Aprilia RS 457 review, first ride: A mini Italian thoroughbred with a heart of gold

The Aprilia RS 457 has arrived on the twin-cylinder sports motorcycle scene like a breath of fresh air. It promises to be a fast, good-looking and extremely capable motorcycle in that segment. Can it deliver on that promise? We put it through its paces to find out

Some motorcycles feel special from the moment you first lay eyes on them. For me, that was the case with the Aprilia RS 457. Even the way it arrived all the way from Pune was like a gift, especially being wrapped and presented to you. Just to give you a little context, Aprilia as a brand was first established just after the second World War. But, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that we saw some of the first iconic motorcycle models from this legendary Italian brand.

The RS 457, in that respect, arrived in India late last year and is completely made at the company’s Baramati facility. It’s meant to take on the likes of the KTM RC 390 and Yamaha R3, both of which are well-made and sought-after motorcycles, in their own regard. So, what’s all the fuss about with the Aprilia Rs 457?

How does it look?

Let’s kick things off with the way the RS 457 looks, and might I say, this is a gorgeous motorcycle. I know looks are subjective and one must try and be as neutral as possible, but just standing next to the RS 457 hits me right in the feels. Whether it’s that well-sculpted fairing or the decals on the tank and other parts of the motorcycles, there’s a sense of occasion with the RS 457 that’s just hard to beat.

I mean, just look at the way that underbody exhaust has been integrated with the belly pan. The rear section of the 457 also looks particularly scrumptious with that LED taillamp and rear fender, which gives this bike that authentic sports motorcycle look, which it wears with aplomb. There are also those 17-inch aluminium rims along with the LED headlamp unit, which look the part.

But, special mention must go out to the crisp and clear 5-inch colour TFT, which is the best I’ve seen in quite a while. The switchgear, too, feels premium and the controls are backlit for added convenience. All in all, the RS 457 exudes an exciting and sporty demeanour, and there’s a sense of exhilaration every time you’re about to go and ride.

What's it like to ride?

Aprilia is known for making motorcycles that handle beautifully. In that respect, the RS 457 does not disappoint at all. The riding posture itself is quite committed, and you almost feel like a part of the motorcycle. However, it is a little cumbersome in everyday city conditions with traffic. But, that also means that the RS 457’s handling is absolutely brilliant. This is a proper corner carver, and in most situations, at least for me, I ran out of talent.

So, if you’re looking for a motorcycle that will make you a better rider on the track, the RS 457 abides. The level of control one feels on this motorcycle is commendable, and dare I say, it’s almost flawless in this regard. Sure, you might find it uncomfortable for touring, but as a tool to make one feel special, the RS 457 excels in spades. The 41mm USD with 120mm travel keep the bike planted at all times, while the preload adjustable monoshock with 130mm travel keeps things balanced at the back.

The 175kg weight can feel slightly heavy at first, but once you’re on the move, the RS 457 masks that heft rather well. Changing directions comes almost automatically, thanks to the aluminium frame and the overall setup of the motorcycle. Furthermore, the 17-inch tyres on each end have ample grip and inspire a sense of confidence in the corners. The ride quality over bad roads isn’t something the RS 457 is great at, but given its single-minded approach to providing feedback to the rider, this doesn’t come as a big surprise.

The RS 457, as the name should make apparent, is powered by a 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that churns out 47bhp of peak power and 43.5Nm of peak torque. It gets goodies like ride-by-wire, traction control system and a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper system. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm disc at the front and 220mm one at the rear. The net result of these facts and figures feels slightly redundant once you’re out on the road.

The Aprilia RS 457 delivers power in a linear and exhilarating manner. Even in ‘Eco’ mode, the bike feels lively, and is the best mode to use while in traffic. But, if you’re in the mood for blasting down the highway, the ‘Sport’ mode is the one to go for. The instrument console goes red and there’s a feeling of busy-ness in the engine that feels electric (no pun intended). One twist on the throttle sends the RS 457 in acceleration frenzy. I can say without a doubt, this is one bike that hardcore sports bike enthusiasts will really enjoy.

However, there are some issues too. The engine tends to run quite hot in traffic and the brakes lack progressive feel. The bite comes right at the end of the brake lever, which can be a little alarming at first, although eventually one gets used to it. Also, at this price, the quickshifter should have been standard. Speaking of which, the RS 457 gets a number of additional accessories like TPMS, USB charging, adjustable brake lever, windscreen and more. It goes without saying, that this is a steadfast and remarkable motorcycle to ride. It handles phenomenally and performs with vigour, all while looking the part.

Verdict

How does one sum up the experience with the Aprilia? The RS 457 is a good-looking, fast, agile and well-equipped twin-cylinder sports bike that is more than adept at handling the track, city streets and open highways.

Sure, the aftersales service, dealer network and overall quality maintenance are details we will get to know more about in the future, but, as a product, Aprilia deserves praise for the RS 457. This one feels like a mini-version of an Italian thoroughbred!