In low, the RS 457 is not just a motorcycle; is a promise of pure, unadulterated driving pleasure enclosed in a attractive Italian packaging. It’s a machine that whets your appetite for more kilometers the moment you turn off the ignition at the end of the ride. But how is this possible? Let me explain.
Aprilia RS 457: Love at first sight
One look at RS 457 and you are taken to: motorbike design a fairy tale land. It certainly turns heads in India and attracts other drivers who want to take a closer look at it. Triple LED headlights with integrated turn signals provide a menacing front end look. In addition, it has a massive, fully faired body inspired by its larger sibling, the RS 660. Other notable features include side panel vents for improved aerodynamics, split seat configuration, 2-in-1 underbelly exhaust system, providing an overall look that I fell in love with. The RS 457 is gorgeous, especially in the Prismatic Shadowy color we had with us. The quality of the gaps and materials between the panels is impressive, with no budget-friendly plastics or creaking sounds. While it is commonly said that design is subjective, we can assure you that this is not the case.
Aprilia RS 457: Features? You ask, he has them!
The RS 457 comes with a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, which is a well-laid out device that displays all the necessary information at a glance. It is readable even in direct sunlight and has a sporty look.
It has three riding modes, four levels of traction control (including an “off” setting) and dual-channel ABS with the ability to turn off the rear ABS. Additionally, it offers connectivity features that allow you to manage calls, music and even on-screen navigation. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the connectivity features as I prefer to focus on the road without distractions. However, we found the display to be responsive.
Aprilia RS 457 Track Test Review: The Perfect Track Machine? | TOI Auto
Aprilia RS 457: Performance and handling
Underneath the elegant body of the RS 457 is a liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine with a capacity of 457 cm3, one of the most powerful in its class, generating 48 horses and 43.5 Nm of maximum torque. With a curb weight of 175 kg, it is slightly heavier than some competitors, but provides optimal acceleration and offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. Reaching triple-digit speeds such as 130 km/h is effortless, and even at lower speeds the torque delivery remains decent.
The engine is impressively refined, with no vibrations even at high and medium revs. Power delivery is linear at all times and starts injecting adrenaline from just 5,500 rpm. Watching the speedometer go up in the blink of an eye is a thrill like no other. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox via a slipper and assist clutch. Gear changes were regular and sleek, making it uncomplicated to maneuver in traffic. However, the lack of a quick-shifter as standard equipment wasn’t something we expected at this price point, but to cover that up, it has a lot more to offer. Finally an exhaust note? Pure music to your ears – booming and stimulating every time thanks to its 270-degree uneven firing order.
Moving on to ergonomics, the riding position leans towards the aggressive side with low clip-on handlebars, but the seat height is manageable for most riders, and for us, as the test rider was 5’10”, it was incredibly comfortable. The footrests are placed slightly at the rear, and thanks to the contoured fuel tank, the driver can position himself well when driving around the city. The suspension system, which includes a 41 mm USD fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, allows preload adjustment on both sides and absorbs road imperfections impressively. In terms of stopping power, the bike is equipped with disc brakes on both sides with dual-channel ABS, but in our opinion the front brake jam leaves room for improvement. Otherwise, under ideal conditions, the braking system performed well in city traffic.
Aprilia RS 457: Price and verdict
Owning a European with racing DNA (at a lower price than its Japanese counterparts) is no longer a dream. Yes, Aprilia has dropped the price bomb of Rs 4.11 lakh, ex-showroom, price of this great machine packed with performance, and if you are looking for a fun ride with on and off track capabilities, then this bike should definitely be on your list.
