Aprilia RS 457 is finally unveiled in India. It was showcased by the Italian automobile brand ahead of the Indian MotoGP round this weekend. Aprilia’s MotoGP racers Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales were also present there and played key roles in the development and testing of the machine. According to Aprilia India, this bike is tailored for athletes and racing enthusiasts and is the start of a new generation, the Generation 457. The bike draws inspiration from the bigger in-line 660.
Aprilia RS 457 – Designed with Passion In Italy
The RS 457 was designed and developed at Aprilia’s headquarters in Noale, Italy and had several inputs from the Indian development team. Design-wise the brand claims the Bike is “so unique that it seems hand–drawn”.
The full LED headlights feature the signature style of the latest Aprilia models, with integrated turn signals. Even though the bike will be affordable, it maintains the brand’s high quality. The bike will come in 3 colour options.
RS 457 also has 17-inch sports rims which are 110/70 in the front and 150/60 at the rear, which ensures excellent grip and agility and will get TVS tyres.
The half handlebars are positioned in a way that gives the bike a sporty stance, but not too extreme, meaning you can ride it both on streets and track with ease. It also sports a 5-inch TFT colour instrument display with backlit handlebar controls. Both the bike’s 41mm stanchion forks and rear mono-shock are adjustable. The former has a 120mm travel while the latter has a 130mm wheel travel. The bike is also on the lighter side and weighs around 175 kg.
Aprilia RS 457 – A powerhouse
The Aprilia RS 457 has a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that produces a solid 46 horsepower, which makes it one of the most powerful to run on Indian roads. Aprilia’s statement “Any more Power and it would be illegal” may be true after all. The engine will be quite refined and mated with a 6-speed gearbox.
Now, another highlighted feature that sets the bike apart in its segment is the aluminum frame which makes up a rigorous frame.
The bike will be built at Aprilia’s plant at Baramati in Maharashtra.
Aprilia RS 457 – Expected Price and Rivals
The pre-bookings are open for the RS 457 and since it’s Aprilia, we are talking about, the bike will be placed somewhere between 3-5 lakhs and will take on the likes of the KTM 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400, the price will be competitive since it will be manufactured in India.
Aprilia already has made a name for itself in the scooter segment in India with its performance scooters like the SR 160, it will be interesting to see how this bike fares out against the competition.
