We’re massive followers of small-displacement bikes, particularly these of the sporty selection. Personally, I’ve had various expertise with small, sporty bikes, similar to KTM’s 390 sequence, Kawasaki’s Ninja 400, and way more lately, CFMoto’s punchy 450 vary. That stated, when Aprilia unveiled the RS 457 in all its glory final 12 months at EICMA, my curiosity was greater than piqued.
The Aprilia RS 457 stands as a primary for the Noale producer for fairly a couple of causes. For starters, it’s the model’s first international market mannequin within the entry-level displacement phase. Set to lock horns with established gamers just like the KTM RC 390, Ninja 400, and CFMoto 450 SS, the RS 457 – on paper, at the least – seems to be essentially the most promising. Apart from that, it’s additionally essentially the most premium mannequin to be produced in Piaggio’s manufacturing unit in Baramati, India.
Speaking of which, Aprilia lately introduced that manufacturing of the all-new sportbike has already begun in Piaggio’s Baramati plant. Built to world-class requirements, the power employs largely girls, and options state-of-the artwork meeting traces to make sure most high quality. The Aprilia RS 457 was formally launched in India on December 8, 2023, in the course of the India Bike Week, and pre-orders for the brand new sportbike have now been opened. Assuming every part goes in line with plan, the primary batch of RS 457s ought to start making their approach to keen prospects by March 2024.
For reference, the Aprilia RS 457 will carry a sticker worth of Rs 410,000, or about $4,936 USD in India. Stateside, prospects should fork up $6,799 USD for the bottom mannequin, which is properly and good contemplating import taxes and different costs thrown into the combo. Nevertheless, it’s a premium possibility within the entry-level market irrespective of the place you’re from, because it’s considerably pricier than its contemporaries.
In case you missed the specs of the RS 457 in a few of our previous articles, right here’s a fast rundown of what to anticipate from the beginner-friendly supersport. It’s powered by an all-new 457cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank configuration. This supplies the bike with the texture and exhaust notice of a 90-degree V-twin, and with 47 horsepower and 43.5 Nm (32.2 pound-feet) of torque on faucet, has loads of energy to offer a spirited experience on twisty roads.
As for the suspension, Aprilia provides the RS 457 with inverted entrance forks and a rear monoshock with primary preload adjustability. It additionally will get a single entrance disc and single rear disc, each outfitted with dual-channel ABS. Rounding up the bike’s tech bundle is a full-color TFT show from which riders can select from three experience modes and toggle the traction management system.