The freshly minted Aprilia RS 457, proudly made in India, aspires to provide an experience reminiscent of larger motorcycles, all while maintaining a relatively accessible price point.

We’ve had glimpses, perused the vital specifications, and even acquainted ourselves with the pricing details. Indeed, interest in the Aprilia RS 457 surged following the revelation of its price at IBW 2023, clocking in at Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). Yamaha’s subsequent announcement of the R3’s pricing, disappointingly higher, further fanned the flames of interest. But I digress. Regardless, anticipation for this bike is palpable, and having had the pleasure of testing it on the racetrack, I can attest to its allure.

Aprilia RS 457 Engine and Exhaust Note

Let’s delve into what undoubtedly piques your curiosity the most – the engine. The moment you engage the starter button, you’re greeted by a distinct sensation unique to the sub-500cc domain. A significant contributor to this is the 270-degree firing order, imparting a deeper, more resonant tone to the underbelly exhaust. This characteristic, reminiscent of larger parallel twins, such as Aprilia’s own 660s, infuses the engine with a distinct personality.

In the case of the RS 457, the auditory delight is accompanied by a subtle vibration emanating from the engine, perceptible at low speeds. While seemingly trivial, this sensation, typically associated with larger motorcycles, leaves a lasting impression, lending a sense of uniqueness.

Embarking from the Kari Motor Speedway’s pit lane for the first time unveils the engine’s commendable tractability. Cruising at 40kph in 4th gear poses no challenge, and a further twist of the throttle unveils another highlight – the torque. A robust pull, commencing around 4,000rpm, coupled with a meaty midrange, allows for effortless circuit lapping without necessitating a drop below third gear. Both the tractability and torque bode well for street performance.

On the track, the engine displays a willingness to rev higher, building power energetically until approximately 9,500rpm, before tapering off just shy of the 10,500rpm redline. Boasting 47.6hp and 43.5Nm, the RS 457 offers ample performance, evidenced by a top speed exceeding 165kph down the main straight. Given sufficient road stretch, breaching the 180kph mark is plausible. There’s a strong possibility that this could claim the title of the fastest Indian-made motorcycle to date, a claim we’ll substantiate once we subject the bike to street testing.

Performance-wise, the absence of a quickshifter was notable. While the gearbox itself proved smooth and precise, Aprilia’s offering of a quickshifter as an accessory leaves one yearning for its inclusion as standard at this price point.

Aprilia RS 457 Handling and Seating Comfort

The RS 457 not only delivers on auditory and performance fronts but also boasts riding dynamics to match. The initial impression is immediate upon mounting the bike and settling into position. It exudes a larger-than-life demeanor, particularly evident in the height and width of the fuel tank, creating the illusion of grandeur. Furthermore, the ergonomics are impeccably calibrated.

With a seat height of just 800mm, accessibility is a hallmark, while the spacious seating accommodates taller riders comfortably, facilitating a crouched position conducive to track riding. Notably, the sporty foot peg placement strikes a balance, avoiding any encumbrance despite spirited lean angles. The relatively elevated clip-on handlebars, though positioning riders in a sporty stance, lean more towards sport touring than outright sportbike aggression.

Aprilia RS 457 Noticeable Components

Sporting a segment-first aluminum perimeter frame, the RS 457 inherits a lineage reminiscent of its larger Italian counterparts. The aesthetically pleasing swingarm, though resembling aluminum, is, in fact, a steel construction. Suspension adjustments are limited to preload, with no damping customization available. Weighing in at 175kg, marginally heavier than its segment peers, such as the single-cylinder KTM RC 390 at 172kg.

On the track, the RS 457 strikes a balance, neither overly nimble nor cumbersome. Equipped with standard tire sizes typical of its competitors, it retains a familiar lightness and agility despite the substantial bodywork. Notably, it debuts with factory-fitted TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tires, which impressively complemented our riding pace. However, the only hiccup encountered throughout the day was brake fade.

Aprilia RS 457 Track Performance Issues

After several laps of aggressive braking, the lever progressively softened. While not reaching a critical point where braking integrity was compromised, it was a disappointing revelation on an otherwise enjoyable track-focused machine. Equipped with steel braided hoses, rectifying this issue may entail upgrading brake pads, altering brake fluid, and potentially opting for an aftermarket brake master cylinder. While unlikely to pose concerns on the street, it warrants attention nonetheless.

Thankfully, in almost every other aspect, the RS 457 proved to be a delight on the Kari circuit. The handling struck a harmonious balance, offering both capability and approachability. Notably, the front end instilled confidence, particularly under aggressive braking maneuvers. Though our riding session was limited, the enjoyment gleaned from the RS 457 leaves one eagerly anticipating an extended track experience, provided brake concerns are addressed.

Aprilia RS 457 Design

While its on-track prowess is undeniable, the RS 457’s aesthetic appeal serves as a compelling draw. Positioned as a vibrant, sporty option within a segment often characterized by dated or eccentric designs, it stands out effortlessly. Sporting a quintessential Aprilia superbike visage, complemented by a sleek tail section and MotoGP-inspired aerodynamic elements, the RS 457 exudes a sense of dynamism.

However, minor indications betray its budget-conscious origins. Simple steel side stand, non-adjustable hand levers, and plastic components, while functional, leave room for refinement. Available in three color variants, including a distinctive matte iridescent finish, the RS 457 offers a visual treat from every angle.

Electronics

On the technological front, the RS 457 shines with a comprehensive electronics suite, arguably unmatched in its segment. Featuring four traction control levels, including an off setting, and two ABS settings, it offers customizable rider aids to suit varying preferences. While the standard ABS setting proved intrusive on track, the Level 2 configuration effectively deactivated the rear ABS, enhancing on-track performance. Traction control, set to Level 1, provided unobtrusive assistance throughout our testing.

Additionally, the RS 457 boasts three riding modes, primarily influencing throttle response and ABS behavior, without altering power output. Noteworthy additions include Bluetooth connectivity and a lap timer, enhancing both convenience and track performance.

Verdict

In conclusion, our initial impressions paint a promising picture. Bookings are now open, with deliveries slated to commence by March. Admittedly, the price point veers towards the higher end for an Indian-manufactured motorcycle, with a sub-4 lakh figure being a more enticing proposition. Nevertheless, the RS 457 offers a compelling package, balancing performance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Aprilia RS 457

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