The moment I saw the Aprilia RS 457, I felt something different. This wasn't a simple launch or a rebadged sportbike. It had a distinct attitude. One that didn't make a fuss, but made you stop and stare. For years, Aprilia fans in India had been wanting something between the RS 660 and smaller entry-level bikes, and now it's here, and it's worth every moment of the wait.
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First Ride: Complete Awe and Instant Confidence
I rode the RS 457 on a private test circuit near Pune. Light, nimble, and quick. The very first twist of the throttle sent a wave through me. That 457cc parallel-twin engine doesn't roar, but sings with full intent. The power delivery is so clean that you almost forget it's under 50 horsepower. Every gear shift feels like a conversation between you and the machine.
In a turn, the rear tire skidded slightly, and the traction control corrected it in the blink of an eye. I laughed inside my helmet. That's Aprilia for you true performance wrapped in smart control.
The Beauty and Pitch of Design
The RS 457 isn't just a beautiful motorcycle; it's a reminder that Italians still design with emotion. Its front end, with its dual LED DRLs, feels vibrant. The flow of the tank and tail is perfect, giving it the look of a race bike that's worthy of the road. You sit down, lean forward, and the world suddenly slows down around you.
A kid once stopped by me at a petrol pump and asked if it was an imported Aprilia. I told him, No, it's made for India.He simply shook his head, widened his eyes, and said, "It looks faster than it should.That moment perfectly captures the RS 457's true potential.
Price and Value: Smart, Sharp, and Emotional
With an ex-showroom price of around ₹4.1 lakh, the Aprilia RS 457 isn't cheap. But it's not trying to be cheap either. It's built with premium parts, excellent fit and finish, and that Italian touch you can't replicate. Compared to the KTM RC 390, it feels more refined and mature. Its build is sturdy, the ride quality is premium, and every part feels thoughtfully designed. Yes, the service network could be better. But exclusivity has its own charm. You buy this bike because you want something different, something that feels personal. And the RS 457 offers exactly that.
Engine and Performance Built for Real Riders
The 457cc twin engine feels mature neither uncontrollable nor sluggish. It has the perfect balance, allowing you to cruise comfortably in second gear in traffic or unleash that familiar Aprilia aggression on the highway. As you pass 6000 rpm, the engine's sound changes, getting sharper and sharper. It's addictive. It feels like it's challenging you to go a little faster each time.
I managed to reach around 165 km/h before exiting the straightaway, and even then the engine was quiet, almost effortless. No vibration, no drama. It's not trying to intimidate you it wants you to become obsessed with control.
Handling and Feel: Where Aprilia Still Reigns
The aluminum frame is a masterpiece. It gives the RS 457 a stable feel in every turn. The bike responds immediately but never feels jerky. The suspension setup is firm perfect for performance riding, yet tolerant enough for Indian roads. You feel every ripple but never lose your rhythm.
In city traffic, it surprised me. The clutch is light, the gearbox is smooth, and heat management is impressive. ABS kicks in when needed, not before. It's confidence on two wheels, the kind of confidence that lets you push the limits safely. A true moment, respect earned, not claimed
At a small track day, a Ninja 400 rider came up to me after his session. He said, "Man, that Aprilia feels alive." I just smiled. Because that's the essence of the RS 457 it doesn't need to prove anything. It makes people feel something, and that's rare these days.
The Aprilia RS 457 isn't for riders who just want to post lap times or chase speed. It's for those who want a bond a bond where every ride feels like a story. It teaches control, rewards precision, and maintains the thrill without leaving you delirious. Every start, every rev, every ride reminds you speed isn't about numbers. It's about feeling alive again. And that's what the RS 457 does best.