The Art of Speed: Marco Lambri on the Aprilia Tuono 457
Designing a motorcycle that turns heads is one thing. Designing one that continues a legacy - that's a different game altogether. And if there's one brand that's consistently aced that game, it's Aprilia. Before the first twist of the throttle or the first apex carved, Aprilias strike you with their sheer visual aggression and dynamism. So its designers have the not-so-simple job of making Italian motorcycles look fast, even when parked.
We caught up with Marco Lambri, Design Director at Piaggio & C. S.p.A., to talk about the newest eye-catcher from Noale - the Aprilia Tuono 457. What follows is an engaging conversation on lineage, proportion, and the fine balance between flair and function. In conversation with Marco Lambri, Design Director - Piaggio & C. S.p.A.:
Q: Marco, let's begin with the obvious. The Tuono 457 is quite a departure in terms of design from its larger siblings. Why this new direction?
Marco: First of all, the 457 is unmistakably an Aprilia. It carries the design DNA of the brand, even if it doesn't replicate the half-fairing look of the Tuono 660 or 1100. The inspiration actually comes from the very first Tuono from 2001â€"a pure street machine with minimal bodywork. For the 457, the goal was simplicity, lightness, and dynamism. With its performance level, a half-fairing just wasn't necessary. We wanted to keep it lean and purposeful.
Q: But from a consumer's perspective, especially in India where faired bikes are still quite popular, wasn't it a risk to go naked?
Marco: It's true that fairings can offer some aerodynamic advantages, but with the 457's displacement and intended usage, we felt the benefits weren't worth the added weight and complexity. Our focus is always function first. We're not stylists â€" we're designers. Every line has a reason to exist.
Q: What's the first thing you want someone to notice about the Tuono 457?
Marco: Proportions. An Aprilia has to communicate movement, even at standstill. Then, of course, the 'three-eyed' headlamp. That's a key identifier of the Tuono family, and we worked very hard to reinterpret that signature in a compact space without a fairing. Lastly, coloursâ€"Aprilia has always used bold, expressive colours to great effect, and we've continued that tradition here.
Q: Speaking of colours, the 457 has three very distinct options. What was the thought behind that palette?
Marco: We wanted to represent different personalities. The black with fluoro accents is classic Aprilia. The white is more elegant and versatile. And the third is a blendâ€"something sporty but accessible. It's hard to choose just one, even for us!
Q: What were the biggest design challenges transitioning from the RS 457 to the Tuono 457?
Marco: The architecture of the front was the main challenge. The RS 457 has a full fairing, which allows more space to integrate lighting and tech. The Tuono, being a true naked, forced us to reinvent our 'three-eye' face with far less room. But I think we succeededâ€"the headlight is compact yet recognisable, and plays a key role in the bike's identity.
Q: With a price-conscious market like India, how do you maintain premium design when cost is a major factor? Marco: Aprilia has a unique advantage here - our aluminium frame. It not only enhances performance but also elevates the visual impact of the bike. Unlike many rivals who compromise on the frame for cost reasons, we proudly showcase ours. It's functional, beautiful, and connects the 457 to our V4 superbikes and even our MotoGP machines.
Q: As the platform grows, do you see multiple body styles emerging â€" like a cruiser or ADV based on the 457? What are the challenges in doing that?
Marco: The 660 platform is a great case study â€" we used it to make the RS, Tuono, and Touareg, all quite different bikes. It's not easy, but it's an opportunity for us. Constraints often push creativity. Designers tend to thrive under such challenges because reinterpreting shared components across formats can yield very interesting results. The 457 platform is only just getting started.
Q: On a personal note, is there a 'Marco Lambri signature' that runs across all modern Aprilia motorcycles?
Marco: I'd like to say it's the signature of our entire team, not just mine. We work across all Piaggio brandsâ€"from sporty Aprilias to elegant Moto Guzzis and practical scooters. My job is to make sure each designer can bring out the best of their project. The Tuono 457 is part of that journey, but the best is still to come.
Q: And finallyâ€"your personal favourite Aprilia, past or present?
Marco: That's a difficult one! Each bike has its charm. But if I had to pick, I'd say the one that lets me close my eyes and listen to its sound â€" that would be my favourite. The Tuono 457 doesn't walk in the shadow of its larger siblingsâ€"it steps out and does its own thing. There's no half-fairing, no bloated bodywork, no desperate need to imitate. What you get instead is a clean, purposeful machine that channels the original Tuono spiritâ€"minus the excess. It's lean where it counts and loud in all the right places. This is Aprilia doing a budget bike and yet making sure the entry point into the brand still feels special. Still feels Italian. Still feels like it belongs.
Don't forget to catch our full review of the Aprilia Tuono 457.
https://youtu.be/E4ixL4WNpQc?si=HcKxKk_YysCJ9t1b