Aprilia RS 457: Everything You Need To Know About It
Featured Stories by Team Drivio | 10 Oct 2023
The RS 457 has been derived from the bigger Aprilia RS models
- Aprilia has tuned the RS 457 to make a solid 47.6PS
- Underpinnings on the bike include a 41mm fork and a mono-shock
- What’s very interesting about it is that the 17-inch wheels come with TVS Protorq Extreme tyres
About a month ago, Aprilia gave us one of its most exciting bikes for India, the RS 457. Why is it exciting, you may ask? Well, Aprilia has finally brought a small-capacity twin-cylinder motorcycle to India. And unlike the bigger RS models, which are rather exorbitantly priced, this one will hopefully be a lot more affordable.
So if you’re a fan of Super sports as well, you must not miss this story, where we list down some of the most important things you must know about the upcoming bike:
Aprilia RS 457 Design
The RS 457 boasts a proper supersport design. Its sharp body panels, full fairing, and even the LED headlamp setup, of it make it quite a looker. What really stands out is the RS-like design. It’s inspired by the bigger RS bikes, the RS 660 and the RS V4, the bike really looks like a scaled-down version of the two. And that’s definitely a good thing.
You see, bigger Aprilia bikes have had a history of being priced very exorbitantly. And that makes the RS 660 and the RS V4 quite inaccessible for most buyers. So if the same looks can be had at a much lesser price, many prospective customers will definitely appreciate that, for they’ll have a bike that looks the part with an engine that’s smaller and hence a lot more manageable.
We say manageable because along with being pricey, Aprilia bikes are also very performance-oriented. So harnessing all that firepower might not be everyone’s cup of tea either.
Aprilia RS 457 Engine & Underpinnings
The RS457 is powered by a 457cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, which boasts a robust output of 47.6PS. Its suspension system consists of a 41mm inverted fork and a mono-shock, both of which feature preload adjustability, allowing for fine-tuning to suit individual preferences.
When it comes to braking, the bike is equipped with a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. Moreover, it comes with dual-channel ABS, and you have the option to disable the rear ABS for a super moto-style riding experience. Notably, the RS457 rides on 17-inch wheels fitted with TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tyres.
Aprilia RS 457 Features
The RS457 comes with a range of notable features. Its instrument panel features a 5-inch TFT display, offering access to three different riding modes and three levels of traction control, which can also be completely turned off for a more hands-on riding experience. It's worth mentioning that Bluetooth connectivity is available as an optional accessory, as is the quick-shifter.
In terms of weight, the RS457 has a kerb weight of 175kg, which is only 3kg more than the KTM RC 390, making it a relatively lightweight option in this segment.
Aprilia RS 457 Price (Expected)
The RS457 is set to make its official debut in India later this month. This has generated a lot of excitement among enthusiasts. In India, the sub-500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle segment has historically been quite subdued, with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 standing out as one of the standout options. However, the Ninja 400's high price tag of Rs 5.19 lakh (ex-showroom) has limited its accessibility to many Indian riders.
The RS457 is poised to shake up this segment by offering a new and intriguing option. Furthermore, the recent arrival of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R in this category makes it even more enticing for enthusiasts to keep an eye on.
In terms of pricing, we anticipate the Aprilia RS457 to be in the vicinity of Rs 4.25 lakh (ex-showroom). While this might appear steep, it's worth noting that Aprilia motorcycles have a reputation for delivering exceptional riding experiences, which could justify the price. Comparatively, the more affordable Aprilia, the Tuono 660, had a hefty price tag of Rs 13.09 lakh when it was launched in 2021. Considering this, the Rs 4.50 lakh for the RS457 doesn't seem quite as exorbitant. Alongside the Ninja 400, the KTM RC 390 will also be a notable competitor in this segment.