The world of sports bikes is an interesting one. Many people dream of affording it and then also create weird reasons, such as fear of getting hurled casteist slurs just because they own a 2 wheeler, to not buy one. One of the reasons may have been that on the used market, the prices have dropped to a very attainable level. However, as the 400cc engine category gets more competitive daily, you will see more brands associated with racing tarmac step into the core Indian Market. One such brand is Aprilia and they have rocked the boat with their RS 457 but does it justify its Rs. 4.1 Lakh price tag. Allow us to explain.
In the dynamic realm of high-performance motorcycles, the Aprilia RS 457 emerges as a titan, embodying the pinnacle of power, precision, and technological supremacy. As the newest entrant into Aprilia’s illustrious lineage, this marvel of engineering stands poised to redefine the standards of sport bikes in 2024.
At the heart of the RS 457 lies an awe-inspiring parallel twin 457cc liquid-cooled motor which produces 47hp and 48nm of torque which should ideally offer an adrenaline-fueled ride. Born from Aprilia’s racing pedigree, this behemoth machine doesn’t just accelerate; it flies from 0-100 in a time unknown to humanity for now as they haven’t published it yet. One just needs to envy the Italian minds, doesn’t it?
Drawing upon Aprilia’s storied history in MotoGP and World Superbike Championships, expect the marketing fluff of RS 457 to drive the point home that every nerve of the chassis is infused with advanced rider aids and electronics nannies. To their credit, it brings track-focused precision to the streets in the form of 3-stage traction control and ride-by-wire technology. Not to mention, you can opt for a quick-shifter and smartphone connectivity as every facet of technology in the RS 457 is meticulously designed to elevate the riding experience to a respectable level of control and exhilaration.
Beyond its raw performance capabilities, the RS 457 is a visual masterpiece. Its sleek, aerodynamic profile isn’t just eye-catching; it’s a testament to engineering precision. Crafted with purpose, every curve and contour optimizes both form and function, ensuring optimal aerodynamics while captivating onlookers with its stunning design as it takes inspiration from its bigger brother RS 660.
Despite its adrenaline-inducing power, the RS 457 doesn’t compromise on rider comfort. Its ergonomics strike a harmonious balance between aggressive performance and rider-friendly features such as configurable driving modes controlled via a 5-inch TFT screen, enabling enthusiasts to push their boundaries according to their whims and fancies. Not to mention, an Upside Down Fork and Monoshock front and rear suspension which is fully adjustable allows the rider to utilise all the capabilities of the Baramati Built Monster.
In a landscape where competition thrives, the RS 457 stands tall, setting itself apart from rivals like the 2024 KTM Duke 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300. While the Duke 390 emphasizes agility and a robust feature set at a competitive price at a disadvantage of an image problem, and the Ninja 300 focuses on approachability and ease of handling but at a hefty price of Rs. 5.24 Lakhs, the RS 457 reigns supreme in sheer power, offering usable technology, and track-oriented performance and offering decent value for money compared to the Yamaha R3 as well.
As enthusiasts seek the epitome of high-performance motorcycles in 2024, the Aprilia RS 457 also emerges as a potential symbol of relentless tuning excellence thanks to growing aftermarket support for things like exhausts, and ECU remaps. People would say it is not just a motorcycle but it remains to be seen whether it can do most tasks that “just a motorcycle” can do easily. A bike is an extension of who a person is and this extension isn’t cheap so ideally it should fit into a rider’s daily life. The Aprilia badge is expensive, and after-sales service needs to be better to smoothen a person’s decision to go with their heart and get this Italian.
