250cc-300cc Aprilia Sportbike India Launch Delayed: As we reported earlier, Piaggio is planning to launch a new motorcycle in the 250cc-300cc segment in the Indian market. The Italian brand previously planned on experimenting with the 150cc motorcycle segment though the increasing market share and the trend for 250cc/300cc motorcycles have made them change paths. The brand showcased the Aprilia RS 150 and Tuono 150 at the Auto Expo 2018 though the motorcycles never made it to the showrooms.
Commenting on the plans to launch higher-displacement motorcycles, Diego Graffi, MD Piaggio stated: “Definitely, we are looking with a lot of interest at the motorcycle segment in India. It is natural, having a brand like Aprilia, which is well known across the world for winning in racing competitions. We are now looking more at this range (250cc-300cc). We need some time to introduce the products, but it is in our plans.”
Aprilia also showcased the GPR 250 sportbike in China last year and it was expected to launch in India at the Auto Expo 2020, but it didn’t happen. As per the latest details available, the launch has been delayed further and Aprilia would now be showcasing the India-specific 250cc-300cc sports bike at EICMA auto show in November 2020 while the launch in the Indian market is expected to take place in early 2021.
It is being reported that the India-spec model will be based on the Aprilia GPR 250, which is powered by a 249.2cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is good for a maximum power of 26.5HP @ 9000 rpm and a peak torque of 22Nm @ 7500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
The India-spec 250cc-300cc Aprilia sportbike would be competing in the market with the likes of Honda CBR250R, KTM RC 200, Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, and the TVS Apache RR 310. The motorcycle is expected to get a price tag of around INR 2 lakh (ex-showroom).