Aprilia RS 457 - Experience Report from the Female Riders' Camp

With its supersports look and high-quality components, this bike already attracts many enthusiasts. But how does it feel to ride? You sit on an A2 bike that definitely has an impressive sound and responds very well to the throttle. It is also very controllable, which can be particularly helpful for beginners. Perfect for gathering many new impressions while ensuring a high level of safety.

A special feature is the saddle, which narrows towards the front. This ensures that even shorter riders can reach the ground better. This ergonomic design significantly eases the handling of the bike. Perhaps this is the perfect entry-level bike, especially for women? It could be the ideal motorcycle for those taking their first steps into the world of motorcycling, seeking a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

The Aprilia RS 457 combines racing DNA and cutting-edge technology in a compact, agile, and visually appealing package. Powered by a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 457 cc, it delivers an impressive 47 hp (35 kW). This machine is perfect for riders who appreciate sporty performance and nimbleness. The dry weight of only 159 kg ensures agile handling.

The RS 457 is equipped with an upside-down fork at the front and a monoshock suspension at the rear, providing outstanding riding dynamics. The Brembo braking system, with a 320 mm disc at the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear, ensures optimal braking power and safety. The electronic features include an advanced TFT display, traction control, and various riding modes, offering the rider full control and adaptability.

This model combines Aprilia's racing experience with modern technology and is also visually a real highlight in our eyes. Our test model surprised us with a completely new paint job that shimmered in either a purple or green tone depending on the light, further accentuating the bike's great design. This paint job is available directly from the factory alongside two other attractive looks.

While today's motorcycle scene is dominated by torque, peak performance, and perfectionism, a crucial aspect is often overlooked: accessibility and mass appeal. The Aprilia RS 457 has been created to bring a smile to your face under the helmet due to its full power delivery without any restriction - without neglecting accessibility. Especially female motorcycle enthusiasts often face difficulties enjoying the full pleasure of fun machines due to their smaller size, as the risk of falling is simply higher. Therefore, this report consciously puts a female rider in the spotlight to share her impressions of the new RS 457. Naomi has been passionately riding motorcycles for several years - preferably a colorful mix of models, and here she tells us about her experiences:

“Two days before the shooting date, I was allowed to pick up the RS 457 in Lupfig (AG), and at the first encounter, I was already in love with the breathtaking design of the supersports. The Aprilia greeted me with a fascinating play of colors that shone either in a soft violet or a deep green depending on the lighting conditions. It was as if it revealed a new facet of its personality with every glance – a true work of art on two wheels.

I immediately noticed that the RS 457 is a rather small, narrow bike. This compact design not only conveys a touch of elegance but also makes it incredibly easy to handle and thus very accessible for smaller or less experienced riders. I could hardly wait to experience the Aprilia on the road.

Switching from my 1000-cc bike to the RS 457 took some getting used to at first. The lower power and torque required an adjustment in my riding style. But this initial adaptation was quickly forgotten once I experienced the incredible agility of the supersports. The RS 457 felt like an extension of my body, perfectly responding to every move I made. With every corner, every acceleration, and every lane change, I felt the incredible lightness and precision that makes this bike special.

For the photos, we chose a rather demanding location that offered both flat and steep areas—a true dream for the photographer but a real challenge for the rider. Yet with the RS 457, I mastered every situation with flying colors. Without much effort, I could maneuver the bike into any desired position and felt like a part of the machine itself.

Just as we wanted to maneuver it a bit backward up the hill for the perfect shot, Frankee offered his help. But self-reliance is key! Too proud to accept help, I decided to tackle the challenge on my own. I got into a fighting stance, ready to push the bike up the hill, and was surprised at how easy it was: The RS 457 could be positioned on the slope with absolute ease.

Whether I was in the saddle or standing next to the bike—the machine responded so intuitively to my movements, as if it knew exactly what I wanted from it. It followed my commands with the precision of a Swiss watch. This gave me an enormous sense of control and security.

When I think back to my early riding days, the Aprilia RS 457 would have been the perfect beginner bike for me: It sparks pure joy at first sight and, with its relatively low height and narrow seat, allows for a stable stand on both feet. Its lightness quickly instills confidence in maneuvering, especially for newcomers. In the twisties, it is very nimble and agile, and despite its small displacement, it is grunty at the throttle yet not aggressive, making it easy to control. I believe it's precisely these small details that give beginners the confidence to master the bike, thereby enhancing the riding pleasure.

The riding performance of the bike is impressive. The suspension is firm enough for sporty riding, yet offers enough comfort for everyday use. However, it should be noted that the shock absorber compensates for bumps in the road to an unusual degree, causing the swingarm to "wobble" significantly. This effect is particularly noticeable at a constant speed of around 50 km/h. Essentially, it makes the ride smoother, but initially feels very elastic, as if part of the swingarm might break. Once you get used to it, you will appreciate the well-functioning suspension.

Thanks to its low weight and agile geometry, the motorcycle is also very suitable for first experiences on the race track. The brakes are powerful and well-modulated, contributing to a high sense of safety. The motorcycle is rather sparsely equipped with accessories, which is not a major issue for beginners, as it allows for a pure motorcycle experience. Additionally, the absence of any frills results in a very attractive price. For an additional charge, a connect system can be installed, allowing navigation to be displayed directly on the motorcycle's display.

In summary, this model is an outstanding entry-level bike that impresses with both its technical features and its visual and dynamic riding qualities. It offers a high level of safety and comfort, making it particularly attractive for beginners and smaller women. At the same time, experienced riders will also get their money's worth, thanks to its sporty performance and dynamic riding behavior. A bike that is fun and instills confidence – ideal for anyone looking for a versatile and accessible motorcycle.