BREAKING: Aprilia Tuono 457 Launched In India

Quick News Highlights

• New Aprilia Tuono 457 has been launched in India

• Priced at Rs 3,95,000 (ex-showroom, Maharashtra)

• Features a different design and styling compared to other Tuono bikes 

The Aprilia Tuono 457 launched in India, at Rs 3,95,000 (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). The Tuono 457 is the streetfighter sibling of the Aprilia RS 457, and shares a lot of parts in common. The bike is now the most affordable Aprilia motorcycle in India. Bookings for the Tuono 457 have begun, and customers can book the bike for Rs 10,000.

Aprilia Tuono 457 Design

The Aprilia Tuono 457 features a unique design, which makes it stand out from the other bikes in the Tuono lineup. Unlike the Aprilia Tuono 660 and the Aprilia Tuono V4, the Tuono 457 doesn’t get the same quarter fairing and dual-headlight setup. This is a major break in design and styling and hardcore Aprilia fans may not appreciate this change.

The bike also offers very different ergonomics when compared to the Aprilia RS 457. The Tuono with its flat single piece handlebar puts the rider in a more relaxed and upright riding posture. This is quite different from the committed stance that the Aprilia RS 457 has to offer. Many riders who are looking to experience Italian performance now have a more accessible motorcycle to look forward to.

Aprilia Tuono 457 Engine & Performance

Powering the Tuono 457 is a 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which outputs 47.6PS at 9,400rpm and 43.5Nm at 6700rpm, which is the same as the Aprilia RS 457. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. Aprilia revised the sprocketing on the Tuono 457, giving it an extra tooth at rear sprocket. This will result in a shorter gear ratio, making the bike feeling torquier and also a lot more responsive to throttle inputs. This change will help in making the Tuono 457 feel more like an aggressive streetfighter, distinguishing it from its faired sibling.

Aprilia Tuono 457 Underpinnings

In terms of underpinnings, the bike is built on an aluminum perimeter frame. It is suspended on a 41mm inverted fork with preload adjustability and a monoshock with adjustable preload. The suspension offers 120mm wheel travel at the front and 130mm wheel travel at the rear. 

The bike rolls on 17-inch alloys at both ends. The braking setup consists of a 320mm front and 220mm rear disc, with Bybre calipers. The bike has a seat height of 800mm, which is the same as the Aprilia RS 457. Additionally, it also has the same kerb weight of 175kg as the RS 457. This is because the Tuono 457 has only seen the removal of a few side panels. This in theory should have reduced the bike's weight, but the weight of the handlebar and the handlebar mounts is more than that of the clip-ons used on the RS 457. So in the end, the weight has not changed overall.

Aprilia Tuono 457 Features

When it comes to features, the Tuono 457 offers 3 riding modes: Rain, Sport & Eco, 3-level traction control system, and dual-channel ABS. The bike also has a 5-inch TFT console, but features like smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation are offered as standard.

ZigSays

The Tuono 457 will go up against the KTM 390 Duke and the Yamaha MT-03 in India. The bike being a streetfighter, will offer a slightly more relaxed riding ergonomics when compared to the Aprilia RS 457 thanks to the wider and higher handlebar. 

This should make it more appealing to riders who want a more comfortable riding experience without losing out on the performance. That said, with the recent price drop in the KTM 390 Duke, it undercuts the Tuono by Rs 1,00,000.  When comapred to the Yamaha MT03, for about Rs 40,000 more, the Tuono 457 offers more performance and features, complete with the trademark Italian flair.

When comparing the performance, the Tuono 457 offers 1.6PS more and 4.5Nm more, the difference might not seem that massive on paper. But in terms of real world performance the Tuono’s 270 degree cross-plane twin will feel a lot more refined and offer a bit more excitement. That said, the price difference between the two is quite massive and riders who want something that offers comparable performance and better features will be better off with the KTM 390 Duke. But for those who want that unique experience which an Italian bike can offer, the Tuono 457 is the obvious choice.