Aprilia RS440 noticed present process closing testing

A2 license holders have a brand new fully-faired, sporty bike because of the launch of the a lot anticipated Aprilia RS 457.

Noticed present process closing testing alongside the V100-based Moto Guzzi Stelvio – one other Piaggio Group product – the ultimate model is now right here for the world to see. As anticipated, its styling carefully follows that of the larger, dearer RS660. There are variations, however you must be trying carefully to identify them. 

Additional echoing the RS 660, the RS 457 (whose identify was beforehand anticipated to be RS 440) options an aluminium body that makes use of the engine’s crankcase as a careworn member of the chassis. This units the Aprilia aside from rivals such because the Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Honda CBR 500R, all of which use metal frames. 

To that body is mounted a 41mm fork offering 120mm of journey, whereas on the rear, the monoshock provides 130mm of journey. Up entrance, braking is handled by way of a single 320mm disc squeezed by a four-piston calliper, with a single-piston calliper on the rear married to a 220mm rotor. You get two-channel ABS which is switchable, engaged on both each wheels or solely the entrance. 

Whereas we’re poking across the backside of the bike, we’re 17-inch wheels at each ends, wrapped in 110/70 tyres on the entrance and 150/60 on the rear. 

Powering all that is – as per the RS 457’s aforementioned most important rivals – a liquid-cooled parallel twin. It produces 47bhp, the restrict for A2-category bikes, and breathes out of a neat two-into-one, underbelly-mounted exhaust. The RS 457 ought to really feel brisk sufficient regardless of the modest energy output, weighing 159kg dry, or 175kg with fluids. 

On the tech entrance, there’s a ride-by-wire throttle to offer a trio of driving modes and three ranges of traction management, plus the choice to show it off solely. A quickshifter is accessible as an adjunct, though we don’t know the way a lot for simply but.

[H2] Aprilia RS 457 value and availability

Talking of cash, we’re nonetheless ready for Aprilia to say how a lot the RS 457 will value, and when it may be ordered. It’d be smart to count on first deliveries to happen sooner or later in 2024, and we wouldn’t be stunned to see a value in extra of £7,000, given the bike’s extra unique make-up in comparison with rivals just like the £6,599 Honda CBR 500R, and the truth that the Aprilia RS 660 is £10,300.