Aprilia

Aprilia RS 457Aprilia RS 457 will be locally manufactured at Piaggio’s facility in Baramati and could pose an attractive price pointPremium fully-faired motorcycle sub 500cc motorcycle segment is on the boil with Yamaha R3 and Aprilia RS 457 incoming. However, we have KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 operating in this space. Aprilia RS 457 was recently unveiled and it does look very promising. But Aprilia has not divulged an elaborate spec sheet. With what we know, how does it fare with its intended rivals?Aprilia RS 457 Vs rivalsRounding the displacement number in the name is a standard practice. KTM 390 range has a 373.2 cc engine. Just like other Aprilia motorcycles in the portfolio, RS 457 doesn’t get a rounded-off number in its name. It has a 457cc twin-cylinder DOHC 4V engine that generates 47 bhp of peak power.Aprilia hasn’t yet revealed torque numbers. But there is a probability of it sporting segment-leading torque figures as well. That said, Ninja 400 has 44.7 bhp and R3 has 41.42 bhp of peak power from their 399cc twin-cylinder engine and 321cc twin-cylinder engine respectively.Despite having a single-cylinder engine, KTM RC 390 makes 42.9 bhp of power and and 37 Nm of torque. Interestingly, KTM’s peak power and torque figures come in at lower RPMs than Ninja 400 and R3. All motorcycles pack a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. RC 390 packs a bi-directional quick-shifter and Aprilia RS 457 is likely to offer one as well.Aprilia RS457 Vs RivalsThe bigger engine on Aprilia RS 457 makes its presence known especially where weight is concerned. Aprilia quotes a wet weight of 175 kg, which is higher when compared to Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400. Interestingly, KTM RC 390 weighs 172 kg, despite having almost half of the engine components of its twin-cylinder rivals.Which motorcycle offers more tech?Aprilia hasn’t revealed dimensions and other quantitative attributes. All the motorcycles in this comparo feature single-disc setups at both ends. We would have liked Aprilia RS 457 to have twin disc setup. The last Italian offering in this space, Benelli 302R offered twin disc setup at the front, for that sinister big bike appeal.Dual-channel ABS will be standard at this price point. Aprilia RS 457 features a 41mm USD telescopic front fork setup and a rear mono-shock setup. Aprilia RS 457 sports a perimeter frame and the company flaunts it as part of the design and aesthetic. All LED lighting package is expected at this price point.However, Kawasaki doesn’t offer LED LED turn indicators even for Rs. 5.19 lakh (ex-sh). Also, Ninja 400 looks the oldest in this bunch as it still features a semi-digital instrument cluster. Aprilia RS 457 feel a lot more modern in this regard and packs a 5” TFT configurable screen. Yamaha offers fully-digital instrument cluster with R3.In terms of pricing, Aprilia could establish a lower price point as it will be locally produced at Piaggio’s facility at Baramati. So, a price point of around Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 4.5 lakh should prove logical. Yamaha is likely to target a similar price bracket with R3 as well. The value quotient of KTM RC 390 still stands tall as the sticker price is Rs. 3.16 lakh (ex-sh). More

New Aprilia RS 457Much awaited New Aprilia RS 457 has made its global debut on the same day as India debut – It will rival KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Yamaha R3In a thrilling development for motorcycle enthusiasts in India, Aprilia, the renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Aprilia RS 457. This superbike, born from the rich legacy of Aprilia Racing, marks a new milestone in the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance and style to passionate motorcyclists.Aprilia’s Racing Heritage in IndiaThe Indian debut of the Aprilia RS 457 coincides with India’s first-ever MotoGP race, underlining the close connection between Aprilia’s racing experience and the development of this exceptional motorbike. Aprilia’s dominance in the world of racing, with an impressive 297 Grand Prix World Championship wins, has shaped the brand’s identity and technical excellence.New Aprilia RS 457Michele Colaninno, Piaggio Group CEO, highlighted the brand’s recent renewal and expansion. He said, “In recent years, the Aprilia brand has seen an intense burst of renewal, also supported by continued progress in the racing world. The recent introduction of the 660 family has expanded its target, creating a full and competitive range.” Colaninno also expressed excitement about the RS 457’s potential in both domestic and international markets.Staying true to its roots, the RS 457 embodies the iconic design of the RS range, with a double front fairing, underbelly silencer, and a sleek 2-in-1 exhaust. The full LED front headlamp features the distinctive light signature of Aprilia’s larger super sports bikes, and the dashboard boasts a 5-inch TFT colour instrument cluster for a modern and elegant look.New Aprilia RS 457Aprilia RS 457: A Technological MarvelBuilding on the success of the Aprilia RS 660, which became Europe’s best-selling sports bike, the RS 457 inherits the winning formula that revolutionized the sports bike segment. This new offering stands out due to its lightweight construction, ease of handling, and advanced technological features, making it equally at home on the road and the racetrack. Take a look at the official TVC below.[embedded content]One of the standout features of the RS 457 is its cutting-edge liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine with double camshaft timing and four valves per cylinder. This powerplant delivers an impressive 48 horsepower while minimizing vibrations, resulting in a unique and thrilling riding experience. Moreover, the RS 457’s remarkable power-to-weight ratio sets it apart from its competitors, with a dry weight of 159 kg (175 kg when wet). This balance of power and weight is a testament to Aprilia’s dedication to performance and rider enjoyment.Craftsmanship in Every DetailAprilia has meticulously designed the RS 457, incorporating technological innovations from the world of racing into a road-ready sports bike. Its aluminium frame, inspired by decades of racing victories, provides exceptional stiffness and agility. The suspension system, including a ø41 mm fork with preload adjustability and a monoshock on a steel swingarm, ensures precise handling.New Aprilia RS 457Braking is equally impressive, with a 320 mm front disc featuring a ByBre radial-mount 4-piston caliper and a 220 mm rear steel disc. A two-channel ABS system adds an extra layer of safety. The RS 457 rides on 17-inch sports rims fitted with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tires for outstanding grip and maneuverability.Advanced Electronic FeaturesNew Aprilia RS 457 boasts a superbike-level electronic package, including a Ride by Wire system with three riding modes that adjust power delivery and traction control. Riders can fine-tune their experience with three levels of traction control or disable it altogether. Additionally, a quickshifter is available as an accessory, further enhancing the bike’s performance.New Aprilia RS 457The Aprilia RS 457 promises to be a game-changer in the world of sports bikes, offering an exhilarating riding experience that reflects Aprilia’s racing heritage and dedication to performance. With its arrival in India, enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing this technological marvel on both the road and the track. Launch is expected soon.New Aprilia RS 457 More

Aprilia RS 440 RenderAprilia 440cc faired bike will primarily rival the likes of KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400 and upcoming Yamaha R3As the festive season approaches, OEMs are gearing up to launch multiple new models. Among them is Aprilia that will be launching an all-new RS 440 faired bike. Test mules have been spotted in production ready format and teasers are also out.New Aprilia 440cc Motorcycle RenderAprilia 440cc India launch could coincide with the upcoming MotoGP event at Buddh International Circuit. Global debut is scheduled for 7th Sep 2023. Ahead of that, Pratyush Rout has created digital renders of the new Aprilia RS440 motorcycle.Aprilia RS 440 RenderAprilia’s offerings in upper spectrum of middleweight motorcycle segment may not have yielded desired results. The new 440cc bike could be different, considering that it will be locally manufactured and come with a reasonable price tag.Aprilia RS 440 featuresAprilia bikes are synonymous with style and exuberance, which are easily noticeable with the RS 440. The bike has an aggressive front fascia and sharp bodywork. Some of the key highlights include split headlamp design, angular LED DRLs, small air intakes, raked windscreen, fairing mounted rear view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank and dual-tone side panels with sporty graphics.Aprilia RS 440 RenderThere’s a rugged engine guard and an underbelly exhaust. The low rider seat should allow enhanced control and handling. The bike has a short tail section and comes with dual tail lamp setup. Ride ergonomics seems balanced, with possibility of both a committed and a more relaxed rider posture.Aprilia RS 440 RenderAprilia RS 440 is likely to be using an aluminium twin-spar frame. The bike will be equipped with USD forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. It is expected to get 17-inch wheels, with a single disc setup at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. Bluetooth-based connectivity features could also be part of the package. The bike will have a full digital instrument console with sporty graphics and track-focused info display.Overall, Aprilia RS440 seems a perfect starting point for racetrack enthusiasts. It has the looks and expected to deliver a matching performance. The bike will be manufactured locally at the company’s plant in Baramati, Maharashtra.Aprilia RS 440 performance, pricingAprilia RS 440 is expected to get a 440cc parallel-twin motor. It could be a derivative of the larger 660cc engine used with RS660. The engine will be getting features such as liquid cooling, 4-valves per cylinder and DOHC architecture. It could generate around 45 bhp of max power and 40 Nm of peak torque. The engine will have a 6-speed gearbox.In comparison, KTM RC 390 has a 373.27 cc, single-cylinder setup, producing 43.5 PS and 37 Nm. Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a parallel-twin 399cc liquid-cooled engine that makes 45 PS and 37 Nm. Talking about pricing, KTM RC 390 is available at a starting price of around Rs 3.18 lakh. Ninja 400 has a price tag of Rs 5.19 lakh. Yamaha is getting ready to launch R3 in India, which could come in at a price range of Rs 4 lakh. Aprilia RS 440 could be launched in the price range of Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. It remains to be seen how well the new Aprilia RS performs against rivals at this price point. More

Aprilia RS 440 TeaserUnlike Aprilia RS 660 and Tuono 660 that are imported, Aprilia RS 440 will be manufactured at Piaggio’s facility in Baramati, MaharashtraWith lower spectrum of middleweight segment registering strong growth, Aprilia has plans to target this space with a brand new bike RS 440. It is likely to be equipped with a 440cc parallel-twin motor.Aprilia RS 440 TeaserAprilia RS 440 will also work to fill the gap in the company’s India portfolio. As of now, Aprilia’s primary volume generators are its 125cc and 160cc scooters. Aprila 660cc bikes are imported as CKDs and available in limited numbers. Aprilia RS440 will make its global debut on 7th September, reveals official teaser.From its outer appearance, the engine casing onboard Aprilia RS 440 seems familiar to that of Aprilia RS 660 and Tuono 660. It is likely to be a tweaked version, with power output of around 45-55hp. Official numbers are yet to be announced, but it could be close to that of Kawasaki Ninja 400. In comparison, Aprilia’s larger 660cc motor churns out 100 hp of max power. The smaller capacity 440cc parallel-twin motor is likely to get a simpler architecture that will be cheaper to manufacture.Images of the test mule reveal a balanced riding posture, with the leaning angle being not too aggressive. Although the foot pegs are rear-set, the pulled-back handlebar reduces the overall leaning angle. Sportsbikes with aggressive riding posture are usually a hassle on jam packed roads, but that issue may not be there with Aprilia RS 440.New Aprilia RS 440 test mile spied in India. Image – EvoAs the engine is entirely new, it is likely that it will be fitted onto an entirely new chassis. The bike appears to have an underbelly exhaust, which helps achieve a clutter-free profile. Aprilia RS 440 has disc brakes at both ends, with dual-channel ABS. Design of the alloy wheels is entirely new. Suspension duties are performed by USD front forks and a monoshock unit at rear. Swingarm has a similar design as that of RS 660, but the size seems smaller.Aprilia RS 440 styling, featuresWhile it is expected to get a new engine and chassis, Aprilia RS 440 design closely matches that of its larger siblings. The prominent fairing and large fuel tank ensure the look and feel of a big bike. Signature features that have been borrowed from higher capacity Aprilia motorcycles include tri-headlight setup, decent sized windscreen, trapezoidal rear-view mirrors, rugged engine cowl, step-up seat and elevated tail section.Aprilia RS 440 can be seen with a large digital instrument cluster that appears to be similar to that of multi-cylinder Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles. As rivals like KTM RC 390 offer a comprehensive range of advanced tech, Aprilia RS 440 is expected to get a similar set of features. It could include liquid cooling, ride-by-wire tech, quick shifter and assist and slipper clutch. Ride modes are also likely to be offered with Aprilia RS 440.Aprilia RS 440 could be launched later this year. Pricing could be in the range of Rs 5 lakhs. On the lines of Aprilia 660cc bikes, RS 440 could later get its siblings such as Tuono 440 naked. Another possibility could be Tuareg 440 ADV. More