Aprilia’s smallest sportsbike – RS 457

As if the RS660 wasn’t compact, lightweight and fun enough, Aprilia has shrunk the concept further into a power packed but LAMS-legal weenie called the RS 457. Expect it here next year.

Still a high-tech parallel twin, it is suspended in an aluminium alloy frame and features an electronic management package with ride-by-wire throttle, adjustable TC, and three riding modes. Aprilia is hoping it will conquer a whole new sector with RS 457.

This brings the Italian a step closer to globalisation of the brand that mixes fun and technology as part of its core DNA.

Making use of the RS nomenclature, the same as the MotoGP machinery, the new sib for the RS 660 should build upon its success as Europe’s best selling sports machine.

The bike began as a completely fresh project and it sports, according to the firm, the highest power to weight ratio for a learner machine. Designed for use both on the road and track, it features clip-on handlebars mounted on risers, arriving at the best compromise between sports and riding comfort.

Classic RS styling cues include the double front fairing, underbelly silencer, and a 2-into-1 exhaust.

Up front is a full LED headlamp with the light signature of Aprilia’s larger supersports bikes, and integrated front turn signals. Ahead of the rider is a five-inch TFT colour instrument cluster, while the handlebar controls are backlit.

The twin-cam four-valve per cylinder parallel twin produces 35kW while wet weight is 175kg, meaning 132kW/tonne, underneath the LAMS cutoff of 150. A quickshifter comes as an accessory.

The new engine is fitted inside an aluminium frame, unique for bikes in its segment. The engine crankcase acts as a load bearing element, helping to keep weight low, enhancing dynamic qualities and ease of riding.

Suspension comprises 41mm forks with preload adjustability and a monoshock similarly adjustable for preload. Stopping duties are handled by a ByBre radial-mount four-piston caliper acting on a single 320mm disc. Two channel ABS is standard, switchable at the rear.

Wheels are 17 inches in diameter with a 110/70 tyre at the front and 150/60 at the rear. 

The RS 457 will go head to head with bikes like CB 500 R, Ninja 400 and the recently released CF Moto 450 SR. We presume it will come here as Australia is getting the bike midway through next year.