We recently had the opportunity to ride the Aprilia RS457, the smallest and most affordable motorcycle offered by Aprilia India, at the Kari Motor Speedway. Although our time with the bike was brief, we were able to experience its impressive features and performance.
Design-wise, the RS457 takes inspiration from its larger sibling, the RS 660, with sharp cuts and creases throughout its bodywork. It has a sleek and aggressive appearance, making it a desirable choice for both younger riders and those looking for a track-ready machine.
Powering the RS457 is a 457cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, delivering 47.6bhp and 43.5Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, the engine offers a characterful riding experience. It exhibits strong bottom-end grunt and smooth acceleration, even at low speeds.
One of the highlights of the RS457 is its responsive chassis, which impressed us during our time on the race track. We look forward to testing its performance on Indian roads as well. The bike features preload adjustable USD front forks and a monoshock for suspension, along with front and rear disc brakes equipped with dual-channel ABS. However, the braking performance could benefit from improved bite and overall stopping power.
Aprilia has equipped the RS457 with a range of features, including LED illumination, a TFT display with smartphone connectivity, ride-by-wire technology, three ride modes, traction control, and engine maps. We are eager to thoroughly test these features once the RS457 arrives for a proper road test.
If you are interested in learning more about the RS457’s handling, riding posture, acceleration, and overall performance, we invite you to read our comprehensive first ride review of the Aprilia RS457.
