Aprilia has unveiled the new RS 457, and seeing as India’s first-ever MotoGP race is not too far away, highlights the connection between Aprilia’s racing experience and the development of this motorbike. With an impressive track record of 297 Grand Prix World Championship wins, we are expecting nothing less than exceptional performance from the RS 457.
At first glance, it can be seen that it has been heavily inspired by its elder sibling, the widely successful RS 660. The RS 457 features a liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, with double camshaft timing and four valves per cylinder. This powerplant puts out power figures of 47 bhp, and its impressive power-to-weight ratio will give competitors a run for their money, with a kerb weight of just 175 kg.
The full LED front headlight features the signature lighting style of the latest Aprilia generation, complete with integrated turn signals. The instrumentation uses an effective 5-inch TFT colour instrument while the handlebar controls are backlit.
The ergonomics of the RS 457 are characterised by the half-handlebars mounted above the steering plate, while the suspension system consists of an adjustable 41-mm front fork with 120 mm of travel and an adjustable rear monoshock on a steel swingarm. The braking duties are carried out by a 320-mm front disc featuring a ByBre radial-mount 4-piston calliper and a 220-mm rear steel disc. It also features a dual-channel ABS system, which adds an extra layer of safety.
Set to rival the likes of the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, as well as the upcoming Yamaha R3, the RS 457 will be manufactured in India at Piaggio India’s facility in Baramati, Maharashtra, and sold around the world.
