- Aprilia’s first made-in-India motorcycle
- Likely to be priced around Rs. 4 lakh (ex-showroom)
- To compete against the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and KTM RC 390
One of the most anticipated motorcycles of this year, the Aprilia RS 457, is all set to be launched in India tomorrow, 8 December, 2023. The price announcement of the motorcycle will take place at the India Bike Week motorcycling event in Goa. This will be the Italian bike maker’s first-ever made-in-India motorcycle. Hence, the price is expected to be quite competitive, perhaps close to Rs. 4 lakh (ex-showroom).
The motorcycle made its global debut a few days back and we already know quite a bit about it. It takes design inspiration from its elder siblings, the RS 660 and RSV4. The entire bodywork is dominated by sharp cuts and creases while the front fascia looks properly sinister with a sleek split-type LED headlamp. On contrary to its sporty and aggressive design, the riding ergonomics will be a bit relaxed to deliver a good balance between comfort and commitment.
Hiding behind its extensive fairing is a 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin unit that produces 47bhp and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Notably, the power output is slightly higher than both of its closest rivals, the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400. Underpinned by a twin-spar aluminium frame, the RS 457 rides on 17-inch alloys that are suspended by USD forks and a monoshock. On the feature front, it’s a decent package with full LED lighting, a TFT console, multi-level traction control, and a quick shifter.
The pre-bookings for the motorcycle are yet to commence and the details about its deliveries aren’t known yet. It will be available only in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, at least in the initial phase.
