Aprilia RS 457: Track-Oriented Machine for Beginners

Not long ago, Yamaha launched the R3 and it seemed to take over the segment, but now, the competition seems to be hotter after the launch of the Aprilia 457. Further, the Yamaha R3 and Aprilia 457 are now direct rivals of the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400, except for their price figures. 

Aprilia unveiled the RS 457 in India on December 8, 2023, and even after the first quarter of 2024, this machine is in trend because of its performance and looks. The Italian two-wheeler manufacturer has loaded it with features and useful functions; more than this, it is made in India. 

Look and feel:

This is one of the most gorgeous bikes under Rs 5 lakh; it looks like a proper race-oriented machine and, in some aspects, is way better than the Kawasaki 400. Aprilia has given this bike a 'Moto GP' theme. It has a very stylish fairing and a winglet-style tail section. The brand has used a lot of plastic components for cost-cutting and is visible almost everywhere. For example, there is a small windshield and a simple steel side stand.

Electronic support:

To view things in detail, it has a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, 4-level traction control, and three riding modes: Sport, Road, and Rain. It also packs two levels of ABS. All these modes are enough to satisfy your track demands. Aprilia has tried to provide practical features rather than gimmick features. 

Power and figures: 

Let’s explore the most important part of any motorcycle- the engine. It has a 457cc engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The Aprilia RS 457 can be conceived as an aggressive bike (on paper), but it does have an area of improvement, as it lacks top-end power. However, you can easily manoeuvre the bike, as and when required, albeit, I noticed my hands used to touch the fuel tank, especially around the corners. 

It can easily reach up to 186 kmph with full throttle; the bike doesn't have any wobbling or overheating issues, and it takes around 9 seconds from 140 kmph to 10 kmph, thanks to the impressive braking system.

Besides that, the 13-litre fuel tank gives you the confidence to manage long rides without any overload on the brain. 

Usually, riders don’t look at the mileage if they consider a performance-centric bike, albeit, you can get an idea of the maximum ride in a full fuel tank. Speaking of which, it gave me around 25 kmpl upon riding "enthusiastically."

Pros:

• It looks like a proper track-oriented sports bike.

• The twin-cylinder 457 cc engine is punchy.

• 5’’ TFT MID is full of information.

• A 13-litre fuel tank with 25 kmpl mileage makes it perfect for touring.

• The bike has a Made-in-India tag.

Cons:

• Lack of top-end power; Kawasaki Ninja 300 can go better.

• Biking could have been a been a little bit better.

• The finishing of the overall body can be improved. 

• Slightly overpriced