March 23, 2025 | New Delhi
Aprilia India has officially launched the highly anticipated RS 457 in the Indian market, marking the Italian manufacturer’s strategic entry into the competitive mid-capacity sportbike segment. This motorcycle brings Aprilia’s racing pedigree and distinctive styling to a more accessible price point for Indian enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
The Aprilia RS 457 is powered by a new 457cc parallel-twin engine developed specifically for this model. The liquid-cooled powerplant delivers a balance of performance and efficiency that makes it ideal for both everyday riding and weekend track sessions.
Key Performance Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 457cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Maximum Power | 47.6 hp (35.5 kW) at 9,400 rpm |
| Torque | 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm |
| Kerb Weight | 175 kg |
| Power-to-Weight | 0.27 hp/kg |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 litres |
| Fuel Economy | Approximately 25-28 km/l |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.2 seconds |
Premium Components
Despite its mid-segment positioning, the RS 457 incorporates several premium features typically found on Aprilia’s larger displacement models
Performance Features
| Component | Specification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum perimeter frame | Optimal rigidity and light weight |
| Front Suspension | 41mm USD Kayaba forks, adjustable | Superior control and feedback |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock with preload adjustment | Balanced ride quality and sporty handling |
| Brakes | 320mm front disc with radial caliper, 220mm rear | Strong stopping power with good feel |
| Wheels | 17-inch lightweight alloys | Reduced unsprung weight |
| Tires | 110/70-17 front, 150/60-17 rear | Balanced grip and longevity |
| Swingarm | Asymmetric aluminum design | Improved traction during acceleration |
Electronics Package
The RS 457 comes equipped with a modern electronics suite unusual for its displacement category:
Rider Aids and Controls
| System | Function |
|---|---|
| Ride-by-Wire | Electronic throttle control |
| Riding Modes | Sport, Road, Rain |
| ABS | Dual-channel with cornering function |
| Traction Control | 3-level adjustable |
| Quick Shifter | Up and down (optional accessory) |
| TFT Display | 5-inch full-color with smartphone connectivity |
| LED Lighting | Full LED headlight, taillight and indicators |
Competitive Landscape: Mid-Capacity Sportbike Comparison
The Aprilia RS 457 enters a growing segment populated by several established competitors. Here’s how it compares to its main rivals in the Indian market:
Sportbike Comparison Table
| Specification | Aprilia RS 457 | KTM RC 390 | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | TVS Apache RR 310 | Honda CBR500R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 457cc parallel-twin | 373cc single | 399cc parallel-twin | 312.2cc single | 471cc parallel-twin |
| Max Power | 47.6 hp | 43.5 hp | 49 hp | 34 hp | 47.5 hp |
| Max Torque | 43.5 Nm | 37 Nm | 38 Nm | 27.3 Nm | 43 Nm |
| Weight | 175 kg | 172 kg | 168 kg | 174 kg | 192 kg |
| Special Features | Aluminum frame, winglets | Steel trellis frame, TFT display | Lightweight trellis frame | Ride modes, glide through technology | Honda Assist Slipper Clutch |
| Electronics | 3 ride modes, TC, cornering ABS | Supermoto ABS, TC, quickshifter | Basic ABS | Ride modes, GTT, ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Indian Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹4.25 lakh | ₹3.18 lakh | ₹5.19 lakh | ₹2.70 lakh | ₹5.80 lakh |
The Aprilia RS 457 (center) with its main competitors in the mid-capacity sportbike segment
Market Position and Pricing for India
The Aprilia RS 457 is positioned as a premium mid-capacity sportbike with an ex-showroom price of ₹4.25 lakh in India. This positions it between the more affordable single-cylinder options and the more expensive Japanese parallel-twins, offering a compelling value proposition for enthusiasts seeking Italian design and performance.
Ownership Experience
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 years / 30,000 km |
| Service Intervals | First service at 1,000 km, subsequent every 6,000 km |
| Exclusive Benefits | Aprilia Racing Experience program for owners |
| Accessories | Racing exhaust, quickshifter, carbon fiber components |
| Availability | All Aprilia-Moto Guzzi-Vespa dealerships across India |
| Booking Amount | ₹10,000 |
| Delivery Timeline | 4-6 weeks from booking |
Piaggio India, which handles Aprilia operations in the country, has announced that the RS 457 will be available across all 50+ Motoplex dealerships in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and Kochi.
“The RS 457 represents a crucial product for Aprilia in India as we target the rapidly growing mid-capacity segment,” said Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director of Piaggio India. “This motorcycle brings authentic Italian racing DNA and technology to Indian riders at an accessible price point, fulfilling a gap in our portfolio between the smaller SR scooters and the premium RSV4 superbike.”
Market Analysis: Mid-Capacity Sportbikes in India
Industry experts note that the 300-500cc sportbike segment has grown by over 25% in the past year, driven by increasing disposable incomes, growing highway infrastructure, and rising interest in track days and motorcycle racing events.
“The mid-capacity segment is witnessing significant growth in India as riders upgrade from 150-250cc motorcycles and seek performance without the prohibitive costs and maintenance of full-fledged superbikes,” explained Anil Srivastava, motorcycle industry analyst. “The Aprilia RS 457’s parallel-twin configuration offers a significant advantage over single-cylinder competitors in terms of refinement and high-speed stability, while its pricing makes it more accessible than the Japanese alternatives.”
The localization strategy for the RS 457 has been critical to its competitive pricing. While designed in Italy, the motorcycle is manufactured at Piaggio’s Baramati facility in Maharashtra with approximately 65% localization, helping to position it competitively against both domestic and imported alternatives.
Riding Experience
Early test rides by automotive journalists highlight the RS 457’s balanced character, combining accessible everyday performance with genuine sporty credentials that live up to the Aprilia name.
“The RS 457 manages to capture the essence of Aprilia’s larger sportbikes in a more manageable and affordable package,” wrote Rahul Sharma, senior motorcycle journalist. “The parallel-twin delivers smooth power with a characterful exhaust note, while the aluminum frame and quality suspension components provide precise handling that will satisfy both novice riders and experienced enthusiasts.”
The motorcycle’s ergonomics strike a balance between sport and comfort, with a relatively relaxed riding position for its class – the clip-on handlebars are positioned higher than on supersport models, and the seat height of 800mm makes it accessible to a wide range of riders.
