Aprilia has announced a new entry-level bike that will slot into the local lineup under the RS660. Meet the RS457!
Set to go head-to-head with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the LAMS supersport segment, the new Aprilia RS457 brings to the table plenty of premium features you’d expect from Aprilia but at what is expected to be a much more attainable price point than the RS660.
In markets like New Zealand, Aprilia has largely been missing out on a slice of the LAMS pie due to the pricing of the RS660, which can be ordered in LAMS trim but is largely sold as a full-power motorcycle here. The RS457 looks set to change that while bringing Aprilia’s usual approach to sports machines into the segment.
“In recent years, the Aprilia brand has seen an intense burst of renewal, also supported by continued progress in the racing world,” says Piaggio Group CEO, Michele Colaninno.
“The recent introduction of the 660 family, with RS and Tuono first and Tuareg later, has expanded its target, creating a full and competitive range. We are now ready to take another step towards the future with an astonishing bike developed entirely in Noale, capable of stimulating and thrilling young people and opening up huge potential in new markets, near and far. It is a step closer to the globalisation of a brand that has always had the perfect combination of technology, fun, and looking to the future in its DNA.”
Like the RS660, the all-new RS457 is built around a parallel-twin engine, which produces 35kW (46.9hp) of peak power while only needing to propel an overall weight of 175kg. Like genuine supersports, the RS457 utilises an aluminium frame which also uses the engine as a stressed member.
Suspension and brakes are ready to dip aspiring riders’ toes into the sports riding world with a 41mm fork with 120mm of travel and preload adjustment at the front, while at the rear a monoshock with 130mm and preload adjustment handling bumps.
Hauling on the stoppers activates a radially mounted 4-piston ByBre caliper which bites down on a 320mm disc, and at the rear the ByBre calier clamps onto a 220mm disc. As you’d expect, ABS is standard with the dual channel system able to be switched between activating on both wheels or just the front.
Rolling stock comes in the form of 17-inch rims with a 110/70 tyre at the front and 150/60 at the rear. Aprilia reckons this is the perfect combo for excellent grip while maintaining agility.
Aprilia is known for being at the forefront of the tech race, and the RS457 doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Keeping the rider informed is a 5-inch TFT dash while the lighting is all LED. The switchgear is also back-lit which will be a welcome addition for the learner market the bike is intended for.
While seat height has yet to be announced by Aprilia, it’s looking like the RS457 is going to be an approachable machine as well as a tonne of fun!
Currently, Aprilia NZ expects the RS457 to arrive in mid-2024. Pricing is yet to be announced but is expected to be competitive with the Kawasaki Ninja 400.