- Transformed for one-make championship
- Comes with race-spec components
- Series to kick off on May 17
Aprilia has given its entry-level sportbike, the RS 457, a full race-spec transformation for a new one-make championship in Italy- the Trofeo RS457.
The series is designed as a grassroots pathway into racing, open to riders as young as 14. It kicks off at Vallelunga Circuit on May 17, before heading to Mugello Circuit, Cremona Circuit, back to Mugello, and finishing at Misano World Circuit on October 4.
Much like the brand’s larger Aprilia RS 660 series, the goal here is clear: develop young racing talent while keeping costs relatively controlled. That’s why certain road-going components like the ByBre radial front brake caliper are retained. The standard RS 457 platform already provides a strong base, with its 457cc parallel-twin producing 47bhp, paired with an aluminium frame, ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, and multiple riding modes. But for the Trofeo version, things get more serious.
The race bikes are stripped of road equipment to reduce weight and fitted with performance upgrades. They run on Pirelli Diablo Superbike slick tyres in a soft SC1 compound, ensuring maximum grip on track. Suspension tweaks are visible too, including revised internals and a remote rear adjuster.
A key upgrade is the racing ECU, replacing the standard Marelli unit (shared with bikes like the RS 660 and RSV4), alongside a Sprint Filter and a lightweight exhaust system developed with SC Project.
The transformation is completed with race-specific bodywork from Plastic Bike, including a fibreglass fairing, tank cover, and tail unit. Road essentials like lights and catalytic converters are removed, while switchgear is replaced with race controls from Jet Prime. All bikes competing in the Trofeo RS457 must be fitted with this official race kit, supplied through Aprilia Racing.
