Motorcycle specifications ApriliaPegaso 600 1992

Until then, Aprilia had produced some very good trail bikes, but always with an off-road or rally feel. The 600 Pegaso was the brand's first attempt at a road bike, while retaining its trail genes. The target is clearly identified: the Honda NX 650 Dominator.

The overall lines are immediately reminiscent of a Honda. The tank/forkhead fairing combination is clearly inspired, and the volumes are quite similar. However, the lines are a little more fluid, and the colors (midnight blue and burgundy metallic) more classy. The clearly stated aim was to offer a more road-going, more urban, more luxurious alternative (at least in terms of presentation) to the dominant Dominator.

To achieve this, the new front end features an inverted fork and a smaller wheel, unknowingly launching the 19-inch front-wheel trend (which would later become commonplace on almost all road trailers). And while the front end is not without its faults (the fork is a little too soft and the turning radius a little too small), it gives this trail bike an identity all its own, as well as a nice liveliness.

The rest of the chassis is fairly conventional: the frame is made of square-section tubular steel, and the swingarm is fitted with an APS-type single shock absorber.

As is often the case with Aprilia, the engine is supplied by Rotax. This 562cc single-cylinder is still air-cooled, but has all the features of a modern engine: single ACT, 4 valves, electric and lick starting. The result is very pleasant. The torquey, lively engine is one of the best single-cylinder engines on the market. It combines the power of a Yamaha XTZ660 Ténéré with the character of a Honda 650 Dominator. The 5-speed gearbox is perfectly spaced, smooth and precise, even if neutral is sometimes a little hard to find. However, the engine has a slight tendency to vibrate at around 5,000 rpm, which detracts from the riding experience.

In the saddle, the bike shows great agility from the very first kilometers. It's very sound on corners, but while the front brake is powerful and has good bite, it puts the inverted fork to the test, as it's a little too soft. This suppleness is a plus when riding smoothly, but a minor handicap when the rider attacks.

In terms of comfort, the seat is fairly well padded and the embryonic windscreen is effective up to 120-130 km/h at the most. This is by no means redundant for an urban/road-oriented trail bike with relative performance (161 km/h top speed). On the other hand, the Pegaso's attraction to the road means that off-roading will have to be confined to paths that can be ridden; its wheel travel and 19-inch wheel don't make it much of a cross-country skier.

This bike was a success from the outset. Aprilia knew how to take the best of its green bikes and offer a new direction for its range. The Pegaso was a spirited machine that stood up very well to the competition. However, it was a little expensive (36800FF in 1990) compared to the Japanese models. During its last 2 years, it cohabited with its replacement, the Pegaso 650 second of the name, proof that it had found its public.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer & Fréféric GOUEFFON