Aprilia RS 457 – First Look

The Aprilia RS 457 represents a new era for Aprilia – a sportbike that combines power, agility, and innovation and sets new standards.

Aprilia adds to its legacy with the RS 457, a motorcycle tailored to meet the demands of an ever-growing global audience seeking accessible yet thrilling two-wheel experiences. At the heart of this lightweight wonder is a brand-new liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine integrated into a rigid aluminum frame. This integration, a testament to Aprilia’s decades of racing expertise, follows the footsteps of the highly successful RS 660, positioning the crankcase as a load-bearing element.

The RS series, denoting Aprilia’s sporty offerings, has a storied history of dominating the racing world, especially in the 2-stroke categories. Aprilia’s RS bikes have consistently pushed the boundaries of performance. With the RS 457, Aprilia returns to its roots, channeling its vast track knowledge into a motorcycle designed to captivate a new generation of riders.

“In recent years, the Aprilia brand has seen an intense burst of renewal, also supported by continued progress in the racing world. The recent introduction of the 660 family, with RS and Tuono first and Tuareg later, has expanded its target, creating a full and competitive range. We are now ready to take another step towards the future with an astonishing bike developed entirely in Noale, capable of stimulating and thrilling young people and opening up huge potential in new markets, near and far. It is a step closer to the globalization of a brand that has always had the perfect combination of technology, fun, and looking to the future in its DNA.” Michele Colaninno, Piaggio Group CEO.

The RS 457 inherits the iconic styling cues of the RS range. From the aggressive aerodynamic front fairing to the distinctive LED headlamp, this motorcycle exudes the sporty DNA that has made Aprilia a legend in the motorcycle world. The 5-inch TFT color instrument display adds a touch of modernity, ensuring riders have all the information they need at their fingertips.

Under the sleek bodywork, the RS 457 packs a liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 47 horsepower. What truly sets it apart is its feather-light dry weight of 350 pounds.

The aluminum frame of the RS 457 is a testament to Aprilia’s design prowess, drawing on its victorious history in global racetracks. The crankcase’s role as a load-bearing element enhances the bike’s overall performance, providing low weight, agility, and raw riding pleasure.

Rolling on sporty 17-inch rims with a 110/70 front tire and a 150/60 rear, the RS 457 features a 41 mm front fork with 120 mm of travel and a rear monoshock with preload adjustability, offering 130 mm of wheel travel. The ABS braking system includes a 320 mm front disc mated to a single front ByBre radial-mounted 4-piston caliper, and a 220 mm steel disc is paired with a ByBre caliper at the rear.

Small, lightweight, but mighty, the new Aprilia RS 457 will turn heads on the street, attracting both new and experienced riders. But its DNA dictates that it will dominate on the circuit. Watch this space for the upcoming full first ride review.

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