Aprilia RS 457 Review 2025

 **Aprilia RS 457: First Road Impressions After short spin of Ownership**

After eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Aprilia RS 457, I finally took delivery of this exciting new motorcycle. With 300 km now logged on the odometer, it’s time to share my initial impressions of what could be a game-changer in the entry-level sportbike segment.

**Booking and Delivery Experience**

Booking the RS 457 was a seamless process. Aprilia’s dealership staff were enthusiastic and well-informed, making the buying experience smooth. The delivery was punctual, and the bike was handed over in pristine condition, complete with all necessary documentation and a basic walkthrough of the features.

**First Look: Design and Build Quality**

The RS 457’s styling is a major head-turner. Aprilia has successfully infused the bike with DNA from its elder siblings—the RS 660 and RSV4. The aggressive front fascia, twin LED headlamps, and aerodynamic bodywork give it a premium, race-inspired appearance. Build quality feels solid, with neatly finished panels and a tactile feel to all controls. The attention to detail, from the unique graphics to the sculpted tail section, is impressive for this segment.

**Ergonomics and Comfort**

Swinging a leg over the RS 457, the bike feels compact yet surprisingly comfortable. The seat height is approachable for riders of average stature, and the slightly committed riding position strikes a balance between sporty and practical. The clip-ons are set low enough for spirited riding but don’t put excessive strain on the wrists during regular commutes. The seat padding is adequate for short to medium rides, though longer stints may require a break.

**Instrument Cluster and Features**

The 5-inch TFT display is crisp and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. It offers a wealth of information, including gear position, fuel range, trip meters, and a customizable display layout. The switchgear feels high quality, and Bluetooth connectivity is a welcome addition, allowing for call and notification alerts. The inclusion of three riding modes, traction control, and dual-channel ABS gives the RS 457 a technological edge over many of its competitors.

**Engine and Performance**

The heart of the RS 457 is its all-new 457cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47.6 hp and 43.5 Nm of torque. The power delivery is linear and smooth, with strong mid-range punch that makes overtakes effortless. Throttle response is crisp, and the bike feels eager to rev. The engine is refined, with minimal vibrations at most revs, only becoming noticeable near the redline.

The 6-speed gearbox is slick, with positive shifts and no false neutrals encountered so far. The clutch is light, making city traffic manageable. While the absence of a quickshifter is felt at times—especially for those used to higher-segment Aprilias—it’s not a deal-breaker.

**Ride and Handling**

Aprilia’s racing pedigree shines through in the RS 457’s chassis dynamics. The trellis frame, combined with a well-set-up suspension (USD fork at the front and preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear), gives the bike sharp handling and confidence-inspiring stability through corners. The stock MRF tyres offer decent grip, but swapping to stickier rubber could unlock even more potential on twisty roads or track days.

The riding experience is engaging, with the bike responding eagerly to steering inputs. The 175 kg kerb weight is well-masked, making the RS 457 feel agile in city traffic and planted on highways. The brakes, featuring a 320 mm front disc with a ByBre caliper and a 220 mm rear disc, offer strong bite and progressive feel, backed up by the safety net of ABS.

**Practicality and Usability**

Despite its sporty focus, the RS 457 is surprisingly usable for daily riding. The engine remains tractable at low speeds, and the cooling system manages heat well, even in stop-and-go traffic. Fuel efficiency, though not its primary forte, is reasonable for a twin-cylinder sportbike, with early figures hovering around 25-28 km/l under mixed riding conditions.

Storage options are minimal, as expected in this segment, but the under-seat space is enough for necessary documents and a basic toolkit. The LED lighting setup offers good visibility at night, and the mirrors provide a clear rearward view with minimal vibration.

**Ownership and Service Experience**

Initial ownership has been positive. Aprilia’s service network is expanding, and the dealership has assured prompt support for regular maintenance. Spare parts pricing and availability is yet to be fully tested, but initial feedback from the community suggests reasonable costs for consumables and basic repairs.

**Comparison with Rivals**

The Aprilia RS 457 enters a competitive arena, facing off against established rivals like the KTM RC 390, Yamaha R3, and Kawasaki Ninja 400. Where it stands out is in its combination of performance, equipment, and Italian flair. The RS 457’s twin-cylinder engine offers smoother performance than single-cylinder rivals, while its feature list and premium design help justify its price point.

**Final Thoughts**

After 300 km with the RS 457, it’s clear that Aprilia has crafted a compelling package for Indian enthusiasts. The bike blends performance, technology, and style in a way that few in its segment can match. While there’s room for minor improvements—like optional quickshifter and softer seat padding—the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

For riders seeking a sportbike that’s as exciting on twisties as it is manageable in daily life, the RS 457 stands out as a strong contender. Aprilia’s entry into this space has raised the bar, and I look forward to exploring its capabilities further in the months ahead.

Exhaust Note 👇👇