Aprilia Tuono 457: Is This Italian Ready To Fight KTM 390 Duke?

Aprilia wrote a new chapter in the sports bike segment with the RS 457. This dual-cylinder 457cc motorcycle quickly grabbed attention for its eye-catching looks and a scintillating price-to-performance ratio. The RS 457 is the fastest, most beautiful and the best-sounding motorcycle in its category. No wonder John Abraham signed up to be its brand ambassador!

However, the 457 platform won't be exclusive to the RS 457. EICMA 2024 previewed a streetfighter variant of the same while rumours also point towards an adventure-tourer variant dedicated for off-road usage. 

Isn't this the best time to be alive as a motorcycle enthusiast? 

The Tuono 457 is what Aprilia proudly showcased at the event and let's set the context for this one. 

Why is Aprilia making a Tuono 457?

The RS 457 is a beautifully crafted machine that houses underneath its fancy skin a twin-cylinder engine producing 46.9 bhp of peak power and 43.5 Nm of torque. By the looks of it, Aprilia has designed it especially for the racetracks.

Now most riders know that a motorcycle designed to be a amazing on the racetrack may not be as suitable for the real world. Especially on Indian roads. The committed riding position of a supersports isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Hence, there was a need for Aprilia to do a road-friendly version of the RS 457. This variant should have the same intense performance of the RS 457 while offering a comfortable riding posture and a couple of other practicalities baked in. Nobody was asking for a luggage carrier to hold the Indian household's average grocery package but Aprilia had to figure out a versatile solution. 

Hence, that's how the Tuono family got the 457cc engine and made the range more accessible. For those who are unaware, the Tuono range is earmarked for street-friendly motorcycles from Aprilia. 

The Tuono 457 promises to provide a more comfortable riding posture to riders from its upright riding position. The motorcycle has the same engine, which means the power output is on par with the RS 457.

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Tuono 457: Everything to know

The Aprilia Tuono 457 looks very different from the Tuono family. Aprilia's designers have paid homage to the legendary Tuono 1000R from 2006, thus helping this baby Tuono stand out from the semi-faired siblings. The exposed engine adds to the visual drama and the RS 457-derived tail section makes the Tuono 457 unique. The design is slightly polarising but striking nonetheless.

The motorcycle shares the engine, LCD instrument cluster and a couple of other mechanical parts from RS 457. The twin-cylinder engine produces 47.6 hp of peak power and 43.5Nm of torque. However, the handlebar is completely different from what we see on the RS 457. Instead of a clip-on bar, this one comes with a straight handlebar that allows for a more comfortable riding position.

The Tuono 457 and RS 457 share the same frame with adjustable 41mm USD forks at the front and a monoshock suspension at the rear. Just like the RS 457, this motorcycle also runs on 17-inch front and rear wheels with ByBre disc brakes at both ends, with a Bosch dual-channel ABS system equipped. You also get traction control and ride modes.

By the way, the six-speed gearbox comes with a quickshifter equipped as standard. Must be painful for RS 457 owners.

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Aprilia Tuono 457 rivals: Watch our KTM, RE

The Tuono 457 has two of the most popular mid-weight streetfighters in its sights. 

KTM 390 Duke

The 390 Duke is the most popular and powerful single-cylinder motorcycle in this category. The 390 Duke can easily touch a top speed of 165 kph, courtesy of its 399cc engine that produces 45 hp of power and 39 Nm of torque. The bike is loved by everyone for its price-performance ratio. 

The 457cc dual-cylinder engine of the Tuono produces 47.6 hp of peak power with 43.5 Nm of torque.  These numbers are enough to make this motorcycle squash the KTM 390 Duke. But brutal performance won't elect a winner as price will play a major role for riders.

ALSO READ: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R Leaked Ahead of Official Launch

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650

Before the announcement of the Tuono 457, this segment was single-handedly dominated by Royal Enfield's 650 twins. The Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 feature a 648cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 47 bhp of peak power and 52 Nm of torque. However, these Royal Enfields weigh upwards of 202 kg, which makes these motorcycles outweigh the Tuono 457's 159.21 kg kerb weight. This should make the Tuono 457 much faster, at least in drag races.

Not only are the power figures in favour of the Tuono, but electronic features like the quickshifter and LCD instrument cluster are missing from the Royal Enfields. Aprilia is eyeing a total segment domination here.

ALSO READ: Aprilia Tuono 457 Teased: New Triumph Trident 660, RE GT650 Rival?