- Launched in international markets
- Now available in three new colours
- Could be introduced in NZ in the coming months
Aprilia has launched the RS 457 with new colours as part of the model year update in overseas markets. While the previous iteration is already on sale here, we can expect the Italian brand to bring in the updated motorcycle to our shores sometime in the next few months.
While the Yamaha R3 rival continues to be offered in Racing Stripes, Opalescent White and Prismatic Dark, Aprilia has added three new paint options to the mix. There is the MotoGP-inspired Replica paint scheme that derives its black, red and purple combo from the RS-GP machine. Then there is Arsenic Yellow that includes grey and fluo yellow highlights. In a similar pattern, the RS 457 is also offered in Coral Snake Blue as well.
Other than these changes, Aprilia has also equipped the GP Replica with a Quickshifter as standard. This is available as an optional extra for other colour options. The rest of the RS 457 remains the same.
There is a five-inch TFT colour display with backlit handlebar controls that offers Bluetooth connectivity. As for rider aids, it gets dual-channel ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, adjustable traction control and three ride modes- Eco, Sport and Rain.
Underneath is an aluminium frame, and fitted as a stressed member is the liquid-cooled 457cc, parallel-twin motor that churns out 47.6bhp at 9400rpm and 44Nm at 6700rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. The Aprilia RS 457 weighs in at 175kg with a full tank of fuel, making it one of the lightest options in its segment.
The design of the RS 457 is in line with the rest of Aprilia’s RS range- the RS 660 and RSV4. It is sharp and sleek from the LED headlamps to the upswept pillion seat. To further attract younger and newer riders, the RS 457 comes with an 800mm seat height and a slightly upright riding position with the risers underneath the clip-on bars.
The motorcycle rides on 41mm inverted forks with preload adjustability at the front and a monoshock at the rear, which is also preload adjustable. Stopping power comes from ByBre callipers mounted to a 320mm disc for the front wheel.
