Aprilia RS 457 Test 2024 - A2 Supersport Bike

Aprilia's range of supersport motorcycles has recently been expanded with the RS660. The new RS457 now fills the gap between the RS125 and RS660 models. The frame and engine have undergone a complete redesign. The modern, aggressive appearance carries the DNA of the RS series and stands out among the 300-400cc models of other manufacturers. With 48 hp and a wet weight of 175 kg, the Aprilia RS457 perfectly fits within the limits of the A2 class - offering maximum power and minimal weight, making it the top performer in its category. This means that the RS457 surpasses competitors with larger displacements, such as the Kawasaki Ninja 400 or KTM RC390, while weighing only 4 kilos more than the KTM and significantly less than the Honda CBR650R, Kawasaki Ninja 650, or Yamaha R7.

The Aprilia Supersport, known as the RS457, gets its name from its impressive 457cc engine. This two-cylinder in-line engine features a bore of 69x61.1mm and produces 48PS at 9400rpm, with 43.5Nm of torque at 6700rpm. What's remarkable is that around 82% of the maximum torque is accessible as low as 3000rpm. To ensure smooth gear shifts, the RS457 is equipped with an original anti-hopping clutch, allowing for seamless transitions between its 6 gears.

The Aprilia Supersport stands out with its new aluminum bridge frame, weighing only 7360g. Similar to the RS660, the engine block serves as part of the chassis, reducing weight. With a seat height of 800mm and a narrow seat, the Aprilia offers a comfortable riding position for both smaller and taller riders, thanks to the low-mounted footrests. The chassis features a 41mm upside-down fork with adjustable spring preload and a shock absorber without linkage, adjustable in rebound and compression. Equipped with TVS tires in sizes 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear, the RS457 also boasts a ByBre brake system with a radial four-piston brake caliper at the front, a 320 mm floated brake disk, and a 220 mm disk at the rear. The new 5-inch TFT display provides an overview of the three adjustable riding modes, with Ride By Wire enabling three-way traction control adjustment or complete deactivation. The rear wheel ABS can also be fully deactivated. Illuminated buttons and controls ensure full visibility even in the dark. The LED lighting system at the front and rear mirrors the design of the RS series, with integrated indicators for a sporty look. The Aprilia RS457 will be available in Racing Stripes, Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light color options.

I had the opportunity to test the Aprilia Supersport at the Autodromo di Modena and was truly impressed by the performance of the RS457. Equipped with Pirelli Supercorsa tires, the Aprilia was put through its paces on the track by Maverick Vinales and Lorenzo Savadori, showcasing its capabilities. The bike, weighing almost 180 kg, felt incredibly light and nimble during the ride. The chassis, although pushed to its limits on the racetrack, is well-suited for everyday use with the right setup.

One of the pleasant surprises was the inclusion of a floating brake disc as standard on the Aprilia. The 320mm disc, paired with the four-piston ByBre brake caliper, provided excellent braking performance even under hard braking. Despite a slight drop in brake pressure due to temperature build-up, the braking performance remained consistent without any signs of fading. The agility of the Aprilia in corners and fast direction changes made it a joy to ride, almost like a pit bike, adding a fun factor to the experience.

Overall, chasing the RS457 around the track in Modena was a thrilling experience due to its responsiveness and ease of handling. The optional quickshifter, which our test bikes were equipped with, worked seamlessly, allowing for smooth gear shifts without the need for the clutch. The original anti-hopping clutch also contributed to a smooth ride, preventing any rear wheel lock-ups during rapid downshifts. Aprilia has truly delivered on their promise with the RS457, providing a high-performance supersport motorcycle that is a joy to ride.

The initial batch of Aprilia RS457 motorcycles will soon be available in German-speaking countries. While the exact retail price is still pending, it is expected to fall within the range of 7,100 EURO to 7,600 EURO, comparable to the KTM RC390.