Aprilia RS 457

Overview

Performance and Engine

The Aprilia RS 457 has a 457cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 47.58 PS at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm of torque at 6,700 rpm. This gives it strong mid-range power, which is excellent for Indian traffic and overtaking. It accelerates quickly, and real-world tests show it responds well in both city and highway riding. Riders also mention the engine feels smooth, helped by ride-by-wire technology for better power control.

The RS 457 comes with a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox that allows for precise shifting. It also has a slipper clutch, which helps prevent the rear wheel from hopping during hard downshifts. The chain drive makes the bike agile and helps with smooth gear changes in city traffic. The transmission works well with the engine’s power, making both relaxed cruising and energetic riding easy.

The RS 457 reaches a top speed of about 190 kmph, with verified Indian runs at 191 kmph in optimal conditions. This performance excels on highways, though actual limits depend on rider weight and wind resistance. It remains a strong contender in the supersport segment for speed enthusiasts.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The Aprilia RS 457 has an ARAI-certified mileage of 30 kmpl, based on standard tests for all versions in India. With its 13-litre fuel tank, it can cover a reasonable distance before needing a refill.

In real-world Indian traffic, the RS 457 delivers 16-20 kmpl in busy cities like Bangalore and Pune and 22-25 kmpl on highways, with an average of about 23 kmpl. City riders usually get 19-20 kmpl, and a full tank lasts for 220-240 km. This range drops in summer but improves on open roads. Riding hard in traffic can lower mileage to 16 kmpl, while careful highway riding can increase it to 24-27 kmpl.

Features and Technology

1. 5-inch TFT Digital Display: 5-inch TFT (thin-film transistor, a type of LCD screen) Digital Display: Provides Bluetooth connectivity for navigation assistance, call/SMS alerts, music control, and roadside assistance, with multiple trip meters (instruments tracking separate journey distances), gear position indicator, and service due reminders.
2. Dual-Channel Switchable ABS (anti-lock braking system): Features an anti-rollover system (helps prevent the bike from tipping forward during hard braking) with two maps (preset braking response modes) for enhanced braking safety on varied Indian surfaces, paired with metal braided brake hoses.
3. Traction Control and Riding Modes: Adjustable traction control (a system that prevents wheel spin by limiting power) and multiple riding modes (preset settings for engine performance, including engine maps via AEM, or Aprilia Engine Management) allow customisation for city commuting or highway speeds.
4. Full LED Lighting Setup: Includes LED (light-emitting diode, a type of energy-efficient bulb) headlight, taillight, turn signals, and DRLs (daytime running lights for visibility) for better visibility in Indian traffic, plus hazard warning lights and shift light (indicator for optimal gear change timing).
5. Ride-by-Wire Throttle: The ride-by-wire throttle delivers precise response, with backlit handlebar controls for night-time use in Indian cities.
6. Slipper Clutch and 6-Speed Gearbox: A Multiplate wet clutch (stacked clutch plates immersed in oil for smooth operation) with a slipper system (reduces rear-wheel lockup during rapid downshifts) ensures smooth downshifts, ideal for aggressive riding on Indian highways.
7. India-Specific Saree Guard: Practical addition for pillion riders, complying with local norms alongside passenger footrest and grab rail.
8. Adjustable Suspension: 41mm USD (upside-down) front forks (front suspension where the thicker part is at the top, improving stability; preload adjustable allows setting firmness, 120mm travel refers to movement range) and rear monoshock (single rear shock absorber, also preload adjustable, 130mm travel) handle potholes and speed breakers.
9. Advanced Console Features: Digital speedometer (displays speed electronically), odometer (tracks total distance), tachometer (shows engine speed in rpm), clock, low-fuel, low-battery, and low-oil indicators, distance-to-empty (estimates remaining range), engine temperature, and malfunction indicators.
10. Tubeless Tyres on Alloy Wheels: 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear TVS Eurogrip Protorq tyres (tubeless type, meaning no inner tube, reducing puncture risks) with 320mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes (discs provide braking power) for grip in wet/dry conditions.
11. Additional Safety Aids: Engine kill switch, pass switch, stand alarm, high beam indicator, and 3-year/36,000 km warranty with roadside assistance.
12. Pillion-Friendly Elements: Split seat (separate seat sections for rider and passenger) with pillion grab rail (handle for passenger), 800mm seat height, and 13L fuel tank (2.6L reserve, backup fuel amount) for practical two-up riding in India.

Build Quality

The RS 457 has a lightweight dual-beam aluminium trellis frame, weighing 159kg dry and 175kg with fluids. Its design is inspired by larger Aprilia bikes, making it well-suited to Indian roads. It uses quality parts like metal-braided brake hoses, strong welds, and TVS Eurogrip Protorq tyres on alloy wheels, giving it a solid build that matches more expensive bikes.

Some minor issues with the plastic panels can appear over time. Aprilia India has addressed early engine and sensor issues through inspections, software updates, and a longer 3-year/36,000km warranty and roadside assistance. This improves the bike’s reliability for both city and touring riders.

Handling

Handling stands out with razor-sharp steering from its low centre of gravity, 41mm USD preload-adjustable front forks (120mm travel), and a rear monoshock (130mm travel, preload-adjustable), enabling confident cornering on ghat sections and quick traffic manoeuvres.

The chassis keeps the bike stable at speeds up to 190 kmph, with no shaking or vibrations during tests. The 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tyres grip well in both wet and dry Indian weather. Riders like its quick handling in cities and steady ride over potholes. There can be some brake fade with hard use, but the switchable dual-channel ABS with anti-rollover helps manage this.

Comfort

The 800mm seat height suits most Indian riders, and the split seat is comfortable for both the rider and passenger in the city. Some people find the seat hard on long trips. The sporty riding position remains practical, helping reduce fatigue on highway rides at 100-120 kmph.

The suspension handles small bumps well but can feel stiff on bigger potholes or speed breakers. Backlit handlebar controls and a well-designed fuel tank make city riding at night more comfortable. Riders say the bike is comfortable for both city and long rides, with little fatigue.

Styling

The Aprilia RS 457 stands out with its unique front double fairing, slim twin DRLs, and a compact tail. This design mixes racing style with an aggressive look. Its aerodynamic body, 2-in-1 exhaust, and shaped fuel tank give it a MotoGP-inspired look.

The forward-leaning design is popular with Indian bike fans who want a sporty appearance. The wheels have a high-quality finish, and the LED accents make the bike’s sporty shape stand out. It gets noticed on both city streets and rural roads.

Colour Options and Variants

Offered in three premium liveries, the RS 457 suits diverse tastes with

1. Racing Tripes
2. Opalescent Light
3. Prismatic Dark

Each colour highlights the bike’s style: Racing Stripes for a fast look, Prismatic Dark for a subtle city feel, and Opalescent Light for a bright road presence. All colours cost the same and are available at every Aprilia dealer in India.

The Aprilia RS 457 comes in one Standard version that includes all features, like electronics and suspension. There are no different trim levels, which makes choosing easier. It also has India-specific features, such as saree guards, and is made for export at the Baramati factory.

Value for Money and Pricing

The RS 457 is sold as a single Standard model for ₹ 4,58,472 ex-showroom in Delhi, so buyers don’t have to choose between trims. For this price, you get Italian engineering, a 457cc twin engine (47.6 PS), a 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth, switchable ABS, traction control, adjustable suspension, and a 175kg bike with a 3-year/36,000km warranty and roadside assistance.

Owners say the RS 457 has better build quality than Japanese competitors, smooth performance in both city and highway riding, and good resale value. This helps justify its higher price compared to cheaper sports bikes, even though maintenance costs are higher. Its track-ready handling and features make it an excellent choice for riders seeking a long-lasting, exciting motorcycle.

Direct rivals for the Aprilia RS 457 include the

1. KTM RC 390
2. TVS Apache RR 310
3. BMW G 310 RR