Aprilia have announced pricing for their learner legal RS 457 sports bike, which is due to hit Australian showrooms in August. Priced from $12,540, a racing livery emblazoned Replica edition will hit the road from $12,940 – both ride away.
The RS 457 is a historic step for Aprilia, with the twin-cylinder offering embracing the brand’s sports bike heritage, while hitting a target market that’s growing rapidly. Technologically advanced, it builds on the benchmark set by the mid-range 660.
The same winning formula is repeated in this new bike, a machine that completes the RS family, that goes all the way up to V4 super bikes and the MotoGP winning RS-GP. Lightweight, the 457 maximises the power-to-weight ratio for leaner approval.
That capability is paired with ease of handling, with ergonomic features like clip-on handlebars mounted above the upper steering plate. A double front fairing, underbelly silencer, and 2-in-1 exhaust are also included.
A full LED headlight features integrated front indicators, while the dash uses an elegant and practical 5.0-inch TFT colour instrument cluster. Handlebar controls are backlit too, for added safety and convenience.
Powering the Aprilia RS 457 is a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, with double camshaft timing and four valves per cylinder. It delivers 35kW of get up and go in a machine with a wet weight of 175kg (159kg dry).
The new engine is paired with a stiff aluminium frame (unique to the segment). The crankcase functions as a load-bearing element, a solution borrowed from the RS 660, which ensures low weight, dynamic qualities and riding pleasure.
The 41mm fork features 120mm travel and preload adjustability. Ditto for the mono-shock, which is adjustable in preload, for 130mm wheel travel. The braking system sports a 320mm front disc with a ByBre radial-mount four-piston calliper.
At the rear is a 220mm steel disc, with both utilising two-channel ABS with dual mapping, allowing it to be engaged on either two wheels, or just the front. The 17-inch alloys mount 110/70 tyres at the front and 150/60 at the rear.
A ride-by-wire system manages the engine with three riding modes that intervene on power, torque delivery and traction control (the latter is adjustable to three levels and can be disabled). A quick shifter comes as an accessory.
Too find out more, visit the Aprilia website, or contact your local dealer.