Spy shots: Aprilia RS440 sportsbike spotted in testing

Spyshots intercepted by MCN appear to show a new small-capacity A2 sportsbike thought to be an Aprilia RS440, which could bridge the gap between the 14.8bhp Aprilia RS125 and the 99bhp Aprilia RS660.

This test mule was spotted out on a development ride alongside the returning Moto Guzzi Stelvio adventure bike.

Although the bike photographed says ‘RS660’ down the fairing, it’s easily distinguished from its £10,300 659cc sibling by the single front brake disc – missing out on the Aprilia RS660’s twin 320mm rotor arrangement.

Further differentiation comes from the TVS Eurogrip tyres, which are produced in India and unlikely to offer the same performance as the 660’s Pirelli Rosso Corsa 2s.

Other details include the swingarm, which differs from the 660’s aluminium unit with a more basic design. The rough finish also suggests it remains in development, with the complete bike believed to be arriving by the end of 2023.

A large exhaust collector box is visible beneath the rider’s left foot. Unlike the bigger RS660, there looks to be only one exit on the right-hand side, further suggesting that it is a new engine.

Although it is difficult to decipher the Aprilia RS440’s engine configuration, the left-side crank case features a similar design to the existing 660 – suggesting the bike could be an A2-licence parallel twin to go up against the Kawasaki Ninja 400, Yamaha R3, Honda CBR500R, and KTM RC390.

The bodywork is also different – partly signified by the lack of a lip on the left side of the front fairing, which features on its larger counterpart to allow for full steering lock without fouling the bulky switchgear.

This sizeable cluster appears to remain on this model, suggesting there may be some electronics available. MCN approached Aprilia but they declined to comment on the development model.

Aprilia’s A2 sportsbike in detail

• Bright lights: Much like the larger RS660, the 440 features an LED headlight set up, with integrated indicators and styling inspired by the RSV4 superbike
• Emerging markets: Whilst an RS440 would make sense in the UK, it could actually be destined for places like India where smaller-capacity affordable models account for a far greater market share than here
• Naked sibling? In keeping with Aprilia’s 125, 660, and V4 sportsbikes, it stands to reason that a naked Tuono version of the 440 will follow shortly after the RS
• Easy rider: It might look like a mini superbike, but the pegs are set reasonably low, with the bars raised – creating a comfy and practical riding position for everyday duties
• Frame game: Holding the motor in place is what appears to be an aluminium twin-spar chassis, the setup could use the engine as a stressed member