By Aprilia, the renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation, the Aprilia RS 457, and it’s generating quite a buzz in the world of motorcycling. What makes this unveiling even more exciting for Indian motorcycle enthusiasts is the confirmation that the RS 457 will soon make its way to the Indian market. This sporty twin-cylinder motorcycle is a significant milestone for Aprilia as it’s manufactured in India at the company’s state-of-the-art plant in Baramati, Maharashtra. Earlier this year, the news broke that Aprilia was working on this twin-cylinder sportbike, and now, the global reveal of the RS 457 has stirred anticipation among Indian riders.
One noticeable detail is the name – RS 457, deviating from the expected RS 440 nomenclature. The exact reason behind the name choice remains a mystery, but what’s clear is that it houses a potent 48hp, four-valve per cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine with a 270-degree crankshaft. This configuration promises not only refinement but also an exhilarating exhaust note. The bike comes equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, and while a standard slip-assist clutch is expected, it’s yet to be officially confirmed. Enthusiasts can look forward to an optional quickshifter, although the details on whether it’s a bi-directional unit remain unclear.
The RS 457 boasts an aluminum perimeter frame akin to the larger RS 660, emphasizing agility and precise handling. Suspension duties are entrusted to a preload-adjustable 41mm USD front fork offering 120mm of travel, while the preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear provides 130mm of travel. With a dry weight of 159kg, the fully fueled weight is 175kg, ensuring a nimble and responsive ride. Braking performance is addressed by a single 320mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc featuring ByBre components. The RS 457 proudly debuts with TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tires, renowned for their impressive grip and performance.
On the tech front, the Aprilia RS 457 comes equipped with a 5.0-inch TFT display, backlit switchgear, ride-by-wire technology, and a three-level traction control system. The motorcycle’s design showcases meticulous attention to detail, with standout features like the aluminum triple clamp and clip-on handlebars positioned above the fork clamp, promising a sporty yet comfortable riding position. This outstanding motorcycle was developed at Aprilia’s headquarters in Noale, Italy, with valuable inputs from the Indian team. It will be proudly manufactured in India at Piaggio’s facility in Baramati.
Enthusiasts can anticipate the Indian debut of the Aprilia RS 457 at the upcoming Indian MotoGP event. While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, the fact that it’s manufactured in India may allow Aprilia to offer a more competitive price tag compared to rivals like the Ninja 400. However, given Piaggio India’s premium positioning, the final price will be closely watched by eager enthusiasts. The Aprilia RS 457 represents an exciting new chapter in the Indian motorcycle market, combining Italian craftsmanship with Indian manufacturing prowess.
