Motorcycle specifications ApriliaPegaso 600 1990

Up until then, Aprilia had treated us to some excellent trail bikes, but they were always very much off-road or rally-oriented. The 600 Pegaso was therefore the brand’s first attempt at a road bike, while retaining its trail DNA. The target is clearly identified: the Honda NX 650 Dominator.

The overall design immediately brings the Honda to mind. The fuel tank and front fairing assembly is clearly inspired by it, and the proportions are quite similar. The lines are, however, a bit more fluid, and the colors (metallic midnight blue and burgundy) are more stylish. The clearly stated goal was to offer a more road-oriented, more urban, and more luxurious (at least in appearance) alternative to the dominant Dominator.

To achieve this, it features a brand-new front end with an inverted fork and a smaller-diameter wheel, unwittingly launching the trend for 19-inch front wheels (which would later become standard on almost all road-oriented trail bikes). And while this front end isn’t without its flaws (the fork is a bit too soft and the turning radius is a bit tight), it gives this trail bike a distinct identity of its own, along with a nice liveliness.

The rest of the chassis is fairly conventional; the frame is made of square-section steel tubing, and the swingarm is paired with an APS-type monoshock.

The engine, as is often the case with Aprilia, is supplied by Rotax. This 562cc single-cylinder is still air-cooled but boasts all the features of a modern engine: single overhead camshaft, 4 valves, electric start, and kick-start. The result is very enjoyable. The torquey and lively engine is one of the best single-cylinder engines on the market. It combines the high-end power of a Yamaha XTZ660 Ténéré with the character of a Honda 650 Dominator. It benefits from a perfectly spaced 5-speed transmission that is smooth and precise, even if neutral is sometimes a bit hard to find. One minor drawback, however: the engine has a slight tendency to vibrate around 5,000 rpm, which detracts a bit from the riding experience.

In the saddle, the bike demonstrates impressive agility right from the first few miles. It handles corners very well, but while the front brake is powerful and has good bite, it puts a strain on the inverted fork, which is just a touch too soft. This softness is a plus for smooth riding but a slight drawback when the rider pushes hard.

In terms of comfort, the seat is fairly well-padded, and the rudimentary windshield is effective up to 120–130 km/h, but no more. This is by no means a deal-breaker for an urban/road-oriented trail bike with relatively modest performance (161 km/h top speed). As a trade-off for its road-oriented design, the Pegaso is limited to paved trails when off-road; its suspension travel and 19-inch wheel do not give it significant off-road capabilities.

This motorcycle was an instant success. Aprilia knew how to take the best of its green bikes to offer a new direction for its lineup. The Pegaso had character and held its own against its competitors. It was, however, a bit pricey (36,800 FF in 1990) compared to the Japanese models. It coexisted during its final two years with its successor, the second-generation Pegaso 650, proof that it had found its audience.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer & Fréféric GOUEFFON