KTM RC 390 [2020] vs Aprilia RS 457

From its design and features to chassis and engine, almost everything has been revised with an aim to make it more versatile. In that case, have these changes played their part and made it more desirable?

This is the first major update for the sharp, slim and tempting KTM RC390. The obvious change on the new bike is the new colour scheme; it's still black and white but it now gets an extra splattering of orange. The new-for-2017 RC390 also gets a new belly pan courtesy an all-new exhaust system. The underbelly exhaust gives way to an aluminium end can, which may not be to everyone's taste, but personally, I think it looks fine. It makes the 390 sound better too, especially at full clip. The new RC390 also gets adjustable levers for both clutch and brake.

The Aprilia RS 457 came as a bolt from the blue when it was spotted testing in India over a year ago. A twin-cylinder motorcycle by the Noale, Italy-headquartered company; made here in India. It was an indicator of how serious Aprilia was about making a bigger dent in the market.