All-new Aprilia RS 457 makes global debut

Gajanan Kashikar Updated: September 08, 2023, 04:54 PM IST

Italian sporty two-wheeler manufacturer Aprilia has finally unveiled the all-new RS 457 globally. The firm says it has completed its sportiest family, entering a new segment that looks to the new generations and markets of the future. The new RS 457 boasts a twin-cylinder engine, a range of electronics and rider aids, along with an aggressive design that draws inspiration from its elder siblings. In fact, the Aprilia RS 457 aims to become the new technological and stylistic benchmark for young motorcyclists across the globe.

New Aprilia RS 457: Production

Before going though its design, performance, and technical aspects, it should be noted that Aprilia, a subsidiary of Piaggio Group, will manufacture the all-new RS 457 in India. To be specific, Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited will produce the sports bike at its Baramati facility in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, in its press statement, Aprilia has emphasised the A2 license compliance of the RS 457. Being at a global market, it affirms the brand's goal of making the sports bike accessible to buyers entering early adulthood. The A2 license allows riders aged 19 or above to ride a motorcycle that generates 47BHP (35kW). Two-wheeler manufacturers in the western markets, such as the United Kingdom often advertise these motorcycles as A2 bikes.

New Aprilia RS 457: Design

Following the footsteps of its elder sibling, the RS 457 bears a sporty design reminiscent of the successful RS 660. It has an aggressive fascia with twin-pod LED headlamps and angular daytime running lights, sharp cuts and creases on the fairing, a muscular fuel tank, underbelly 2-in-1 exhaust, and raised tail section. Further, the sports bike uses aluminium alloy frame and 17-wheels shod in 110/70 ZR17 section front and 150/60 ZR17 section rear Protorq Extreme HR tyres from TVS Eurogrip.

New Aprilia RS 457: Features and Specs

Aprilia has equipped the new RS 457 with all-LED lighting, a five-inch TFT colour display, backlit handlebar controls, dual-channel ABS, ride-by-wire, quickshifter, three-level traction control, and three riding modes, among others. In terms of hardware, there is a pair of upside down front forks with preload adjustability and 120mm travel, whereas the rear monoshock has 130mm of travel and preload adjustability. Then, the RS 457 gets a 320mm front disc with a ByBre radial-mounted four-piston calliper and the 220mm rear disc.

New Aprilia RS 457: The powertrain

Here comes the crux of the RS 457 that is a new parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that generates 47.58PS (35kW). While the bike maker has not revealed its displacement and torque figures yet, it claims the RS 457 has an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio, thanks to its 159kg dry weight (175kg wet).

New Aprilia RS 457: Price and rivals

While the new Aprilia RS 457 will compete against the likes of the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the upcoming Yamaha YZF-R3, and considering the exorbitant price of the RS 660 in India, we expect it to be priced between Rs 4 and Rs 6 lakh. Internationally, the sports bike will also take on the Kawasaki ZX-4RR and Honda CBR500R.