While out testing the 2010 Aprilia RSV4 R in Tuscony, the guys at Hell for Leather got a word with Aprilia’s Motorcycle Product Manager, Francesco Polimeni, regarding rumors of a RSV550 prototype. Allegedly, the bike would use an RS chassis, and the SXV/RXV’s 550cc v-twin motor, and according to Polimeni everything about that rumor is true…except the fact the bike would be coming to market any time soon.
When pushed about the prototype’s existence by HFL’s Grant Ray, Polimeni responded, “Yes. It is a beautiful engine. In fact, we have a prototype at the factory…the RS125 chassis is, as you know, oversized and very robust. So we put the engine in that.”
The small displacement RSV seems to be on hold while the economy rebounds, but Piaggio has made it clear it wants to enter into the middleweight segment of motorcycling, likely with the Aprilia brand (but perhaps with Gilera instead). As things turn around for the economy, the motorcycle industry, and in particular Aprilia, expect to see rumors of this special bike to come to light again. We for one welcome our under 600cc overlords.
Source/Photoshop: Hell for Leather
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