Aprilia has expanded its legendary RS series of sportbikes by globally unveiling the new RS457. That’s great news for Indian motorcycle enthusiasts because this offering will be coming to our shores. It has been spied testing on the Indian roads multiple times till now and the launch is expected to take place closer to Bharat GP. While we wait for its arrival, let’s check out some of the stunning pictures of the bike.
The RS457 looks quite handsome with a bodywork that’s almost identical to that of the bigger RS660 supersport. It will be available in three paint schemes with the most vibrant being the white trim.
The angry-looking fascia comprises a horizontally-stacked, sleek LED headlamp that nestles into a muscular and angular fairing. The bodywork flows seamlessly towards the sculpted fuel tank and a petite tail section.
Powering the sportbike is a new 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 270-degree crank that produces 47bhp and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Electronic aids include ride-by-wire throttle, three-level traction control, an assist and slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, and a quickshifter that will be offered as an optional accessory.
All the information is displayed on a 5-inch colour TFT screen that looks closely similar to those present in the bigger RS offerings. It seems to show a host of data while being Bluetooth enabled.
Underpinned by an aluminium perimeter frame, it rides on 17-inch alloys that are shod with TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme tyres. Damping duties are handled by USD forks and a monoshock while braking is taken care of a single disc at both ends.
The price of the motorcycle is expected to be on the higher side, perhaps north of Rs. 4 lakh, ex-showroom. But that’ll still make it more accessible than its close rival, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 which costs Rs 5.2 lakh.
