The Piaggio Group had a significant presence at this year’s EICMA show, with Aprilia showcasing some of its models such as the Tuareg and SR GT. However, the spotlight was on the Italian brand’s latest small-displacement model, the RS 457.

Aprilia’s smallest sportbike was on exhibit at EICMA, and the new RS 457 garnered attention from spectators. While the pre-order books for the RS 457 are now open and the prices have been revealed in North America, this was the first time the bike was publicly displayed at the show. With a price of approximately $7,000 USD, the brand targets both beginner sportbike riders and experienced riders looking for a smaller bike.

The RS 457 marks a significant milestone for the Italian manufacturer. It was developed from the ground up as an entirely new project, boasting lightness and the best power-to-weight ratio in the A2-restricted motorcycle category. Leveraging the company’s racing expertise, its technological features are designed to enhance the rider’s experience and skill progression on both road and track.

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The bike is powered by Aprilia’s new 457cc parallel-twin engine, producing 46.9 horsepower, which is at the legal limit for A2-restricted riders in the European Union. Its 270-degree firing order is similar to the setup of the CFMoto 450 SS and other models. The use of an all-aluminum frame and the engine as a stressed member of the chassis results in a lighter weight compared to other motorcycles in the segment.

Additional features include an optional quickshifter for the six-speed manual transmission, a front 41mm upside-down fork with 120mm of travel, rear mono-shock with up to 130mm of travel, preload adjustment on both ends, a braking system with a 320mm front disc brake and a 220mm rear disc, and 17-inch wheels on both ends with respective tire sizes. The bike also incorporates luxuries such as a five-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, traction control with three levels, and ride modes.

It will be interesting to see how the RS 457 competes with other small-capacity sportbikes in the market, including the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and Honda CBR500R. The competition will also involve the CFMoto 450 SS, offering a more affordable option, but the RS 457’s lighter weight and more advanced features make it a compelling contender in the segment.