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Aprilia RS 457 Specifications and Details
Aprilia will soon open pre-bookings for the Aprilia RS 457, targeting competition with bikes such as the Ninja 400 and KTM RC 390. It is likely to position itself as a premium twin-cylinder motorcycle with locally sourced components. With a plan to make it available in Tier 1 and 2 cities across India within the next year, the RS 457 may likely fall between the price range of the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Aprilia RS 457 Design
The upcoming Aprilia RS 457 will take design inspiration from its larger counterparts, the RS660 and RSV4. Its design elements will include a twin-pod headlight, full-fairing structure, fairing-mounted mirrors, muscular fuel tank, split-style seating, and a side-slung exhaust. Notably, the motorcycle emphasizes style and quality, showcasing detailed features such as the aluminum triple clamp. The clip-on handlebars, positioned above the fork clamp, will offer a sporty yet comfortable riding position.
Features
The Aprilia RS 457 will offer a competitive feature set, including full-LED lighting, a TFT console, and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s anticipation about whether Aprilia will equip this motorcycle with advanced features like a traction control system and a quickshifter. Notably, the RS 457 boasts a 5.0-inch TFT display, backlit switchgear, ride-by-wire technology, and a three-level traction control system. Its chassis features an aluminum perimeter frame, similar to its larger sibling, the 660. A preload-adjustable 41mm USD fork with 120mm of travel handles suspension duties. A preload-adjustable monoshock with 130mm of travel complements it.
Engine and Performance
The Aprilia RS440 is likely to feature a 450cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. It will deliver around 48bhp and reaching an estimated top speed of 180kmph. This powerplant is a 48hp, four-valve per cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled unit with a 270-degree crank. While a 6-speed gearbox and a likely standard slip-assist clutch are part of the package, the availability of a bi-directional quickshifter remains uncertain.
Pricing
The Aprilia RS440 is expected to launch during this year’s festive season with an estimated price range of Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). In contrast, the RS 457, set to make its Indian debut at the Indian MotoGP, is likely to carry a higher price tag than the KTM RC 390, but Piaggio India’s local manufacturing and component sourcing may enable them to offer competitive pricing compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 400. However, Aprilia’s premium brand positioning may place it closer to the Ninja 400 in terms of pricing, bridging the gap between the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki offering.