Meet the 2024 Aprilia RS 457. “What’s that?” you ask. Effectively, it’s Aprilia’s entry into the aggressive light-weight sportbike class, capturing the hearts and minds of recent riders by sporting the model’s confirmed efficiency mindset and racing pedigree on its sleeve. That’s excellent news for these trying to minimize their enamel on a sport machine or return to the using fold, because the Noale-based model’s latest RS-family member not solely pulls direct inspiration from but in addition serves because the all-important step towards the spectacular middleweight RS 660 and RSV4 superbikes.
Right here’s the rub: The RS 457 is an all-new totally faired sport machine powered by a full of life parallel-twin engine, boasting class-leading chassis design and rider aids that the marque hopes will put its competitors on discover. That’s fairly a bit to absorb on the base $6799 MSRP, partially achieved by manufacturing the bike in India.
Think about our consideration piqued, however the query stays: Is the Italian agency serving a spicy meatball or limp linguini? To seek out out, we grabbed a set of leathers and headed off to the tight and technical 1.3-mile Autodromo di Modena about 30 miles northwest of Bologna to see what the littlest Ape is all about. Now, let’s get to the Quick Information.
- The 457cc DOHC 4-valve parallel-twin goals to win. Aprilia’s firecracker of a mill delivers its partaking 48 horsepower at 9400 rpm and 32 ft-lbs of torque at 6700 rpm, displaying thorough on-brand sporting spirit. The fiery 270-degree crank—additionally employed within the RS 660—spools up urgently, imbuing the littlest RS with a full of life angle and exhaust notice that riders from throughout the talent spectrum can sink their enamel into whereas chasing its ample rev vary to the ten,700 rpm redline with ear-to-ear grins. A part of its commanding feeling is because of its broad powerband—82 p.c of peak torque out there at an simply accessible 3000 rpm. With palpable low-down and midrange grunt on faucet, leaping from Modena’s technical apexes may be accomplished even when carrying a gear too tall, talking to user-friendliness that ought to carry out simply as effectively on the road as on the observe.
- High marks go to the gearbox. Tight, easy shifts are a part of the 2024 Aprilia RS 457. It isn’t unusual to faucet dance on the shift lever to maintain it within the powerband when using bikes on this class, although the plentiful torque eases that trait. What’s well worth the funding is the well-tuned accent up/down quickshifter ($399), which aids in breezing by means of the gears, because it’s an choice significantly suited to aggressive using.
- A aggressive suite of electronics joins the light-weight ranks. The engaging five-inch TFT show has quite a lot of premium options in its menus, beginning with three trip modes—Sport, Eco, and Rain—flanked rider aids akin to three-level traction management and two-level ABS (commonplace and front-only). Provided that this is similar Magnetti Marelli 11MP ECU discovered on its larger siblings, we shouldn’t be stunned by the well-calibrated ride-by-wire throttle. All three maps supply full energy, however get there slightly in another way. Sport supplies an appropriately snappy response for the observe, whereas Eco might take the sting off for whole newbies or be appropriate for city using. Rain mode additional softens the throttle.
- Efficiency-focused lightweights are elevating the bar regarding rider aids. Together with the KTM RC 390 and CFMoto 450 SR, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 is likely one of the bikes shifting the dialog by offering adjustable traction management and ABS modes to entry-level choices. Though we’re not coping with an IMU-supported system, engineers have tuned the aids properly, even when considered by means of an skilled rider’s lens. Commonplace ABS has its place firmly on the highway, whereas the observe setting is greater than open to dropping anchor at speedier paces with faint hints of intrusion—nothing that really will get in the way in which. In the meantime, the only-the-fly adjustable TC follows the identical logic by solely interjecting when wanted in its lowest settings.
- The body is not any imposter—prepare for correct sportbike dealing with. In a category rife with flexy tubular metal frames that sap confidence and wallow when pushed, the RS 457 delivers “huge bike” sensations, sparking recollections of the RS 660 or RSV4. Its secret weapon is the light-weight twin-spar aluminum body. The p-twin is a harassed member and options an engine-mounted swingarm, all of which internet superior chassis rigidity over a lot of the competitors (the RC 390 metal trellis body is not any slouch, both).
- The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 has the nook velocity components down pat. The front-end fosters belief whereas deftly diving towards apexes, feels safe mid-corner, and hooks up on exit. In the meantime, the RS’s sheer agility, due to its mild 386-pound curb weight, sporty 24.1 levels of rake, and compact 53.2-inch wheelbase, make mincemeat of Modena’s many difficult transitions. New, previous, or returning riders might be in good arms after they toss this factor on the sting of the tire.
- Spring-preload adjustable suspension is a part of this system. The chassis design deserves a giant hat tip, however we should additionally acknowledge the 41mm inverted fork and monoshock. In contrast to many choices on this section that prioritize delicate setups and compliance, Aprilia is as soon as once more pointing to its dealing with know-how by gifting the RS with sturdier springs and damping than we’d sometimes see used right here—although on no account is it overly stiff and communicates suggestions extremely effectively. A very good steadiness is being struck that resonates with riders from throughout many talent ranges, with a fork that gained’t wilt beneath onerous braking and a shock that follows the identical instance.
- TVS Eurogrip Protorq Excessive tires are commonplace, however we used Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 SP rubber for the observe. Engineers tapped Indian producer TVS Eurogrip for its inventory rubber aimed toward avenue using. We at all times need extra grip on the observe, so Pirelli’s Supercorsa tires had been slapped on the 17-inch wheels and caught like glue throughout our check.
- ByBre brakes be part of the fold. Within the entrance, we have now a radial-mounted four-piston ByBre caliper, clamping onto a large 320mm rotor with an axial grasp cylinder doing the heavy lifting. Given the engine efficiency ranges we’re coping with, a single-disc setup is greater than satisfactory and doesn’t have the identical gyroscopic penalties as dual-rotor methods—essential on light-weight machines. There’s an excessive amount of preliminary sweep within the lever earlier than engagement, although the steel-braided strains enhance really feel over rubber hoses. Importantly, the chunk gained’t catch newcomers out after they discover their footing; we opted for accent “race” pads for extra stopping energy at Modena. The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 is constructed to a excessive commonplace, and whereas the funds grasp cylinder matches the invoice, it’s the one sore spot in its total efficiency. These trying to hit observe days or begin racing can simply swap it out.
- Sport informal describes the using place. The design transient cited a center floor between the Kawasaki Ninja 400’s sit-up-and-beg rider triangle and the conventionally aggressive KTM RC 390. To attain that, clip-on fashion riser handlebars mount to the highest yoke, propping us up and decreasing weight on the wrists. This affords loads of room to get aggressive on the observe and won’t develop into taxing on the road. our decrease half, the impressively svelte RS pairs properly with its 31.5-inch seat peak, making it interesting to riders with shorter inseams. In the meantime, the rearsets encourage a snug narrative with out sacrificing cornering clearance. Entrance-to-back motion within the saddle is proscribed, although on par with compact bikes within the section, and designers properly carved out a notch within the 3.4-gallon gasoline tank to assist adult-sized pilots tuck their heads behind the bubble.
- The thoroughbred look is just not a mistake, pals. It’s no secret that manufacturers search homogeneity inside any product line, and the RS 457 takes fairly a number of pages out of the playbooks of its siblings, from the overall design right down to the LED lighting. Further concerns are made for a function particular to the little Ape—vents within the aspect panels redirect heat air from the engine down and away from the rider. Talking of styling, Opalescent Gentle and Prismatic Darkish are the bottom coloration choices, whereas the Aprilia RS-GP Racing Stripe livery proven here’s a $200 upcharge.
- Need some actual efficiency out of a light-weight sportbike? Look no additional than the 2024 Aprilia RS 457. Aprilia’s newest sport machine addresses the entry-level section the one approach it is aware of how—taking what it learns on the observe and making use of it on to its manufacturing bikes, even these aimed toward new riders. The RS 457 isn’t too hard-edged; it merely evokes these emotions and supplies a wonderful basis to construct their expertise regardless of the place they’re of their careers. The premium options, akin to digital rider aids, LED lights, mature styling, and high quality fit-and-finish, are internet positives. However that isn’t what will get me fired up: There’s a contact of magic within the 457cc parallel-twin engine and its aluminum twin-spar chassis, making this an absolute blast to trip. And the decision? Spicy, spicy, certainly.
Location pictures by Alberto Cervetti, Gigi Soldano, and Marco Zamponi
RIDING STYLE
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Specs
ENGINE
- Kind: Parallel twin
- Displacement: 457cc
- Bore x stroke: 69 x 61.1mm
- Most energy: 48 horsepower @ 9400 rpm
- Most torque: 32 ft-lbs @ 6700 rpm
- Compression ratio: 10.5:1
- Fueling: EFI w/ two ride-by-wire 36mm throttle our bodies
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc
- Transmission: 6-speed (quickshifter optionally available)
- Clutch: Moist multiplate w/ help and slip capabilities
- Closing drive: Regina 520 chain
CHASSIS
- Body: Twin-spar aluminum
- Entrance suspension; journey: Spring-preload adjustable inverted 41mm fork; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension; journey: Spring-preload adjustable shock; 5.1 inches
- Wheel: Forged aluminum
- Entrance wheel: 17 x 3.00
- Rear wheel: 17. X 4.50
- Tires: TVS Eurogrip Protorq Excessive (Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 SP examined)
- Entrance tire: 110/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 150/60 x 17
- Entrance brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted ByBre 4-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ Brembo 2-piston caliper
- ABS: Commonplace
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 53.2 inches
- Rake: 24.1 levels
- Seat peak: 31.5 inches
- Gasoline capability: 3.4 gallons
- Curb weight: 386 kilos
- Colours: Prismatic Darkish; Racing Stripes; Opalescent Gentle
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Worth: $6799 MSRP
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Assessment Photograph Gallery
