Overview
Performance and Engine
The Aprilia Tuono 457 uses a liquid-cooled 457cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47.6 PS at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm. It delivers steady power and strong mid-range torque, making overtaking easy. The bike accelerates briskly, reaching 0–100 km/h in about 5 seconds, and its smooth, low-vibration character makes it well-suited to mixed Indian roads.
The 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch delivers smooth shifts and helps prevent rear-wheel hop during downshifts. The 1-down-5-up shift pattern and ride-by-wire throttle support Eco, Rain, and Sport modes. Shorter gearing helps city riding while retaining stability on highways.
The Tuono 457 cruises comfortably at 110–120 km/h, and its lightweight 175 kg chassis aids stability. Riders report confident highway behaviour and comfortable long-distance capability.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Aprilia Tuono 457 carries an ARAI-certified figure of 25.5 kmpl. With a 12.7–13 litre tank this gives an approximate theoretical range of around 325 km per tank.
In real-world use, riders get 18-20 kmpl in mixed traffic and 25-30 kmpl on highways, with an average of 23-25 kmpl. In heavy city traffic, mileage drops to 14-18 kmpl, but on open roads it can reach 27-29 kmpl, and some even reach 30 kmpl. Depending on how and where you ride, the range can stretch to about 370 km.
Features and Technology
- 5-inch TFT Display: Full-colour TFT with Bluetooth pairing, GPS navigation support, call/SMS alerts, tripmeter, odometer and service due indicator.
- Ride-by-Wire Throttle: Three riding modes (Eco, Rain, Sport), selectable engine maps and a shift light.
- Dual-Channel Cornering ABS: Lean-sensitive ABS with traction control and selectable maps.
- Slipper Clutch & 6-Speed Gearbox: Smooth shifts and reduced rear-wheel hop, 1-down-5-up pattern.
- Backlit Switchcubes & Braided Hoses: Improved usability and durable, aviation-grade brake hoses.
- Traction Control & Riding Modes: Adjustable traction control integrated with the riding modes.
- Hazard warning: lights,a pass switch,a clock and engine kill switch are standard.These safety features meet Indian regulatory requirements.
- Saree Guard and Passenger Footrest: Practical additions, including a saree guard and a passenger footrest, cater to Indian family riding scenarios.
- Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin Engine: 457cc BS6 Phase 2 compliant engine (meets latest Indian emission norms), with 4 valves per cylinder (improves airflow and performance), delivering refined performance with a 270-degree crank (creates distinctive exhaust sound).
- Upside-Down Forks and Monoshock: Fully adjustable 41mm USD (upside-down) front forks (a suspension component for improved handling) and preload- and rebound-adjustable rear monoshock (allowing riders to adjust suspension firmness or response) provide premium suspension for varied Indian terrain.
Build Quality
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is built solidly and meets Indian manufacturing standards, with strong construction from the handlebars to the tank shrouds. The fit and finish are mostly good, with excellent paint on the tank, though there are a few uneven panel gaps.
Assembly quality is strong for a premium naked. Reviewers evaluate fit and finish as excellent, consistent with Aprilia’s brand, supporting reliability for city and weekend use across Indian conditions.
Handling
The Tuono 457 handles corners well and feels stable, helped by its light frame, 41mm USD forks, and wide handlebars. These features make it easy to ride on winding ghat roads.
The bike offers more stability in corners than the RS 457, despite identical geometry. TVS Eurogrip Protorq tyres provide excellent grip on both wet and dry Indian surfaces. Aggressive cornering remains predictable even at triple-digit speeds. The upright stance enables riders to confidently control the bike on bumpy city roads in Bangalore and Pune.
Comfort
The Tuono 457 is comfortable, with raised handlebars and a tank that fits tall riders on long, rough-road rides. Its sporty, firm suspension, with adjustable USD forks and a rear monoshock, handles potholes well on good roads but can feel stiff on bigger bumps.
Throttle control helps at higher speeds. The upright riding position is advantageous on bumpy roads, making it more practical than its faired siblings for city or highway use.
Styling
The Tuono 457 has a bold streetfighter style that sets it apart from the RS model. It features a special bikini fairing, tank extensions, and a visible twin-spar aluminium frame, giving it a strong, muscular look that appeals to Indian riders.
The compact LED headlight with Aprilia’s signature triple-lamp setup uses vertically stacked units, paired with a stubby tail and underbelly exhaust for a clean, assertive look. Proportions remain compact, the naked layout spotlights the 457cc twin engine, and bold graphics enhance Italian appeal for India.
Colour Options and Variants
Aprilia offers the Tuono 457 in two striking colour schemes tailored for India:
- Puma Gray
- Piranha Red
Both colour options have bold, sporty graphics that highlight their streetfighter style. Piranha Red stands out with a bright, Italian look that many enthusiasts like, while Puma Grey offers a matte finish for a more subtle but aggressive feel on highways and winding roads. The paint is high quality and resists chips from daily dust and monsoon weather in India.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 debuts in India in a single STD variant, simplifying the choice for premium naked buyers. This version includes all features, such as ride modes and electronics. It is made locally for BS6 Phase 2 compliance and global export. No additional trims exist; Aprilia focuses on value compared to competitors like the KTM Duke 390.
Value for Money and Pricing
Aprilia has priced the Tuono 457 at ₹ 4,31,644 ex-showroom in India, making it competitive in the premium middleweight naked segment. Even with GST increases, Aprilia has kept the price steady for buyers, which adds to its value. The Tuono 457 offers substantial value for money. Its 457cc parallel-twin engine delivers 47.6 PS. Premium features include ride modes, traction control, a slipper clutch, and a fully digital TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity.
The adjustable suspension and advanced electronics make the Tuono 457 a better value than its competitors. Some riders find the ride firm on rough roads, but the technology, performance, and premium features make the price worth it for those who want a top naked bike.
Key competitors to the Aprilia Tuono 457 in India include:
- KTM Duke 390
- Yamaha MT-03
- BMW G 310 RR
- Kawasaki Ninja 300
- KTM RC 390
The Aprilia Tuono 457 stands out from its rivals thanks to its Italian design, features, and strong performance.
VERDICT
The Aprilia Tuono 457 offers top-level Italian performance and features that beat most other middleweight naked bikes in India. It’s an excellent choice for riders who prefer excitement over everyday practicality.
Even with minor issues like a firm ride and fewer service centres, its Rs 3.95 lakh ex-showroom price puts it in direct competition with the KTM Duke 390 and Yamaha MT-03. It’s best for solo riders looking for weekend fun and is a strong new option in Aprilia’s range for India.
PROS
- Engine Performance: The Aprilia Tuono 457 features a punchy 457cc parallel-twin engine delivering 47.6 PS and strong mid-range torque.
- Acceleration and Cruising: It provides thrilling acceleration and effortless highway cruising, making it well-suited for India’s expressways.
- Premium Features: The bike includes advanced technology such as ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes, traction control, and cornering ABS.
- Display Technology: It features a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Handling and Suspension: Agile handling is facilitated by USD forks, wide handlebars, and a lightweight 175 kg chassis, ideal for twisty ghat roads.
- Rider Comfort: The upright ergonomics enhance comfort for both daily city commutes and long rides.
CONS
- Suspension feels firm on severely potholed Indian roads: Transmits bumps harshly despite adjustability, potentially fatiguing riders in heavy urban traffic like Mumbai or Delhi.
- Limited service network compared to Japanese rivals: This raises concerns about maintenance accessibility outside major cities, potentially increasing ownership costs.
- Rear seat comfort remains minimal: making it less ideal for pillion riding.
OTHER RELATED LINKS FROM BIKELEAGUE INDIA
LIST OF ALL APRILIA BIKES IN INDIA
TUAREG 660
659cc, 15-25Km/l
80PS @ 9250 rpm
70 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Price – ₹ 20,14,504 Onwards
RS 660
659cc, 15-22km/l
98.59PS @ 10,500rpm
67Nm @ 8,500rpm
Price – ₹ 18,95,878 Onwards
RS 457
457cc, 16-30km/l
47.6PS @ 9,400rpm
43.5Nm @ 6,700rpm
Price – ₹ 4,58,472 Onwards
About APRILIA BIKES
Aprilia India is the premium, performance-focused two-wheeler division of the Piaggio Group, set above regular commuter brands and known for its sporty scooters and motorcycles. Under Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (PVPL), Aprilia targets urban enthusiasts with models such as the SR scooter range and imported superbikes, supported by Motoplex multi-brand stores that offer a tailored sales and service experience.
History and Growth
- 1990s–2000s – Global foundation: Aprilia grows in Italy from a small-capacity bike maker into a major racing and performance brand, winning multiple world titles and later integrating into the Piaggio Group, which becomes the parent for its India operations.
- Late 1990s–2000s – Early India footprint: High-end Aprilia superbikes and sport models start reaching India in minimal numbers via imports and niche dealers, creating initial awareness among enthusiasts but with no local production or mass scooter presence yet.
- 2012 to 2015: Piaggio focused its two-wheeler business on Vespa and set up the Baramati plant and Motoplex multi-brand showrooms. This laid the foundation for introducing Aprilia as a premium performance brand in India.
- 2016: Piaggio officially entered the Indian scooter market under the Aprilia name by launching the SR 150. Designed in Italy and made at Baramati, it created the ‘sporty scooter’ sub-segment. It became the first mass-market Aprilia made in India.
- 2016 to 2019: Aprilia expanded the SR platform with the SR 125 and SR 160 models, offering a wider, yet still premium, scooter range aimed at urban enthusiasts rather than budget commuters.
- 2020 to 2022: Aprilia launched the SXR 125 and SXR 160 maxi-style scooters, targeting Indian riders who want comfort and style for touring. The brand also expanded Motoplex dealerships for Vespa and Aprilia in significant cities.
- 2023: Piaggio celebrated 25 years in India and announced new Vespa and Aprilia launches, showing an ongoing commitment to premium scooters and motorcycles and plans for more local production in the future.
- 2024: Aprilia began producing the RS 457 twin-cylinder sportbike at Baramati, with deliveries starting in March. This marks a significant move toward making middleweight performance motorcycles locally, rather than relying solely on imports.
- 2024: Aprilia announced a new superbike line-up for India and named John Abraham as its brand ambassador. This move aims to ‘ignite India’s superbike culture’ and strengthen the brand’s aspirational image.
- 2025: Aprilia launched the SR 175 hp-e to replace the SR 160, further establishing itself as a performance-scooter specialist. Industry analysis points to its steady, premium-focused growth in India’s two-wheeler market.
Key Milestones and Developments
- 2016: Piaggio announces local manufacturing of the Aprilia SR 150 at the Baramati plant and formally enters the Indian scooter market under the Aprilia brand, creating a new “sporty scooter” category.
- 2016–2019: Aprilia expands the SR platform in India with SR 125 and SR 160 variants, broadening its reach in the premium scooter segment while retaining a performance focus.
- 2020s (early): Aprilia strengthens its Indian line-up with SXR maxi-style scooters, positioning them as more comfortable, touring friendly alternatives to the SR models.
- 2023: Piaggio marks 25 years in India and announces plans to launch new Vespa and Aprilia scooters, signalling continued investment in the premium two-wheeler space.
- 2024: Production of the India built Aprilia RS 457 begins at Baramati, with deliveries slated from March, marking a significant step into locally manufactured middleweight sportbikes.
- 2024: Aprilia unveils an expanded superbike line-up for India and appoints John Abraham as brand ambassador, aiming to “ignite India’s superbike culture” and boost brand visibility.
- 2025: Aprilia launches the SR 175 hp e in India, replacing the SR 160 and further reinforcing its leadership in the performance scooter niche.
Manufacturing Facilities
Aprilia’s main manufacturing base in India is Piaggio’s integrated plant in Baramati, Maharashtra, where both commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, such as Vespa and Aprilia, are manufactured. The plant produces Aprilia SR scooters and the RS 457, blending Italian design with local production to control costs for the Indian and select export markets.
Piaggio describes the Baramati plant as ‘state-of-the-art,’ built to handle current production and future growth for several brands and vehicle types. Aprilia uses the same vendor base, quality systems, and logistics as Vespa and Piaggio commercial vehicles, helping maintain consistent standards as the brand grows in India.
Market Position and Achievements
In national sales, Aprilia is still a niche player compared to big brands like Hero, Honda, and TVS. However, it holds a clear premium position in India’s two-wheeler market. The SR series helped create the ‘sporty scooter’ sub-segment. At the same time, the RS 457 stands out as a globally relevant sportbike designed for emerging markets and made locally.
Aprilia’s racing history, with hundreds of Grand Prix wins and many world titles, is central to its brand image in India and is often featured in marketing. Motoplex multi-brand showrooms, which include Vespa, Aprilia, and sometimes Moto Guzzi, have helped the company build a premium retail presence in major cities, boosting brand visibility and customer experience even with a smaller market share.
Future Plans
By 2025, Aprilia plans to focus on its performance-led portfolio, increase local manufacturing, and expand its premium network, rather than targeting commuter sales. The company is developing the SR hp-e scooter range and increasing RS 457 production at Baramati, while using Motoplex outlets to introduce more superbike and middleweight models as fully built units for enthusiasts.
Corporate statements call India a ‘key market’ and outline plans to add more sales points, launch more niche scooters for touring, racing, and luxury, and keep updating engines and technology to meet new rules and customer needs. As electric vehicles gain ground in India’s two-wheeler market, industry analysis says Aprilia and Piaggio will eventually need a more straightforward local electric strategy. However, as of 2025, their primary focus remains premium ICE scooters and motorcycles, supported by their racing heritage.
