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      Honda Rebel 250cc To Go Automatic – First Launch In Japan This year

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      Honda Rebel 250As the e-clutch system can be paired with existing powertrains, Honda is likely to introduce this feature with more bikes in the future
      Last year, Honda unveiled its innovative e-clutch system. It was initially offered with two models – CBR 650R and CB 650R. The e-clutch significantly improves overall ride dynamics for all users including beginners and advanced riders.
      Honda Rebel 250 Automatic
      Initially, the e-clutch option with Honda Rebel 250 will be available only in Japan. Honda has developed the e-clutch as a system that can be retrofitted with existing engines. There could be some minimal requirements for installing the e-clutch. But it is likely that it can be paired with several of Honda’s existing engines. As major changes are not required for integrating the e-clutch, Honda is able to offer it as an optional feature.
      Honda Rebel 250cc
      Honda Rebel 250 Standard edition is available at a starting price of Rs 638,000 yen (approx. Rs 3.56 lakh). The e-clutch variant of Rebel 250 starts at 693,000 yen (Rs 3.87 lakh). That means the e-clutch option will cost users around Rs 30,000 more. That’s a small price to pay for the various benefits that are available with the e-clutch. Clutchless systems have also been developed by other brands such as KTM.
      Honda Rebel 250 Automatic – Key benefits
      With Honda’s e-clutch setup, users don’t have to worry about engaging the clutch during starting, stopping or shifting gears. Using electronic controls, the system automatically engages and disengages the clutch. However, if users want to manually engage the clutch, they can do that as well. This will benefit users who may be accustomed to using a manual clutch.
      Similarly, advanced users who seek a more responsive experience with the bike will also benefit. The option to use or not to use the clutch is something that makes Honda’s e-clutch system truly remarkable. Gear shifts are performed as usual with the foot. Folks choosing the Rebel 250 e-clutch variant will find it much easier to navigate through the busy city streets. Gear shifts will become a lot smoother. Users can focus on riding, instead of going through the hassle of manually operating the clutch.
      Honda Rebel 250 is equipped with a 249 cc, water cooled, 4-valve, single cylinder engine. It delivers 26 PS and 22 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The power to weight ratio will be slightly lower with the e-clutch variant since it weighs 174 kg in comparison to 171 kg of the standard variant. However, fuel efficiency of 47 km/l is the same for both the standard and e-clutch variants. Honda Rebel 250 has disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS as standard. A low seat height of 690 mm makes the bike really great in terms of optimal control and handling.
      Wheels are 16-inch at both ends, wrapped in 130/90 front and 150/80 rear tyres. Suspension setup comprises conventional telescopic forks at front and dual rear shock absorbers. With a ground clearance of 134 mm, the bike is best suited for paved roads.
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      Honda NPF 125 Scooter Patented In India – NTORQ Rival Launch Soon?

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      Honda NPF 125 Scooter Patented In IndiaHonda wants the top-selling two-wheeler title in India and has been working in that direction with new offerings including electric scooters. Multiple new products have also been patented, the latest being Honda NPF 125. But will this launch in India or is it just an IP protection exercise? The answer is unclear at this point. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of Honda NPF 125.
      Honda NPF 125 Scooter – Styling and features
      While Honda’s bestseller Activa exudes friendly vibes, the NPF 125 utilizes a visually opposite design format. The latter has an aggressive front fascia with dual headlamp setup and muscular body panelling. The design seems to signify the spirit of a warrior that can often be cold and intimidating.
      It is apparent that Honda NPF 125 is targeted at folks who want their rides to stand out and have a dominating road presence. Other highlights include projector-style housings for the turn signals, a single piece seat, slightly upswept exhaust and H-shaped tail lights. While the scooter boasts an aggressive design, it also offers plenty of utilitarian features.
      For example, the floorboard area is flat and quite long and wide. While offering ample space to rest your feet, the floorboard also comes in handy for carrying everyday items. There’s 14.3 litres of underseat storage, which is large enough for a half-face helmet or other smaller items.
      Honda NPF 125 Scooter Patented In India
      Users can also store items in the front utility pockets such as water bottles, smartphone, etc. Storage can be increased further by adding a top box at the rear. The scooter has a robust grab rail that extends towards the rear, making space for a top box. Such features can make the NPF 125 viable for commercial applications as well. The rider seat section seems quite comfy with its scooped profile.
      Honda NPF 125 – Performance, specs
      Powering the Honda NPF 125 is a 124-cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 9.51 PS and 10 Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency is rated at around 50 km/l, which is pretty decent. Max speed is rated at 90 km/h. Fuel tank capacity is 5.7 litres, which means a range of around 300 km on a full tank at cruising speeds.
      The scooter has 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels, wrapped in 90/90 and 100/90 tyres, respectively. Seat height of 755 mm seems suitable for optimal control and handling. While the base variant comes with drum brakes at both ends with CBS, the top variant has a disc brake at front with ABS.
      Honda NPF 125 Scooter
      The top variant costs 1,000 yuan more (approx. Rs 12,000) than the standard variant. Other key features of Honda NPF 125 include side stand engine cut off, 15-watt Type-C charger at the front, smart key for hassle-free start and saddle unlock, advanced suspension system and eSP tech for improved performance.
      While Honda has patented the NPF 125 scooter in India, it is not certain when it will be launched here. Assuming that it is launched here, Honda NPF 125 will primarily rival the likes of Suzuki Burgman Street 125, TVS Ntorq, Yamaha Fascino and Hero Xoom 125. More

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      Hero Xoom 160 ADV Scooter Vs Rivals – Aerox 155, SXR 160

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      Hero Xoom 160 ADV Scooter Vs RivalsMaxi scooter genre in India was started by Suzuki with Burgman 125. But as the name suggests, it is a 125cc scooter and holds less excitement among enthusiasts. That’s where Aprilia came into this scene and launched SXR 160, which was soon followed by Yamaha Aerox 155, a true performance scooter. This segment has just witnessed a third entrant in the form of Hero Xoom 160. Let’s compare these three and see where they fall on paper.
      Hero Xoom 160 ADV Scooter
      Ever since it was first unveiled at EICMA Show 2023, motorcycling enthusiasts in India have been awaiting the launch of Hero Xoom 160. The company launched it at 2025 Auto Expo in Delhi NCR and it is one of the most awaited models from Hero. While we were expecting competitive prices, Xoom 160’s price tag turned out to be Rs 1.48 lakh (Ex-sh).
      Hero Xoom 160 Launched
      Which is around the same price point as Yamaha Aerox 155, a scooter that isn’t known to strike VFM quotient. In comparison, Aprilia SXR 160 emerges as the most affordable, priced at Rs 1.43 lakh (Ex-sh). That is because it packs performance, features and equipment which are a cut below what Hero and Yamaha are offering.
      All scooters here offer an engine displacing between 155cc to 160cc and they’re all single-cylinder SOHC units. Xoom and Aerox are liquid-cooled and get a 4V head, while SXR is air-cooled only and gets a 3V head. Aprilia should have implemented oil-cooling at-least, something even TVS NTORQ 125 has.
      Hero Xoom 160 ADV Scooter Vs Rivals
      Aerox has a wee-bit more power and Xoom has wee-bit more torque, at similar engine RPMs, while SXR is a cut below. All scooters come equipped with a CVT Aprilia misses out on silent start and engine start / stop features. Only Aerox 155 gets Traction Control, while Aerox and Xoom both gets a smart key with keyless go.
      Components and features
      SXR has longest wheelbase, highest ground clearance, lowest seat height and is underpinned by a tubular chassis that allows for a flat floorboard. At 126 kg, Aerox is lightest with highest power : weight ratio. However, fuel tank is smallest with Aerox at 5.5L, while other two offer a 7L tank. Only SXR gets an internal and under seat fuel filler cap, which is vastly inconvenient.
      Wheel size is 14-inches with Xoom and Aerox, while it is 12-inches on SXR. However, Aprilia’s official website mentions that SXR 160 has 12-inch front and 14-inch rear combination. It is unclear whether it was a silent update or a typo. Front tyre is skinniest with Aerox at 110-section, where others offer 120. Rear tyre is skinniest with SXR at 120-section, where other two offer 140-section.
      Yamaha Aerox 155
      All three maxi scooters on this list get front disc brake, rear drum brake and single-channel ABS. Suspension-wise, they all get RSU telescopic forks at the front and only SXR 160 gets a single-sided rear mono-shock, while the other two gets twin shock absorbers. All three get LED headlights and tail lights, but only SXR gets LED turn indicators.
      While SXR 160 gets the largest instrument cluster, it doesn’t make good use of all that real-estate as there is no Bluetooth or connected features. Yamaha offers Y-Connect app with Aerox and Bluetooth functionality is limited as there is no navigation. This is where Hero shines as it offers turn-by-turn navigation. It gets decent underseat storage, but Hero has not put a number on it yet.
      Conclusion
      On paper, Yamaha Aerox 155 appears as the winner as it is lightest, most powerful with R15’s VVA engine and packs a lot of features. However, it has a few ergonomic flaws and the rear suspension is like a brick. While it looks outdated on paper, Aprilia SXR 160 has its strengths of being the most charming in design and has a flat footboard.
      Aprilia SXR 160
      Hero Xoom 160 has the most exciting and appealing design out of this trio. ADV-like charm works quite well and adds a lot of muscle. Xoom 160 might emerge as the most well-rounded package in this trio, but it weighs quite a bit more than Aerox. All three have their strengths in their favour and is anyone’s game at this point. We haven’t ridden the Xoom 160 yet and we will express our opinions once we do.
      Also read – Yamaha Aerox 155 Version S 500 km review More

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      350cc to 450cc Motorcycle Sales Dec 2024 – RE, Triumph, Jawa, Kawa, Honda, Harley, Hero, KTM, Bajaj

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      Bullet 350The 350cc to 450cc motorcycle segment in India registered a 15.55% year-on-year (YoY) growth in December 2024, with total sales reaching 74,968 units, an increase of 10,086 units over 64,882 units sold in December 2023. While Royal Enfield continued to dominate this space with multiple models in the top rankings, newer entrants like the Triumph 400, Harley-Davidson X440, and Aprilia RS 457 also made an impact.
      Royal Enfield Continues to Lead
      Royal Enfield Classic 350 maintained its leadership in this segment, clocking 29,637 units, a significant 39.57% YoY growth over 21,234 units sold in December 2023. Bullet 350, which was recently updated, secured the second spot with 14,049 units, marking an 11.44% YoY growth from 12,607 units sold last year. Hunter 350, a more youthful offering from Royal Enfield, saw sales of 13,744 units, posting a 17.42% increase from 11,705 units in December 2023. Meteor 350 also saw steady sales, recording 6,366 units, growing by 4.86% YoY over 6,071 units sold in the same month last year.
      350cc to 450cc Motorcycle Sales Dec 2024 – YoY Comparison
      Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X collectively registered 2,453 units, showing a 7.92% YoY growth over 2,273 units sold in December 2023. Meanwhile, Jawa-Yezdi motorcycles (Retail) saw a dip, with sales at 2,341 units, down by 7.25% YoY compared to 2,524 units in the same period last year.
      Honda’s CB350 and H’Ness Performance
      Honda’s H’Ness CB350 recorded a sharp decline, dropping 20.25% YoY with 1,560 units sold in December 2024, compared to 1,956 units last year. However, Honda’s CB 350 registered 1,075 units.
      350cc to 450cc Motorcycle Sales Dec 2024 – MoM Comparison
      Royal Enfield Himalayan, which was recently updated with an all-new 450cc liquid-cooled engine, saw a steep 62.27% YoY decline with 1,285 units sold in December 2024, down from 3,406 units last year. However, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, a new addition to the lineup, recorded 814 units of sales.
      Harley-Davidson X440 Sees a Massive Drop
      Harley-Davidson X440, which started strong earlier in the year, experienced a drastic 80.90% YoY decline, selling only 418 units in December 2024 compared to 2,189 units in December 2023. Bajaj Pulsar 400 made its way into the market with 382 units sold in its debut month, while Bajaj Dominar 400 recorded 226 units, showing a 27.10% YoY decline from 310 units in December 2023.
      KTM 390 series, including Duke, Adventure, and RC models, suffered a sharp 65.46% YoY decline, registering only 201 units compared to 582 units sold last year. Meanwhile, Aprilia RS 457 registered sales of 277 units. Aprilia will soon launch Tuono 457 in India to boost sales in the segment.
      Hero, Kawasaki, and Husqvarna
      Hero Mavrick 440, Hero’s latest entry into the premium motorcycle segment, saw 77 units sold in its debut month. Kawasaki’s Ninja series, Eliminator, and KLX lineup collectively managed 50 units, marking a 100% growth from 25 units last year. Husqvarna’s Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 also made their presence felt with 13 units sold. More

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      2025 Suzuki Access 125 New TVC Out – Shows Pick-Up, Mileage, Features

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      2025 Suzuki Access 125 New TVC2025 Suzuki Access 125 scooter, recently launched at the Bharat Mobility Expo, is featured in a new TVC by the brand. Demonstrating its new silent start features along with impressive claimed mileage (fuel efficiency). This was a long overdue update to Suzuki’s best-seller in India. Let’s take a look at this new TVC.
      2025 Suzuki Access 125 Scooter
      It is being presented in 3 variants – Standard, Special and Ride Connect Edition. It gets a range of exciting colour options of colour options of Metallic Mat Stellar Blue, Pearl Grace White, Metallic Mat Black No 2, Solid Ice Green, and Pearl Shiny Beige. These colour options depend on variants opted by the buyer.
      2025 Suzuki Access 125 New TVC featuring Aparshakti Khurana
      Suzuki Access 125 comes in with affordable pricing. It is priced from Rs 81,700 for the base Standard trim, the Special and Ride Connect Editions are at Rs 88,200 and Rs 93,300 (all prices ex-showroom). In terms of features, it gets a range of additions over its earlier counterpart and also shows off a larger stance.
      New Suzuki Access 125 TVC featuring Aparshakti Khurana
      TVC featuring Aparshakti Khurana
      The new TVC featuring Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana signifies silent start, pickup (acceleration) and mileage (fuel efficiency). The skit shows a comedic getaway on a 2025 Suzuki Access 125. On the design front, 2025 Suzuki Access 125 receives an attractive and contemporary design language. It sports styling headlamps, sleek bodywork, chrome accents and LED lighting at the front and rear.
      New Suzuki Access 125 Silent Start
      It also gets sleek turn indicators and an LCD instrument screen offering a range of information. The instrument cluster can be mated to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It offers features such as turn-by-turn navigation, WhatsApp notifications and call/SMS alerts. It also offers the rider info on weather and ETA updates besides battery levels and speed alerts.
      New Suzuki Access 125 External Fuel Filler
      Ideally suited for both daily commutes and weekend outings, features also extend to a large wide seat, grab rails and a long and flat footboard. It also gets a USB charging socket, an external fuel cap with a panel that can be locked, under seat storage and in addition to dual storage on the front apron. Tyre sizes stand at 12-inch at the front and 10-inch at the rear. The scooter receives a passing switch, hazard switch and brake lock on the rear left brake lever relating to improved safety.
      New Suzuki Access 125 Navigation
      OBD-2B Engine with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) Technology
      2025 Suzuki Access 125 scooter draws its power via a new 124cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine makes 8.4 hp power at 6,500 rpm and 10.2 Nm torque at 5,000 rpm. It gets mated to a CVT gearbox. This engine is compliant with OBD-2B norms and powered by Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) technology.
      2025 Suzuki Access 125 New TVC
      A highlight of this engine is its elevated level of fuel efficiency, ensuring that the new Suzuki Access 125 is an affordable and viable option for daily commuters. Suspension is via telescopic and swing arm suspension at the front and rear. Braking depends on trim level. Its base trim gets drum brakes at the front and rear. However the top two variants Special and Ride Connect receive disk brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear.
      Along with the Suzuki Access 125 ICE, the company has also revealed the new e-Access, their first electric scooter. Suzuki Access 125 continues to rival the likes of Honda Activa 125, TVS Jupiter 125 and Hero Destini 125 in India. On the other hand, the Suzuki e e-Access is a direct rival Honda Activa e, Bajaj Chetak Electric and TVS iQube.
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      Hero Karizma Combat Edition Teased – Better Components, Features, Launch Soon

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      Hero Karizma Combat Edition Teased
      With the launch of Karizma XMR 210, Hero MotoCorp entered an entirely new level that they had never achieved before. This is the first time Hero MotoCorp fully showcased their technological prowess. Now, Karizma XMR 210 is teased with a new Combat Edition that bring improvements in components and features. Let’s take a look.
      Hero Karizma Combat Edition
      Currently, Hero Karizma XMR 210 is priced at Rs 1,81,400 (Ex-sh) for a sole variant that comes equipped with all the advertised bells and whistles. There are three colour options – Iconic Yellow, Turbo Red and Matte Phantom Black. The new Hero Karizma Combat Edition gets a lovely Grey shade.
      Hero first showcased this motorcycle at 2024 EICMA Show. It was one of the showcases from Hero MotoCorp after the company took the veil off Karizma XMR 250, Xtreme 250R, Xpulse 210 and Vida Z. When compared to the standard Karizma XMR 210, there are a few additions.
      Notable among these additions include the addition of USD telescopic front forks, finished in a Gold colour. USD front forks was one of the most sought-after elements on Karizma from enthusiasts. It still is a head-scratching omission from standard Karizma XMR 210 as even the Xtreme 160R got it.
      Hero Karizma Combat Edition Teased
      USD front forks will allow better cornering capabilities on Karizma and make the overall chassis stiffer as the fatter part is on top to exert better clamping force. Another notable change is the addition of a fully digital TFT screen on Hero Karizma Combat Edition. The switchgear has been improved with D-pad to control this cluster.
      New TFT Cluster
      With the addition of USD front forks and TFT instrument clusters, the premium quotient of Karizma has increased considerably. It is now a significantly more well-rounded package than it used to be and promises a better handling character than before. We should expect Karizma Combat Edition to be priced above standard model.
      Powertrain-wise, Hero Karizma Combat Edition continues with the same 210cc single-cylinder DOHC 4V/cyl liquid-cooled engine that is capable of generating 25 bhp of peak power and 20.4 Nm of peak torque. Slip and assist clutch, a 6-speed gearbox, disc brakes at both end with dual-channel ABS are some of the other notable features on Karizma XMR 210 Combat Edition.
      Also read – Hero Karizma XMR 250 Unveiled  More

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      New 2025 Yamaha R3 Patented In India – Launch Soon?

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      New 2025 Yamaha R3 Patented in IndiaWith the launch of YZF-R3 and MT-03, Yamaha Motor India re-established its presence in the multi-cylinder motorcycle segment. Now, the company has just patented the 2025 Yamaha R3 in India, which gets the new design language. We expect it to be launched in India sometime in 2025, via the CBU route.
      New 2025 Yamaha R3 Patented
      Up until the launch of R3 and MT-03, Yamaha sold a 150cc motorcycle as its flagship offering in India. They were launched at a starting price of Rs 4.6 lakh (Ex-sh) in December 2023, but were not well-received by Indian motorcycling enthusiasts. Especially the R3, which still donned the older design language.
      New 2025 Yamaha R3 Patented in India
      Pricing is also a key factor and the other factor was that R3 was not in sync with Yamaha’s latest design philosophy that even R15 flaunts so proudly. That will be fixed soon, as the company has patented 2025 Yamaha R3 in India, which might launch soon and replace the current model.
      This new design language is inspired by R-Series styling of flagship YZR-M1 racing bike. This particular model has been launched in USA recently, where it is priced at USD 5,499, which roughly translates to Rs 4.62 lakh. USA market gets three colour options – Matte Stealth Black, Team Yamaha Blue and Lunar White / Nebula Blue.
      2025 Yamaha R3
      What to expect?
      This new fascia gets a quad LED DRL signature and looks much nicer than what is currently sold in India. A single projector headlight is placed in the middle and DRLs flank it from both sides. Tail section is now sharper in design and gets new LED tail lights. Depending on the colourway, Yamaha offers USD front forks in a lovely Gold shade.
      New Yamaha R3 Fascia
      Instrument cluster is fully digital and gets advanced connectivity features along with Y-Connect app support that doesn’t include navigation feature. 17-inch alloy wheels, 140-section rear tyre, 50:50 weight distribution, a committed rigging position, a USB charging port, sporty clip-on handlebars and a high-revving parallel-twin engine are notable attributes.
      2025 Yamaha R3
      Speaking of the engine, 2025 Yamaha R3 gets the same 321cc DOHC 4V/cyl parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that is capable of developing 41 bhp of peak power and 30 Nm of peak torque, mated to a slip and assist clutch along with a 6-speed gearbox. Yamaha Motor India might launch it here soon.
      New Yamaha R3 Cluster More

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      Production-Spec Aprilia Tuono 457 Spied Testing – Launch Nears

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      Production-Spec Aprilia Tuono SpiedFurther expanding their 457cc portfolio, Aprila is poised to launch the Tuono 457 in India soon. New spy shots of Tuono 457 have emerged online, suggesting that this motorcycle is in its final stage of testing. Aprilia India has already listed Tuono 457 on website and is expected to launch soon.
      Production-Spec Aprilia Tuono 457 Spied
      Sold at an attractive price point of Rs 4.2 lakh (Ex-sh), Aprilia RS 457 brings a lot of excitement among India’s motorcycling fraternity. The company is now expanding this portfolio with Tuono 457, a naked version of the well-received RS 457. Both bikes will share platform, components and powertrain, while flaunting different body styles.
      Aprilia Tuono 457
      With Tuono 457, Aprilia is expected to strike an even better price proposition. Probably even under Rs 4 lakh mark (Ex-sh). With the launch of RS 457, Aprilia achieved a new price that it could never do before. This is done with efficient manufacturing in India at the Piaggio production facility in Baramati, Maharashtra.
      This strategy is similar to what the other legacy brands are doing like Triumph, BMW and Harley-Davidson. Speaking of, Tuono 457 will directly rival Yamaha’s MT-03, which has less performance and costs a premium, owing to its CBU route. Other rivals include the single-cylinder KTM 390 Duke.
      Aprilia Tuono 457
      What to expect?
      As seen in the spy shots, there seems to be some testing equipment strapped on the pillion seat. There is some camouflaging on fuel tank, to hide the identity of this motorcycle. Other than the body style, Aprilia Tuono 457 is similar to the RS 457. Tuono 457 lacks a fairing and gets a unique headlight setup, inspired by Tuono 660.
      Componentry changes include a conventional street-style handlebar for an upright stance and handlebar-mounted ORVMs, among others. USD front forks, rear mono-shock, front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, fancy swingarm, 17-inch alloy wheels with fat tyres and underbelly exhaust for mass centralisation are common between both bikes.
      Aprilia Tuono 457 Unveiled
      Powering the Aprilia Tuono 457 will be the same 457cc parallel-twin DOHC 4V/cyl liquid-cooled engine. In RS 457, this engine delivers around 47 bhp of peak power and 43.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. For Tuono 457, Aprilia might tune this engine differently to achieve a unique character. Launch is likely to happen soon.
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