Aprilia Tuono 457 review: Stella d'Italia!

The Aprilia Tuono 457 is quintessentially a street-naked version of the highly impressive RS 457 machine. For those unaware, the RS 457 recently awarded the 2025 Indian Motorcycle of the Year title. So, you pretty much know that most Indian journalist will fancy this one. While the fully-faired RS is meant to attract those looking to get their hands on an everyday sportsbike, south of 500ccs, the Tuono 457, just like its bigger the Tuono 660 and V4 models, is aimed at appealing to those who fancy the power and dynamics of the RS, but in a more upright-seating, streetbike format.

I personally don't find the design of the Tuono 457 as striking as the RS 457. Though, I must admit, seeing it in the flesh, it does grow on you. It looks very unlike the bigger siblings with a unique headlamp setup that sits on the fork and isn't fused with the half fairing up front. The boomerang-shaped DRLs make it look like it's part of the Aprilia family alright, but the headlamp design on this appears to have drawn inspiration from the much older generations of Tuonos. Those turn indicators that stick out near the radiator are a bit out of place and would have looked much neater had they been incorporated into the headlamp unit. The overall level of fit and finish is top-drawer â€" from the quality of paint to the plastic bits on there. Even the switchgear looks and feels good to the touch.

The engine remains the pride and joy of this machine. The gem of a parallel-twin puts out 47.5Ps of max power and this, coupled with the bike's 175kg weight, gives it the best power-to-weight machine in its class. The Tuono 457 weighs the same as the RS 457, even though its missing the fairing and the lower clip-on bars, but the new headlamp unit and the wider handlebar account for that weight.

The liquid-cooled 457cc parallel-twin is a real treat on these mountain roads. There's a decent amount of torque low down the powerband and the party really starts once you enter the mid-range of the powerband, past 4,000rpm up to just past the 9,500rpm mark when max power is produced. The motor makes the same amount of power as the RS 457 which is 47PS @ 9,400rpm and 43.5Nm @ 6,700rpm, but the rate of its delivery has been altered slightly on account of the extra tooth on the rear sprocket as compared to the RS model. So it's said that the Touno will outpace the RS 457 in a sprint, but if you're not looking at your stopwatch, you really won't be able to tell that difference out on the road, because the RS itself is pretty quick in as it is.

I love the way this motorcycle sounds when you climb up the powerband. The quicker you ride, there's this lovely mechanical roar which is audible excellence in my opinion. The chassis, the swingarm, everything is shared with the RS 457, and that's never a bad thing, because this motorcycle is just as easy to navigate through traffic as it is around twisty mountain roads. The bike feels very well balanced, just that a quickshifter on here would definitely enhance a spirited ride. The suspension comprises a 41mm USD fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear can only be adjusted for preload, which is fine because in the stock setting we checked out, the front doesn't dive too much under hard braking and the rear squirms just a tad while at it as well.

Like with the RS, the engine just loves to be revved and seeing the speedo numbers rise in a rapid fashion every time you whack the throttle open is absolutely exhilarating and it comes a laudable and thrummy exhaust note to match to. Out on the winding roads at Nandi Hills, I managed to hit a speed of 140kmph easily before having to drop anchor fast. There was way more to go. What remains the biggest concern with this motorcycle, much like its fully-faired sibling are its brakes. The 320mm floating disc with Bybre 4-piston radial calliper setup up front paired with the 220mm disc with a single calliper biting down on it still fall short of expectations. Initially, they provide adequate braking performance, but the more you ride hard and keep at it, they just give up eventually. There's increased play in the lever, and with the addictive performance of the engine, that could be dangerous in you don't rely on engine braking. Now if you're out on the street, taking things easy, it will be fine. ABS can be switched off at the rear, which is always a good thing.

The Aprilia Tuono 457 is tailor-made for newcomers to the world of performance riding, as its user-friendly nature makes it incredibly accessible. Another standout feature of this machine is the TVS Eurogrip tyres, which handle exceptionally well and are wallet-friendly when it comes time for replacementâ€"definitely a win for budget-conscious riders.

The 457's engine and handling beautifully embody the spirit of the RS badge, delivering a thrilling experience that doesn't disappoint. However, it's worth noting that there are areas for improvement; the fixed clutch and front brake levers would benefit from adjustability.

Much like its sibling, the RS 457, the Tuono 457 lacks a standard quickshifter and sintered brakesâ€"two features Aprilia offers as optional accessories. In a bike of this caliber, they should arguably come as standard. The ride modes include Eco, Rain, and Sport and the traction control system boasts three settings and can be completely disabled, though even in the most intrusive mode, it doesn't disrupt the riding experience significantly. That said, its performance on damp and treacherous roads remains to be tested.

While the Tuono 457 has its minor quirks, this short ride experience painted a vivid picture of its immense potential. Priced at Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom), overall, this Star of Italy emerges as an impressive contenderâ€"without a doubt, a worthy addition to any aspiring rider's collection!