Aprilia RS 457 vs Tuono 457
The Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia has created significant buzz in the middleweight motorcycle segment with two exceptional machines: the RS 457 and the Tuono 457. While these bikes share the same mechanical DNA, they cater to distinctly different riding styles and preferences. This comprehensive comparison explores every aspect of these siblings to help you decide which Aprilia best suits your riding needs.
Table of Contents
The Genesis: Understanding the 457 Platform
Aprilia’s entry into the middleweight twin-cylinder segment represents a strategic move to capture younger riders and those seeking accessible performance. The 457 platform is entirely manufactured in India, making it a global product that’s exported worldwide. This manufacturing decision has helped keep prices competitive while maintaining Aprilia’s legendary build quality and racing heritage.
Both motorcycles emerged from Aprilia’s extensive experience in motorcycle racing, carrying forward the brand’s DNA that has secured 294 Grand Prix wins and 54 world titles. The RS 457 launched first as a fully-faired sportbike, while the Tuono 457 arrived later as its naked streetfighter counterpart, following a tradition established by the larger Tuono models in Aprilia’s lineup.
Design Philosophy: Track Weapon vs Street Fighter
The most striking difference between these motorcycles lies in their visual identity and design approach.
RS 457: The Supersport Thoroughbred
The RS 457 features sharp, sporty styling that takes design inspiration from the larger Aprilia RS 660. The fully-faired bodywork creates an aggressive stance that screams racing intent. The front features Aprilia’s signature triple-pod headlight arrangement integrated into aerodynamic fairings designed to slice through the air at high speeds.
The RS 457 showcases revolutionary and sophisticated styling that oozes elegance and aggression through clear racing elements including the front double fairing and distinctive two-in-one exhaust system. Available in three color schemes—Prismatic Dark, Racing Stripes, and Opalescent Light—each livery celebrates the bold essence of Aprilia’s Racing Squad.
The riding position places the rider in a committed, forward-leaning posture with low-mounted clip-on handlebars attached to the fork yokes. This aggressive ergonomics prioritize aerodynamics and control at higher speeds, making the RS 457 a natural track-day weapon that happens to be road-legal.
Tuono 457: The Unconventional Naked
The Tuono 457 eschews even a hint of a fairing for a true naked headlamp unit, with vertically stacked LEDs in the center offering low and high beams, and diagonal LED daytime running strips at the side. This represents a departure from other Tuono models in Aprilia’s lineup, which typically retain semi-fairings reminiscent of their RS counterparts.
The Tuono 457’s headlight assembly mounts directly to the fork rather than being integrated into a half-fairing, creating a cleaner, more stripped-down aesthetic. This design choice makes the Tuono 457 visually distinct not only from the RS 457 but also from its larger Tuono stablemates.
From the fuel tank to the tail section, both motorcycles share identical components, though the Tuono features slightly different tank covers and shrouds that run down from the sides, maintaining styling continuity with the larger Tuonos. The riding position transforms dramatically with high-rise handlebars that create an upright, comfortable posture suitable for extended street riding.
Available in two striking colorways—Piranha Red and Puma Grey—the Tuono 457 presents a more accessible, street-focused appearance that appeals to riders prioritizing versatility over pure track performance.
Heart and Soul: The 457cc Parallel-Twin Engine
Both motorcycles share the same powerplant, though subtle gearing differences create distinct riding characteristics.
Engine Specifications
The 457cc parallel-twin engine is liquid-cooled with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, designed specifically to fit into the A2 license class with power peaking at precisely 35kW (47hp) at 9,400rpm, paired with maximum torque of 32lb-ft (43.5Nm) arriving at 6,700rpm.
The engine architecture draws inspiration from Aprilia’s larger displacement twins and the legendary V4 powerplant used in the RSV4 and Tuono V4 models. The 270-degree crankshaft configuration ensures 82 percent of maximum torque is available from 3,000 RPM onward, making this an incredibly flexible engine.
This torque curve characteristic transforms the riding experience, providing strong low-end and mid-range punch that makes the bikes feel far more powerful than displacement figures might suggest. Whether accelerating from a stoplight or overtaking on the highway, the engine delivers immediate, confidence-inspiring response.
The motor features horizontally split crankcases that minimize overall dimensions and weight, contributing to the exceptional power-to-weight ratio that defines these motorcycles. Cooling is managed through an internally routed system that eliminates ugly external hoses, maintaining clean aesthetics while ensuring optimal thermal management.
Gearing and Performance Differences
While the engines produce identical peak power and torque figures, Aprilia has added a single tooth to the rear sprocket of the Tuono 457 compared to the RS 457, which should mean the Tuono would be punchier in regular riding conditions but slower in terms of overall top speed.
This gearing change reflects each motorcycle’s intended purpose. The RS 457’s taller gearing favors higher top speeds and better suits track use where long straights benefit from stretched gear ratios. The Tuono 457’s shorter gearing enhances acceleration and responsiveness in typical street riding scenarios, making it feel livelier during urban commuting and canyon carving.
Both motorcycles feature six-speed gearboxes paired with slipper clutches that prevent rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifting. The transmission ratios are closely spaced, allowing riders to keep the engine in its sweet spot regardless of speed or situation.
Technology and Electronics: Modern Rider Aids
Aprilia hasn’t skimped on technology despite the accessible pricing of these motorcycles. Both bikes come equipped with comprehensive electronic packages that would be at home on much more expensive machinery.
Digital Instrumentation
Both models feature a five-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity that allows riders to receive calls and change music tracks. The full-color screen provides excellent visibility in all lighting conditions and displays a wealth of information including speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, coolant temperature, and selected riding mode.
Bluetooth connectivity via the Aprilia app brings smartphone integration directly to the handlebars. Riders can view incoming calls, message notifications, and control music playback without reaching for their phones. Navigation prompts can also be displayed, making these bikes surprisingly tour-capable for their sport-focused character.
Riding Modes and Traction Control
The by-wire throttle offers three ride modes to help beginner riders or allow riders to ride in low-grip conditions due to softened power delivery as well as traction control. The three modes—Sport, Eco, and Rain—adjust throttle response and power delivery to suit different conditions and rider preferences.
Sport mode delivers unrestricted power and aggressive throttle response for spirited riding. Eco mode softens delivery and can improve fuel economy during commuting. Rain mode significantly dampens throttle response and reduces peak power, making the bikes easier to manage on slippery surfaces.
The traction control system monitors wheel speeds and intervenes when rear wheel slip is detected, preventing loss of traction during aggressive acceleration or mid-corner power application. Unlike intrusive early-generation systems, Aprilia’s setup allows some slip for natural feel while preventing dangerous slides. The system can be adjusted or disabled entirely for experienced riders or track use.
ABS and Braking
Both motorcycles feature Bosch two-channel ABS that can be configured for different riding scenarios. The ABS offers cornering functionality, maintaining safety even when braking while leaned over. Riders can adjust ABS settings through the ride modes or disable the rear ABS for more advanced riding techniques.
An optional bi-directional quickshifter is available for both models, allowing clutchless upshifts and downshifts. This feature enhances the sporting experience and can shave valuable tenths off lap times while making spirited street riding more engaging and seamless.
Chassis and Suspension: Racing-Derived Foundations
The mechanical underpinnings represent one of the most significant advantages these Aprilias hold over competitors in their price range.
Frame and Chassis
The bikes feature a pair of aluminium beams that bolt together around the steering head and to the top of the engine to create a half-frame setup that uses the engine itself as the lower part of the chassis, the same idea used in the RS 660 and Tuono 660.
This sophisticated aluminum beam frame construction is typically found on motorcycles costing significantly more. Most rivals in this segment utilize steel tube frames, whether perimeter or trellis designs. The aluminum construction reduces weight while providing exceptional rigidity where needed and compliance where desired.
The frame design contributes directly to the bikes’ impressive handling characteristics, providing precise steering response and excellent feedback through corners. The engine serving as a stressed member reduces overall part count and weight while creating an incredibly compact package.
Weight and Dimensions
Dry, the bikes measure an impressive 159kg and measured wet including a 90% full tank of fuel that rises to 175kg—a figure that, when combined with the bike’s 35kW peak power, precisely matches the power-to-weight limit for A2 bikes of 0.2kW per kg.
This featherweight construction transforms the riding experience. The bikes feel nimble and flickable, changing direction with minimal effort. The low weight also enhances acceleration, braking, and fuel economy while making the motorcycles easier to maneuver at parking lot speeds or during low-speed technical sections.
For perspective, 175kg wet weight matches or beats many 250-300cc motorcycles while delivering significantly more power and torque. The exceptional power-to-weight ratio means both Aprilias punch well above their displacement class in terms of performance.
Suspension Setup
The suspension is made up of 41mm USD forks and a rear monoshock, each adjustable for preload but with fixed damping settings. The 41mm inverted forks are substantial for this class, providing excellent rigidity and control during hard braking and aggressive cornering.
While lacking full adjustability found on more expensive motorcycles, the suspension is well-calibrated from the factory for sport riding. The preload adjustability allows riders to fine-tune the setup for different loads or riding styles. The suspension strikes a reasonable balance between sport performance and street comfort, though it leans decidedly toward the sporty side.
Both bikes roll on 17-inch wheels at both ends wrapped in TVS Protorq tires. The rubber provides adequate grip for street riding though serious track enthusiasts may want to upgrade to more performance-oriented compounds.
Braking System
The braking setup includes a 320mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc with both front and rear disc brakes and anti-locking braking system. The front brake utilizes a ByBre four-piston caliper that provides strong, progressive stopping power with excellent feel at the lever.
The 320mm front disc is generously sized for the bikes’ weight, ensuring fade-free performance even during repeated hard stops or track use. The rear 220mm disc provides adequate stopping power for the rear wheel’s limited traction availability while the ABS prevents lockup.
Practical Considerations: Living With the 457s
Beyond specifications and performance, real-world usability matters significantly for motorcycles that will serve as daily transportation.
Fuel Capacity and Range
Fuel capacity on the Tuono 457 is slightly lower at 12.7 liters compared to the 13-liter tank seen on the RS. This minor difference likely results from the different tank covers and bodywork rather than structural changes.
User reports suggest real-world fuel economy of approximately 25 kmpl under mixed riding conditions. This translates to roughly 300-325km range for the RS 457 and 285-317km for the Tuono 457 before reaching reserve. More conservative riding can improve these figures, while aggressive sport riding will reduce them.
For context, these range figures comfortably handle daily commuting and weekend rides without requiring constant fuel stops. The A2-license-friendly power output contributes to reasonable fuel consumption despite the performance-oriented character.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The RS 457’s aggressive riding position demands commitment from riders. The forward lean, low handlebars, and rear-set footpegs create a racy posture that’s exhilarating on track or during spirited rides but can prove taxing during extended street use or stop-and-go traffic.
The Tuono 457’s upright ergonomics transform the riding experience dramatically. The high handlebars eliminate pressure on wrists and back, making the bike comfortable for all-day riding. The same 800mm seat height as the RS ensures accessibility for riders of various heights, though taller riders may find both bikes slightly compact.
Both motorcycles feature narrow profiles and manageable seat heights that inspire confidence for newer riders while providing adequate space for experienced riders to hang off during aggressive cornering.
Build Quality and Finish
As products from a premium European manufacturer with extensive racing pedigree, both bikes showcase impressive build quality. Panel gaps are tight, paint finish is excellent, and component quality exceeds expectations for the price point. The Italian design flair is evident in details throughout, from the distinctive lighting elements to the sculpted bodywork.
However, potential buyers should research service availability in their area. Aprilia’s dealer network isn’t as extensive as Japanese manufacturers, and service costs may be higher. Recent reports suggest the company is working to improve after-sales support as sales volumes increase with these more accessible models.
Pricing Strategy: Accessible Italian Performance
The pricing represents one of the most compelling aspects of these motorcycles, bringing Italian design and performance to a broader audience.
India Market Pricing
The Aprilia Tuono 457 price starts at Rs. 3,95,049 (ex-showroom average), while the Aprilia RS 457 price starts at Rs. 4,35,019 (ex-showroom average). This makes the Tuono 457 Rs. 25,000 less than the RS 457.
On-road prices vary by state due to different tax structures but generally range from approximately Rs. 4.50 lakh to Rs. 5.10 lakh for the RS 457 and Rs. 4.10 lakh to Rs. 4.70 lakh for the Tuono 457. Despite recent GST increases, Aprilia has absorbed these costs rather than passing them to consumers, demonstrating commitment to maintaining competitive positioning.
International Pricing
In the United States, the Tuono 457 starts at $6,599 MSRP, while the RS 457 is priced at $6,799 MSRP. European markets see the Tuono 457 priced at approximately £6,130, positioning it competitively against rivals while maintaining premium positioning befitting the Aprilia brand.
Value Proposition
The pricing strategy makes both motorcycles remarkably accessible considering their specifications, technology, and brand heritage. The aluminum frame alone represents technology typically reserved for much more expensive machinery. Add comprehensive electronics, quality components, and distinctive Italian styling, and the value proposition becomes compelling.
Compared to rivals like the KTM 390 Duke (approximately Rs. 1 lakh less), Yamaha MT-03 (Rs. 45,000 less), Kawasaki Z500, and Honda CB500 Hornet, the Aprilias command premium pricing. However, they offer unique character, superior frame construction, and brand prestige that justify the difference for many buyers.
Competition Analysis: How They Stack Up
Understanding where these Aprilias fit in the competitive landscape helps clarify their positioning and value.
Direct Competitors
The RS 457 faces competition from the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 400, BMW G310 RR, and Yamaha YZF-R3. Among these, only the Ninja 400 offers twin-cylinder configuration, while others rely on singles. The RS 457’s twin-cylinder engine, aluminum frame, and comprehensive electronics package provide clear differentiation.
The Tuono 457 competes against the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R, Yamaha MT-03, TVS Apache RTR 310, and CF Moto 450 NK. Again, the twin-cylinder engine sets it apart from most rivals, while the aluminum frame and Italian heritage create unique appeal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The 457 twins excel in build quality, chassis sophistication, engine character, and electronics integration. The twin-cylinder engines deliver smoother power and more refined character than single-cylinder rivals. The aluminum frames provide handling precision that steel-framed competitors can’t match.
Weaknesses include higher pricing than some alternatives, limited dealer networks compared to Japanese brands, and questions about long-term reliability and service costs. The OE tire choice receives criticism from reviewers who suggest upgrades for serious sport riding.
Real-World Ownership: User Experiences
Owner feedback provides valuable insights into living with these motorcycles beyond specifications and test rides.
RS 457 Owner Sentiment
Owners consistently praise the RS 457’s stunning looks, strong engine performance, and track-capable handling. The fully-faired design attracts attention wherever it goes, while the twin-cylinder engine delivers satisfying performance that exceeds expectations for the displacement.
Common criticisms focus on the aggressive ergonomics that prove tiring during extended rides or daily commuting. Some owners note the suspension leans too firmly toward sport at the expense of street comfort. Service accessibility concerns appear frequently, particularly from buyers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Tuono 457 Owner Sentiment
Early Tuono 457 owners highlight the bike’s versatility and everyday usability while maintaining sporting character. The comfortable ergonomics make it viable for commuting, touring, and spirited weekend rides without compromise. The naked styling appeals to riders seeking less aggressive aesthetics while maintaining performance credibility.
The shorter gearing receives praise for making the bike feel punchier during normal riding, though some enthusiasts miss the RS’s higher top speed potential. Overall, owners appreciate the Tuono’s ability to serve multiple roles effectively rather than specializing in one area.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Aprilia
Selecting between the RS 457 and Tuono 457 ultimately depends on intended use, riding style, and personal preferences.
Choose the RS 457 If:
You prioritize pure sporting performance and track-day capability. The fully-faired design and aggressive ergonomics deliver maximum aerodynamic efficiency and control at higher speeds. The RS represents the ultimate expression of Aprilia’s racing heritage in an accessible package.
The track-focused riding position, aerodynamic bodywork, and taller gearing make this the choice for riders who regularly visit race tracks or frequently ride at highway speeds where wind protection matters. The stunning superbike styling appeals to those wanting head-turning looks that broadcast sporting intent.
Choose the Tuono 457 If:
Versatility and everyday usability rank higher than pure track performance. The upright ergonomics transform these bikes into comfortable all-day companions suitable for commuting, touring, and spirited backroad riding without the physical toll of aggressive sport bike positioning.
The shorter gearing makes the Tuono feel livelier during typical street riding, while the naked styling appeals to riders seeking less aggressive aesthetics. The Tuono delivers 90 percent of the RS’s performance with significantly better comfort and practicality, making it the more rational choice for riders wanting one bike to do everything well.
The Rs. 25,000 price advantage provides additional value, allowing buyers to invest in accessories, gear, or simply save money while enjoying nearly identical mechanical specifications.
Looking Forward: The Future of the 457 Platform
Both motorcycles represent significant achievements for Aprilia, successfully bringing Italian performance and prestige to accessible price points while maintaining brand values. The India manufacturing facility proves Aprilia’s commitment to this segment, with these bikes exported globally rather than serving only local markets.
Potential future developments could include additional variants such as Trofeo or Factory editions with upgraded suspension, wheels, and exclusive liveries similar to treatments the RS 660 and Tuono 660 receive. Track-focused versions with race-spec components would appeal to serious enthusiasts willing to pay premiums for ultimate performance.
The platform could potentially spawn additional models, perhaps adventure-touring variants or cafe racer interpretations that leverage the excellent engine and chassis while serving different niches. The recent patent filing for retro-styled variants based on the 457 platform suggests Aprilia sees significant potential for expansion.
Final Thoughts
The Aprilia RS 457 and Tuono 457 represent genuine achievements in the middleweight motorcycle segment. They deliver Italian design, racing pedigree, sophisticated engineering, and comprehensive electronics at price points that were unimaginable for Aprilia products just a few years ago.
The RS 457 serves riders seeking maximum sporting performance and willing to accept compromises in comfort and practicality. It’s a track-day weapon that happens to be street legal, delivering thrills that exceed its displacement class.
The Tuono 457 offers broader appeal through enhanced versatility without sacrificing the core performance and character that make these bikes special. It’s the rational choice for riders wanting sporting capability alongside everyday usability.
Both motorcycles prove that accessible pricing doesn’t require compromise in quality, technology, or performance. Whether your heart leads you to the fully-faired RS or the stripped-down Tuono, you’re getting genuine Italian performance and heritage at remarkably accessible prices. The 457 platform represents Aprilia’s successful formula for attracting new riders to the brand while maintaining the values that made Aprilia legendary among enthusiasts.
