RSV4-inspired Aprilia GPR250 launched in China
The Aprilia GPR250 is revealed to be sold in Chinese markets... could its updated RSV4-inspired styling be a hint of what's to come from the Italian marque?
The all-new Aprilia GPR250, a fresh quarter-litre bike blending the unmistakable style of its flagship RSV4, has received its launch in China.
The Italian marque’s latest entry into the competitive Chinese market, where the gravitas of the Aprilia brand retains plenty of sway, the Aprilia GPR250 is a ‘big brother’ to the more established GPR150.
Weighing in at just 150kg, the 249.2cc Aprilia GPR250 is a single-cylinder, liquid cooled motorcycle generating 25bhp and 16Ibft of torque at 7,500rpm.
There is little mistaking the GPR250’s inspiration with Aprilia continuing its knack for super-downsizing that lithe RSV4 silhouette into a desirable yet more cost-effective package, with plenty of sharp lines to counter the smooth, compact shape.
Will the Aprilia GPR250 be sold in Europe?
Alas, it is unlikely the Aprilia GPR250 will be racing into a European dealership any time soon with quarter-litre ranges – many of which don’t comply with Euro 5 regulations - largely dedicated to Asian markets where different regulations demand different specifications.
The fact the powerplant is rumoured to be from the CFMoto 250NK would confirm that this motorcycle as it is isn’t destined for these shores.
However, that’s not to say the platform can’t form the basis for another that’d plug the range between the Aprilia RS125 and the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Moreover, whilst that styling is certain borrowed from the RSV4, there are certainly new elements that could be a preview as to what is around the corner for Aprilia in 2020.
What can we expect from Aprilia in 2020?
It’s been nearly 12 months since Aprilia caused a stir at EICMA with the unveiling of the RS660.
Since then, there hasn’t been too much news coming from Noale – compared to Ducati over in Borgo Panigale anyway – save for some leaked patent images which surfaced in June purporting to show the production model.
Even in this grainy form, the patents suggest the Aprilia RS660 shows little has changed from the concept model, which means that sporty aesthetic – a notable update from the current design language – is intact.
Powered by a 660cc parallel twin derived from the RSV4 – the front two cylinders from the V4 – the RS660 is set to be targeted at the Kawasaki ZX-6R and the Yamaha R6, both on the road and on the track in the global Supersport categories.
Given EICMA is around the corner - 5th November 2019 - we can probably expect a production-ready reveal very soon.
