After being showcased at the Indian MotoGP, Aprilia is set to announce the prices of the new Rs 457 at India Bike Week, on December 8. Aprilia’s most-affordable sportbike will be made in India and when launched, will compete with the likes of the upcoming Yamaha R3, KTM RC 390, and Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Aprilia RS 457: Design
The Aprilia RS 457 is a scaled-down version of the RS 660 and draws a lot of design inspiration from the larger RSV4 litre-class motorcycle. The RS 457 features a full fairing with sleek dual headlights, a short tail section, clip-on bars, and an underbelly exhaust. The motorcycle features an aggressive riding position with high pegs, adding to its sportiness.
Aprilia RS 457: Engine specifications
The engine is the highlight, as the RS 457 gets a 457cc, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that makes 47bhp and 48.8Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Some sources say that a quickshifter is available as an option.
When looking at its immediate competition, the KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that makes 43bhp and 39Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a quickshifter as standard. The upcoming Yamaha R3 makes 41bhp from a 321cc parallel-twin engine, while the Kawasaki Ninja makes 45bhp and 37Nm of torque from a parallel-twin engine.
Aprilia RS 457: Features and equipment
The Aprilia Rs 457 gets USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, 17-inch wheels, and a TFT display with traction control and ride modes. The TFT display also allows for smartphone connectivity.
In comparison, the KTM RC 390 gets similar features, along with traction control and lean-sensitive ABS, while the Yamaha R3 gets an LCD dash instead of a TFT dash. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 gets telescopic forks and dual-channel ABS while getting a semi-digital instrument cluster.
Aprilia RS 457: Price and competition
When launched on December 8, the Aprilia RS 457 is expected to carry a price tag of under Rs 4 lakh, placing it between the KTM RC 390 and the Yamaha R3, while the Kawasaki Ninja 400 will remain the most expensive amongst the competition. The Aprilia’s price tag serves justice to an extent owing to its features, however, the KTM RC 390 will also get an update soon but will remain a bargain in the segment.
