Super Retard on the Loose!

Like most urban dwellers, commuting to and from work can be quite a chore, sitting behind the wheels staring at the back of someone’s car, wishing it would all ‘magically’ disappear.

Short of using the imaginary magic wand, Aprilia has come up with its latest version of a magic carpet ride that would actually make you look forward to daily commuting.

Enter the Aprilia Pegaso 650 Strada. A single cylinder dual purpose that promises to infuse ‘intense fun’ into that dreary period which separates working from domestic life.

Powered by an all-new Yamaha (yes, you read that right) 659cc engine, this Italian breed is the perfect embodiment of East meets West, a perfect integration between man and machine, for unbeatable fun and universal rideability.

The best in its class, the single cylinder 4-valves engine powered from a dry sump effortlessly thrusts the 168kg frame forward. Fuel is electronically injected delivering crisp power response of up to 50hp @ 6,250 rpm.

Its frame is a compact steel single spar arrangement that is said to have class leading rigidity. This forms the perfect backbone for a thoroughbred supermotard like the Pegaso 650 Strada.

This radical design is then complemented by a set of robust and large diameter front forks, bridged by an anti-twist metal that imparts rigidity to the front-end.

The rear, often the weak link in a bike’s ideal set up, offers a strengthened swing arm and a hydraulic Sach’s monoshock suspension, adjustable for its rebound and preload levels.

Certainly no el-cheapo part for this magical ride, the Strada’s stopping power is seriously boosted by a set of Brembo 4-piston callipers gripping a massive 320mm ventilated floating disc at the front. Such arrangement is usually found on bigger sport bikes.

Its 17-inch aluminium alloy wheel design for front and rear also provide that refine Italian flair, one that was used earlier for one of its Aprilia cousins, the RSV 1000R Factory Supersports.

Unlike its predecessor the Pegaso 650, the Strada sports a lower seat height of just 780mm, advantageous in many ways. A lower ride height appeals to a more diverse bodily stature of potential owners, even the ladies.

With the help of a rigid but light chassis, the low ride height also makes the Strada even more manoeuvrable at varying road conditions; promoting the confidence of many would-be owners.

For that short period of commuting that is bound to be even shorter, the Strada’s excellent total steering angle of 76° (38°+38°) makes dribbling through traffic as easy as the smallest scooter.

Coming from a supermotard heritage however, the Strada’s devilish soul relishes any opportunity it gets out on the mountain-side, comfortably devouring the sharpest of corners one can throw at it.

If it’s Italian, it must be classy. The Strada not only looks and feels good; it also has those little technological extras that would easily indicate its modernness.

First on the ‘ohh-ahh’ list is the sporty, digital/analog instrumentation panel, providing information on the fly including fuel gauge, water temperature, battery meter and time.

Alongside the analog rev counter, a large, multifunctional, digital display incorporates an on-board computer to display all essential information such as service code engine diagnostics (CO control, ECU diagnostics, error management and service warning) and even lap counters.

Toggling through the info menu is easily done via a ‘joystick’ button found on the left-hand grip. Further up the grip is the electric push-button to access the tank-top storage, cleverly concealed to avoid any unfamiliar fingers. Bigger storage space is also available from under the seat.

A standard-fitted electronic engine immobiliser is also worth a mention in the ever increasing list of extras, as with the anti-vibration counter-shaft for smoother running and greater comfort, as well as its single throttle body with a micro-spray injector of the latest generation.

Retailing at RM48,300 (USD12,700) and comes with graphically-enhanced Sunset Red and Aprilia Black colour schemes, this magic carpet ride is available at Moto Milia in Bangsar.