250cc. We are studying various options and are trying to find what would be the best offering at the time we will be entering the market.”
“At present, we do not have a fixed date. It has taken a little bit longer than what we had planned initially as we want to find the best trade-off between what is the expected price and what is the level of local content (in the bikes) we are introducing,” Graffi added.