Aprilia RS 457: pros and cons

The all-new Aprilia RS 457 is now out for the Philippine market. As such, riders looking for an alternative to the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Yamaha YZF-R3, the KTM RC 390, and other locally available middleweight sport bikes have received another potent option. 

In addition, the RS 457 was launched locally at a very competitive price ranging from P348,000-P358,000. The aforementioned also makes it a good choice for folks looking to get a track-capable bike without breaking the bank. 

But what are the biggest strengths of the RS 457? Does it have any weaknesses as well? Let’s find out. 

Aprilia RS 457: Pros

Peppy powertrain

Straight from the factory, the all-new Aprilia motorcycle’s 457-cc liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder engine can produce up to 47.6 horsepower (hp) at 9,400 revolutions per minute (RPM), and 43.5 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque at 6,700 rpm. 

Based on its output figures, the RS 457 is one of the most powerful middleweight sport bikes in the market right now. 

For perspective, its Yamaha YZF-R3 competitive can produce a slightly lower output of 41 hp and 29.6 Nm of torque. The KTM RC 390, meanwhile, also produces less at 43 hp and 37 Nm of torque. 

Sure, the two aforementioned competitors of the RS 457 are slightly more affordable, but some buyers who are serious about performance might not mind shelling out a bit more cash. 

Other mechanical components of the Italian motorcycle are also up-to-par or competitive within its segment. Specifically, it uses a multi-plate wet clutch with a slipper system, a six-speed gearbox, ByBre (Brembo) disc brakes and calipers, and a lightweight dual-beam aluminum alloy frame. 

Dynamic handling

Aprilia also made sure to provide the RS 457 with sharp handling characteristics. For starters, its front suspension system consists of a 41-millimeter (mm) upside-down fork with adjustable preloads and a total travel distance of 120-mm. 

The bike’s rear mono-shock suspension system also features adjustable preload, as well as 130-mm of suspension travel. 

Adjustable preloads mean the bike is suitable for a variety of riders. The upside-down fork, meanwhile, results in reduced “unsprung” weight, which can mean smoother rides, less suspension wear, and more stability, among others. 

As mentioned above, the RS 457 uses an aluminum alloy chassis. Per Aprilia, the said part provides the motorcycle with a dry weight of just 159 kilograms, which is heaps lighter compared to the 171 kg dry weight of the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and the 192 kg of the Honda CBR500 R. To note, a lighter bike might result in a better power-to-weight ratio and better handling overall. 

Feature-rich

Overall, the RS 457 gets the right amount of equipment to keep a rider safe enough without too much hand-holding. 

The Aprilia motorcycle comes standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) paired with an anti-roll-over feature. The ABS can prevent wheel locking and skidding. A traction control system also ensures optimum power delivery. 

For ease of use and comfort, the bike gets a five-inch digital instrument panel, a high windscreen, a USB charging port, and a comfort handle for its rear passenger. 

Folks who want to take the bike on long-distance rides can likewise benefit from the RS 457’s 13-liter tank. Plus, the motorcycle is also compatible with side panniers for more storage space. 

Users of the Italian middle-weight ride can also ride in confidence at night or in poor visibility, thanks to its LED headlight assembly with integrated turn signal lamps and daytime-running lamps. 

The controls of the bike also get a backlight for easier visibility, and it is also equipped with a track timer and three drive modes (eco, normal, sport). 

Aprilia RS 457: Cons

Not ideal for two

Despite being a sportbike, the Noale-headquartered motorcycle maker gave the RS 457 a rear pillion seat. The presence of said feature suggests the bike can accommodate a rear passenger, but the seat doesn’t appear too ergonomic. 

Sure, the bike can multi-task as a daily rider and as a track beast, but it might not be the most practical if one needs to lug around a passenger, especially for long-distance trips. 

Final thoughts

To summarize, the Aprilia RS 457 is a great bike that is offered at a reasonable price. It sounds like a great overall package on paper, but prospective buyers should give it a test drive to get to know the model a little bit better. 

Reading up on its pros and cons can be good for researching the bike, but one buyer to the next may see it differently, especially upon seeing the two-wheeler in the metal. 

Also read: 

Aprilia PH launches RS 457

Aprilia RS 457 vs. the competition

Aprilia PH’s mid-year promo offers huge price cuts on SR GT 200