Aprilia RS 457

Aprilia RS 457 – Born to Dominate the Middleweight Sportbike Class

Aprilia has officially unveiled the much-anticipated RS 457 at India Bike Week 2023, priced competitively at ₹4.10 lakh (ex-showroom). Aimed at bringing Aprilia’s high-performance DNA to a more accessible segment, the RS 457 is the brand’s first motorcycle to be manufactured in India at Piaggio’s Baramati facility in Maharashtra. Bookings for the RS 457 commence on December 15 online and at Piaggio Motoplex dealerships, with deliveries starting from March 2024.

Stylistically, the RS 457 draws clear inspiration from its larger sibling, the RS 660, showcasing Aprilia’s signature triple-pod LED headlamp, sharp fairings, and aerodynamic design. The bike will be offered in three striking colour options, each paying homage to Aprilia’s racing heritage.

Powering the RS 457 is an all-new 457 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft and DOHC configuration. This motor generates 47 bhp and 48 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox, delivering thrilling performance for both road and track. The motorcycle is built around a rigid steel perimeter frame with a bolt-on subframe, ensuring sharp handling dynamics.

On the electronics front, the RS 457 is impressively equipped for its class, featuring:

• Three riding modes

• Three levels of traction control (switchable)

• Dual-channel ABS

• Optional quickshifter

The suspension setup includes 41 mm USD forks with 120 mm of travel at the front and a monoshock with 130 mm of travel at the rear—both preload adjustable. Braking hardware includes a 320 mm front disc with a radial Bybre 4-piston caliper and a 220 mm rear disc with a floating caliper.

Rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels, the RS 457 uses grippy tyres sized 110/70 (front) and 150/60 (rear), ensuring excellent road feedback and cornering capability.

In the Indian market, the RS 457 enters a hotly contested segment, taking on rivals such as the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the upcoming Yamaha YZF-R3.