- New test mule spotted
- Gets a similar engine casing as the RS 457
- Features old-school styling and body parts
A new retro-styled test bike has been spotted in Europe. On a closer look, multiple aspects hint towards it being a probable Aprilia offering.
For starters, the engine casing visible on the right side appears similar to the RS 457’s unit. While the test bike’s motor appears larger in the images, its exhaust, too, looks the same as what we see on the RS 457. That said, the structure doesn’t seem very neat or well put, so this could be an early prototype as well. Right from the headlight, tank shrouds, and the tail section, all seem to be retrofitted.
For reference, the RS 457 uses a 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 47.6bhp and 43.5Nm and it is linked to a six-speed gearbox. The RS457 uses a slipper clutch. So, Aprilia could carry forward the same engine with a different state of tune.
Other bits like the slim USD front forks, dual rear shocks, and the single disc at both ends are also possible indications. Even the alloy wheels and the TVS tyres seem to be borrowed from the RS.
That said, it could take a long time before Aprilia debuts the retro offering in its production form. Meanwhile, the RS 457 has just been launched in India after months of anticipation.
