Aprilia RS 457: A Compact Stunning Powerhouse on Two Wheels

Aprilia RS 457 – Unleashing Compact Power and Stunning Style on 2-Wheels!

The Aprilia RS 457 has made a grand entrance into the Indian market, starting at an enticing price of Rs 4.10 Lakh. Available in a single variant and three stunning colors, this bike marks a significant milestone for Aprilia, blending Italian elegance with cutting-edge technology. The RS 457 stands as the smallest faired sportbike in the Italian manufacturer’s lineup, offering a potent mix of style, performance, and advanced features.

Manufacturer Overview

Aprilia, a standout in the world of motorcycles, is a brand synonymous with innovation, style, and performance. Founded in 1945 in Noale, Italy, by Alberto Beggio, Aprilia started as a manufacturer of bicycles before quickly evolving into the high-performance motorcycle company it is today. This transformation was driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for racing that remains at the core of the brand.

Over the decades, Aprilia has distinguished itself with a series of groundbreaking models, combining cutting-edge technology with Italian flair. From the adrenaline-pumping RSV4, revered for its power and precision on the track, to the versatile Tuareg 660, designed for both urban commuting and off-road adventures, Aprilia caters to a wide spectrum of riders. Each bike is a testament to the company’s dedication to craftsmanship and engineering prowess.

Aprilia’s success in competitive racing, with numerous titles in MotoGP and World Superbike Championships, underscores its commitment to performance and innovation. The brand’s racing DNA is infused into every motorcycle it produces, ensuring that riders experience the thrill of world-class engineering on every ride. Aprilia’s arrival in India heralds a new era of biking excellence. Bringing Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to Indian roads, Aprilia redefines the two-wheeler experience. From the agile SR 160 scooter to the adrenaline-pumping Aprilia RS 660, each model exudes style and performance. Catering to diverse riders, Aprilia offers a range that blends urban mobility with racing DNA. With a commitment to innovation and a passion for speed, Aprilia elevates the biking culture in India.

Design Elegance

The RS 457 stands out with its sharp and youthful design, drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Aprilia RS660. Its aggressive stance and aerodynamic lines are quintessential of a supersport bike. The front fairing, with its sleek integrated LED lights, gives the bike a menacing look that’s hard to ignore. The exposed aluminum frame and the meticulously designed side fairing add to its visual appeal without being overly dramatic.

The tail section of the RS 457 is particularly noteworthy. It rises elegantly from the mid-section, maintaining a sleek profile that doesn’t compromise on pillion comfort. The overall design exudes a sense of purpose and elegance, making the RS 457 one of the most attractive motorcycles in its segment, especially in its pristine white variant.
The RS 457 doesn’t just look good; it feels premium too. The quality of materials used, from the paint finish to the aluminum components, is top-notch. However, there’s a slight room for improvement in the quality of plastics used for the switchgear, which could have been of a higher grade to match the rest of the bike’s premium feel.

Rev Up Your Ride as Aprilia RS 457 Unveils Compact Powerhouse on Two Wheels

Engine Specs and Performance

Under the sleek fairings of the RS 457 lies a robust 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. This powerplant churns out an impressive 48.6 PS, ensuring a thrilling ride whether you’re navigating city streets or carving up mountain roads. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slip-and-assist clutch, with an optional quick shifter for those who crave seamless gear changes. The top speed of Aprilia RS 457 is claimed to be 191 kmph by the Italian manufacturer.

Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage

The RS 457 is equipped with a 13-litre fuel tank, providing a decent range for both city commutes and weekend rides. Aprilia claims a mileage of around 30 kmpl, making it relatively efficient for a sportsbike in this class.

Features and Technology

The RS 457 is not just about looks; it’s packed with technology to enhance the riding experience. The bike features an all-LED lighting setup and a 5-inch TFT instrument console with backlit switchgear. This display offers smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to access phone and music controls, along with a wealth of information about the bike. The bike also consists of features like ABS indicator, side stand cut-off, Fuel Gauge, Trip indicator, digital odometer, etc.

The RS 457 also comes equipped with a ride-by-wire system and offers three riding modes: Sport, Road, and Rain, each altering throttle response to suit different riding conditions. Additionally, it features three levels of traction control, which can be adjusted or turned off based on rider preference. Dual-channel ABS is standard, with the option to disengage the rear ABS for more experienced riders.

Wheels, Brakes and Suspension

The RS 457 features a twin-spar aluminum frame and a steel swingarm, complemented by an underbelly exhaust that enhances its sporty character. Suspension duties are handled by a 41mm inverted fork with 120mm of wheel travel and a mono shock with 130mm of wheel travel, both offering preload adjustability. Braking performance is assured with a 320mm front disc and a 4-piston radial caliper, along with a 220mm rear disc, all supported by dual-channel ABS.

The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tires—110-section at the front and 150-section at the rear. With a kerb weight of 175kg and a seat height of 800mm, the RS 457 strikes a balance between agility and stability. Despite its sporty nature, the RS 457 is designed with rider comfort in mind. The seat is spacious for both rider and pillion, and the clip-on handlebars are positioned to reduce strain on the wrists and forearms. This ergonomic setup makes the RS 457 a viable option for longer rides, not just short, spirited runs.

Price and Rivals

Prismatic Dark, Racing Stripes, along with Opalescent Light are the three different shades available for the RS 457, and they are all priced at Rs 4,10,000 ex-showroom. With this price approach, the RS 457 positions itself competitively in the sportbike market and appeals to aficionados seeking a high-end performance and design combination.
The Aprilia RS 457 faces stiff competition in the 300-400cc sportbike segment. Key rivals include the Yamaha R3, KTM RC 390, and Kawasaki Ninja 400. Each of these bikes offers a unique blend of performance, style, and technology, making the segment highly competitive. However, the RS 457’s blend of Italian design, advanced features, and robust performance makes it a formidable contender.

EJ’s Verdict on Aprilia RS 457

With a legacy of pushing boundaries and a future focused on sustainable technology, including electric motorcycles, Aprilia continues to lead the pack. The company’s unwavering dedication to delivering an unparalleled riding experience makes it a revered name among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. The Aprilia RS 457 is a noteworthy addition to the Indian sportbike market.

It combines striking design, advanced technology, and impressive performance in a package that is both attractive and accessible. Whether you’re an avid Aprilia fan or a newcomer to the brand, the RS 457 promises a thrilling and stylish riding experience. With its competitive pricing and comprehensive feature set, it stands poised to make a significant impact in the segment, turning heads and winning hearts wherever it goes.