Aprilia introduces its latest masterpiece to the global stage: the Aprilia RS 457. This compact sportsbike is the embodiment of Italian passion and precision, and what makes it even more remarkable is that it’s proudly “Made in India.”
From the sleek streets of Italy to the heartland of India, the RS 457 has made its grand entrance into the motorcycle scene. Aprilia chose to reveal this beauty at its Italian headquarters, where the magic of creating superbikes and MotoGP legends happens.
But what’s truly exciting is that the production of the RS 457 will take place right here in India, at Piaggio India’s state-of-the-art facility in Baramati, Maharashtra. This move demonstrates not only the global appeal of Indian manufacturing but also the trust Aprilia places in the talent and expertise of the Indian workforce.
Within the belly of this beast, you’ll find a spirited 457 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC, four-valve engine that produces a thrilling 47 bhp. It’s not just about the power; it’s also about the sound – Aprilia’s engineers have meticulously crafted a 270-degree connecting rod assembly to give this machine the spine-tingling exhaust note it deserves. And with a featherweight kerb weight of just 175 kg (169 kg dry weight), the RS 457 boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
The Aprilia RS 457 is the result of a harmonious blend of Italian design finesse and Indian craftsmanship. The development of this marvel took place at the company’s Noale headquarters in Italy, in close collaboration with the expert test team in Baramati. It’s a true testament to the international synergy within the Aprilia family.
In terms of aesthetics, the RS 457 draws inspiration from its larger sibling, the RS 660, firmly establishing its identity within the prestigious RS family. Its striking LED daytime running lights (DRLs), full-LED lighting, and a two-into-one underbelly exhaust make sure to turn head. The foundation of this machine is an aluminium frame.
Taking a page from the RS 660’s book, the crankcase of the RS 457 acts as a load-bearing element, contributing to the bike’s lightweight construction and providing exceptional handling that feels like poetry in motion.
Suspension-wise, the RS 457 features 41 mm USD front forks with 120 mm of travel and pre-load adjustability. At the rear, there’s a pre-load adjustable monoshock with 130 mm of travel, paired with a steel swingarm to ensure smooth and precise handling.
For stopping power, the RS 457 boasts a 320 mm front disc with a ByBre radial-mounted four-piston calliper, while the rear sports a 220 mm steel disc with a ByBre calliper. And here’s where it gets interesting: the motorcycle comes with standard dual-channel ABS, but you also have the option to switch off the rear ABS for those fearless riders who crave maximum control.
But that’s not all. This incredible machine is loaded with advanced electronics, including Ride-by-Wire (RbW) technology with three selectable riding modes and a three-level traction control system that can be deactivated for those who want to unleash the full potential of this beast.
An optional quickshifter is also available for those who desire lightning-quick gear changes. And to top it off, the RS 457 features a cutting-edge 5-inch TFT instrument panel, sleek clip-on handlebars, and illuminated switchgear.
Rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels, it sports a 110/70 front tire and a 150/60 rear tire, ensuring a perfect balance between agility and stability.
Now, the million-dollar question: when and for how much?
Aprilia India has yet to reveal the pricing and availability details for the RS 457, but anticipation is high. With its production happening in India, there’s a good chance this marvel will make its debut in the Indian market first. And considering the cost-effective production, it might just give its competitors, like the Kawasaki Ninja 400, a run for their money.