Piaggio will be launching a 250cc bike in India in 2014. Our sources inform that the Italian giant is working on an Asia/India specific quarter-litre motorcycle. A 250cc from Piaggio? The speculations can be endless. Piaggio has a weapon in the arsenal called Aprilia. A company which creates highly successful bikes such as the litre class street bike, the Aprilla Tuono and the track focused and award winning Aprilla RSV4. For the 250cc though, it could be a bored up version of the already existing RS4 125 (two 125cc engines joint to make a V-twin). We have already seen the success of this method on the KTM Duke family where the engine of the mighty Duke 200 comes from the Duke 125. Piaggio could tap into the opportunity and get their cash registers ringing.
In the intrest of costs, Piaggio’s 250cc motorcycle could use a single-cylinder engine with 4-valves, fuel-injection and liquid-cooling pumping out 25-30 BHP of power. The chassis will be a perimeter frame which is familiar to Indian biking scene, as it was first seen on the Yamaha YZF-R15 and later on the Honda CBR range and Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS. Top of the line suspension bits such as USD forks at the front and a fully adjustable monoshock at the rear are expected. No doubt this chassis is a favorite pick for manufacturers, as enthusiast already knows a bike with perimeter frame can deliver telepathic handling and steering characteristic.
We could also see a RS4 Replica (RS250), a version which is based on the the Iconic RSV4 litre class machine. This motorcycle receives track focused hardware such as bigger brakes and revised aerodynamics and a liter class bike gadget, a quick shifter! Not to forget the RS4 gets a Red/Black (Italian Flag) paint scheme too.
All this varies on how Piaggio prices and positions the bike in this highly price sensitive and growing market. With their arch rivals taking the position already on top of the mountain. Tough times lie ahead for Piaggio or any other manufacturer who comes in this highly competitive segment. If they succeed then, let the good times roll. Rainbow skies are forming, it’s time the ever salivating Indian enthusiast chooses his favorite color.
