• Aprilia RS 457 priced from $10,590 in New Zealand
  • Uses a 457cc, parallel-twin mill
  • Competes with Honda CB 500, CF Moto 450 SR, Kawasaki Ninja 400

Meanwhile, the Racing Stripes colour is priced at $10,990 (plus ORC). As an introductory offer, Aprilia is offering a Quickshifter kit for free for the first 10 buyers of this premium paint option. But fret not, the Aprilia RS 457 is loaded to the brim with other electronic goodies. There is a five-inch TFT colour display with backlit handlebar controls that offers Bluetooth connectivity. As for rider aids, it gets dual-channel ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, adjustable traction control and three ride modes- Eco, Sport and Rain.

Now, underneath its full fairing is an aluminum frame that is a unique feature in this segment of motorcycles. And fitted as a stressed member is the liquid-cooled 457cc, parallel-twin motor that churns out 35kW at 9400rpm and 44Nm at 6700rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch. The Aprilia RS 457 weighs in at 175kg with a full tank of fuel making it one of the lightest options in its segment.

The design of the RS 457 is in line with the rest of Aprilia’s RS range- the RS 660 and RSV4. It is sharp and sleek from the LED headlamps to the upswept pillion seat. To further attract younger and newer riders, the RS 457 comes with an 800mm seat height and a slightly upright riding position with the risers underneath the clip-on bars.

The motorcycle rides on 41mm inverted forks with preload adjustability at the front and a monoshock at the rear which is also preload adjustable. Stopping power comes from ByBre calipers mounted to a 320mm disc for the front wheel.

Aprilia RS 457