Aprilia RS 457 - Experience report from the female rider camp

With its supersports look and high-quality components, this bike already attracts plenty of interest. But what about the riding feel? You sit on an A2 bike that definitely has an impressive sound and responds very well to the throttle. It's also very easy to control, which can be especially helpful for beginners. Perfect for gathering plenty of new impressions while ensuring a high level of safety.

A special feature is the seat, which narrows toward the front. This means that even shorter riders can reach the ground more easily. This ergonomic design significantly improves the handling of the bike. Maybe this is the perfect beginner bike, especially for women? It could be the ideal bike for those taking their first steps into the world of motorcycling while looking for a safe and pleasant riding experience.

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

The RS 457 is fitted with an upside-down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, delivering outstanding riding dynamics. The Brembo brake system with a 320 mm disc at the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear ensures optimal braking power and safety. The electronics package includes an advanced TFT display, traction control, and various riding modes that give the rider full control and adaptability.

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

While torque, peak performance, and perfectionism shape development in today's motorcycle scene, one very important aspect is often forgotten: accessibility and mass appeal. With the Aprilia RS 457, a bike has been created that inevitably puts a grin under the helmet thanks to full power delivery without any throttling - without neglecting accessibility. Female bike fans in particular often have a harder time fully enjoying fun machines due to their smaller stature, since the risk of a fall is simply greater. That's why this report deliberately puts a female rider in the spotlight to describe her impressions of the new RS 457. Naomi has been passionately riding motorcycles for several years - preferring a colorful mix of models - and tells us about her experience here:

"Two days before the shoot, I got to pick up the RS 457 in Lupfig (AG), and from the very first encounter I was in love with the supersport's breathtaking design. The Aprilia greeted me with a fascinating play of colors that, depending on the lighting, shone either in a soft purple or a deep green. 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 build not only conveys a touch of elegance but also makes it incredibly easy to handle, and therefore very accessible for smaller or less experienced riders. I could hardly wait to experience the Aprilia on the road.

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

For the photos, we chose a rather demanding location that offered both flat and steep sections - a dream for the photographer, but a real challenge for the rider. Yet with the RS 457, I mastered every situation with ease. Without much effort, I could put the bike in any position we wanted, feeling like I was part of the machine itself.

Just as we wanted to maneuver it a bit further back up the slope for the perfect shot, Frankee offered to help. But a woman can manage on her own! Too proud to accept help, I decided to tackle the challenge by myself. I got into position, ready to push the bike up the slope, and was surprised how easy it was: the RS 457 could be positioned on the incline with absolute ease.

Whether I was sitting 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 every input with the precision of a Swiss watch. This gave me an enormous feeling of control and safety.

Looking back on when I started riding, the Aprilia RS 457 would have been the perfect beginner bike for me back then: it sparks pure joy at first sight and, thanks to its rather low height and narrow seat, allows for a stable stance on both feet. Its light weight quickly gives newcomers confidence in maneuvering. In corners it's very light and agile, and despite its small displacement it pulls solidly on the throttle, yet without being aggressive, so it's easy to control. I think it's exactly these small details that give a beginner the confidence to master the bike and thus enjoy riding even more."

The riding performance of the bike is impressive. The suspension is firm enough for sporty riding, yet still offers enough comfort for everyday use. It should be noted, however, that the shock absorbs bumps in a way that takes some getting used to, causing the swingarm to "wobble" noticeably. This effect is particularly noticeable at a constant speed of around 50 km/h. Basically it makes the ride smoother, but at first it feels very elastic, as if part of the swingarm were about to break. Once you get used to it, though, you come to appreciate the well-functioning suspension.

Thanks to its low weight and agile geometry, the bike is also very well suited to first experiences on the race track. The brakes are powerful and easy to modulate, contributing to a strong sense of safety. The bike is rather sparsely equipped with features, which isn't a big problem for beginners though, since it lets the pure riding feel come through. Additionally, the lack of any frills results in a very attractive price. For an extra charge, a Connect system can also be fitted, so you can, for example, have navigation directly on the bike's display.

In summary, this model is an outstanding beginner bike that impresses both with its technical features and its visual and dynamic riding qualities. It offers a high level of safety and comfort, which makes it especially attractive for beginners and rather petite women. At the same time, experienced riders also get their money's worth thanks to the sporty performance and dynamic riding behavior. A bike that's fun and inspires confidence at the same time - ideal for anyone looking for a versatile and accessible bike.