Aprilia releases new mid-size, two-cylinder engine | RS 457!

Aprilia RS457…858,000 yen (including 10% consumption tax)

The RS457, which is easy to handle, lightweight and powerful with genuine racing lines that have been given the RS title, boasts sophisticated equipment such as a water-cooled DOHC 4-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine and an aluminum alloy frame with a ride-by-wire system, adjustable traction control, and a full electronic control package with three riding modes.In addition, it adopts a color that skillfully combines black, red and purple, reminiscent of the graphics of Aprilia’s MotoGP machine, the RS-GP, and furthermore, the design inspired by GP machines, such as the aprilia logo on the winglet that strongly characterizes the front end and the red stripe on the front wheel rim, is also attractive.

Aprilia RS 457 Product Overview

• Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 858,000 yen (including 10% consumption tax)
• Graphics: Racing stripes
• Shipment start date: February 2025

The RS457 marks a historic step forward for Aprilia, not just in terms of technology. Indeed, Aprilia’s new twin-cylinder sports bike responds to the growing global demand for easy-to-ride, fun, and technologically and stylistically groundbreaking motorcycles, appealing to new targets and markets. The RS

name embodies sportiness. Aprilia’s innovative spirit, derived from its long and successful racing history, has shaped its motorcycle culture, resulting in unique and surprising designs. Thus, Aprilia has satisfied the passion of young riders with extraordinary bikes, making them the dream of an entire generation. At the

same time, Aprilia dominated the two-stroke category, where it established its presence in the racing world. After reaffirming its technological superiority with a victory in World Superbike, it also distinguished itself in MotoGP. Now,

Aprilia is returning to its founding mission with a project for a new generation of motorcyclists, drawing on the knowledge it has accumulated on racetracks around the world.

The success of the Aprilia RS660, launched in 2020, revolutionized the world of mid-range sports bikes and created a new segment.

The same successful formula is reflected in the Aprilia RS457, which began as an entirely new project, conceived and developed at the Noale headquarters, where all Aprilias, including MotoGP bikes, are manufactured. This new Aprilia bridges the gap between the 125cc engine models and the RS660, completing the RS family that includes the powerful V4 Superbike RSV4 and the most technologically advanced, MotoGP-winning RS-GP.

The Aprilia RS457 listens to the needs of young riders and those looking to get started on a faired sports bike, leveraging all of Aprilia’s technology and experience to design and build a true sports bike.

The bike’s strengths are its lightest possible A2-license motorcycle, its excellent power-to-weight ratio, its ease of handling, and its extensive range of cutting-edge technology. The RS457 is designed to accompany the rider as they progress on the road and on the track. In fact, based on ergonomics, the clip-on handlebars are attached higher than the top bridge, creating a road sports bike that optimizes the balance between sportiness and comfort.

*A2 license: A motorcycle driver’s license category in EU member states that allows riding without engine displacement restrictions as long as the maximum output is 35kW (47.6 horsepower) or less.

Clear style born from function

The styling of the new RS457 follows the tradition of the RS series, a supersport bike that has defined motorcycling history. It follows the innovative path pioneered by the RS660, which first introduced a double front fairing with aerodynamic functionality and a futuristic shape in 2020.

The result is a bike with a slimmed-down front end that exudes a light and dynamic impression, starting with the triple full-LED headlight unit with integrated turn signals, a hallmark of Aprilia style.

From the very center of the headlight unit, two aerodynamic elements reminiscent of MotoGP prototypes, developed through numerous wind tunnel tests and CFD simulations, lead to the double fairing. Indeed, aerodynamics plays a crucial role on small-engine motorcycles, and to enhance the bike’s compact size, it is necessary to adopt smooth surfaces while achieving an efficient shape. The RS457’s double-wall fairing features slit splits and a special spoiler connected to the frame, deflecting wind pressure and hot air from the engine and radiator, improving rider comfort.

The riding position, with its separate handlebars mounted above the steering top bridge and low-set footpegs, perfectly balances sporty riding with comfort for city riding. The shape of the fuel tank is designed to fit the rider’s chest and helmet, contributing to a perfect sense of unity with the bike. This provides maximum control and a relaxed riding position for riders of all heights.

The RS457’s sporty and dynamic body lines also significantly influence the routing of the 2-into-1 exhaust, with the silencer located below the engine beautifully integrated into the under-fairing. This allows for greater freedom in the design of the rear of the bike and allows for optimal placement of the rear footpeg bracket.

The low seat, just 800mm, is narrow and ensures a firm foothold on the ground. The sleek tail fairing incorporates an LED rear light unit and features two winglet-shaped grab handles on the sides. The spacious passenger seat can be replaced with an accessory single-seat fairing (sold separately).

Twin-cylinder engine provides the perfect combination of performance and light weight

The Aprilia RS457 is built around a new, ultra-modern twin-cylinder engine, whose 457cc displacement lends the new Italian sports bike its name as a testament to its central role in the project.

This new power unit is a liquid-cooled, double-headed, four-valve, parallel-twin engine that reaches a maximum power output of 35kW (47.6HP) at 9,400 rpm, the maximum power allowed under an A2 license. It also develops 43.5Nm of torque at 6,700 rpm, with 82% of its maximum torque already available at 3,000 rpm.

This latest-generation power unit is compact and lightweight, contributing to an excellent power-to-weight ratio, a top priority for Aprilia’s designers. In fact, the dry weight of the bike is 159kg, and when loaded with fluids and 90% fuel, it weighs just 175kg.

As with the RS660, the engine layout was chosen to optimize lightness and compact dimensions, allowing for great freedom in terms of chassis design. The rear of the engine also functions as the swingarm pivot, contributing to compactness and overall vehicle weight reduction.

Aprilia’s new twin-cylinder unit is newly designed, leveraging all the know-how gained from the powerful 1100cc V4 engine in the RSV4 and the 659cc twin-cylinder unit found throughout the 660 series in the RS, Tuono, and Tuareg. Building on a solid technological foundation, Aprilia engineers focused on optimizing volume, fully integrating the coolant bypass and blow-by circuits into the engine, and minimizing the number of hoses visible from the engine’s exterior. The crankcase is split horizontally into two halves, further reducing volume and resulting in a more robust structure.

Various solutions were employed to minimize internal friction. The cylinders are offset by 6.5 mm relative to the crankshaft, reducing piston thrust. The countershaft and water pump use needle bearings instead of metal bushings, and the piston pins are DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coated. The gearbox uses roller bearings instead of bushings for the synchronizer gear shafts, just like the Aprilia V4 engine, and the gearbox fork axle uses a patented integrated lubrication system.

The camshafts, controlled by a side cam chain, are hollow and use bucket tappets to reduce inertia during valve actuation. The wet multi-plate clutch has an assist function and is also equipped with a slipper system. Engine response can be controlled by the ride-by-wire electronically controlled multi-map throttle, with three riding modes to choose from.

Cutting-edge chassis construction delivers an impressive ride that’s easy to handle and fun to ride

Aprilia’s outstanding frame-building expertise is also evident in the new Aprilia RS457. Aprilia engineers’ refined chassis design craftsmanship dates back to the years of successful WGP 125cc and 250cc two-stroke engine units. The new RS457 benefits from this valuable accumulated know-how, being the only bike in its segment to feature an aluminum frame.

To achieve the optimal balance between stiffness and weight, the frame geometry was optimized through computer-aided engineering (CAE) development, alongside numerous real-world test sessions. The result is a layout focused on maximizing the weight, delivering dynamic performance and the front-end feel that derives from every Aprilia’s superior cornering ability. The frame is made up of two longitudinally split aluminum spars, bolted together. The engine also functions as the bearing element for the swingarm pivot, already used in the RS660, with the steel swingarm attached directly to the engine block. This construction contributes to a compact, lightweight, and highly rigid chassis design.

The highly functional suspension works in tandem with the frame, offering adjustable settings for maximum fun and control in any situation, ensuring even the most experienced riders enjoy the ultimate riding pleasure. The front suspension features a 41mm upside-down fork with preload adjustment, while the rear features a monoshock with similar preload adjustment. Front and rear travel are 120mm and 130mm, respectively.

The front brake system features a 320mm disc and a ByBre radial-mounted, four-piston caliper, with an adjustable brake lever for optimal control at all times. The rear brakes are equipped with a 220mm disc and a ByBre caliper. A dual-map Bosch ABS system provides safe braking on both wheels (or only the front, depending on the mode). The sporty 17-inch wheels are fitted with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tires, perfectly sized to deliver superior grip without sacrificing agility, a true strength of the new Aprilia.

A complete electronic control device worthy of a true sports bike

The Aprilia RS457’s electronic control devices are designed for a wide range of riders and are faithful to Aprilia’s tradition of true sports bikes. Aprilia was the first in the world to introduce the Ride-by-Wire system to a mass-produced model, on the Shiver 750. The engine is controlled by three riding modes that affect power and torque delivery and traction control, and the traction control can be adjusted to three levels or disabled. To select the desired riding mode, simply press the dedicated button on the handlebar switch, and you can adjust the engine output and traction control to get your adrenaline pumping even while riding.

Three riding modes

ECO mode:

The engine output is set to a moderate level and the traction control intervention level is medium (level 2).

SPORT mode

A more responsive and dynamic engine power setting with low traction control intervention (Level 1), ideal for sporty riding.

RAIN mode

This riding mode is designed for situations with low grip levels or wet asphalt. The engine output is set very gently, and the traction control is set to maximum intervention (Level 3) for increased safety during acceleration.

Regardless of the selected riding mode, Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) can be adjusted on the move using the UP and DOWN buttons on the left handlebar switch.

The extensive range of dedicated accessories for the RS457 also includes AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, an electronic control system that allows extremely fast gear changes without closing the throttle or pulling the clutch lever, and is also effective for downshifts. In

addition to its design and performance, the Aprilia RS457 boasts an extremely advanced instrument system with backlit handlebar switches for improved nighttime visibility and a 5-inch TFT color display. The meter displays striking graphics, a central speedometer, and a sporty tachometer scale.

The Aprilia MIA system, an Aprilia multimedia platform available as an accessory (sold separately), connects the bike to a smartphone and further expands the extensive instrument cluster functionality. The system minimizes smartphone battery consumption and includes an infotainment system that manages voice assistant, phone calls, and music playback through intuitive handlebar switches.

Aprilia RS 457 main specifications

Engine type: 4-stroke, water-cooled, in-line twin-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve;

Displacement: 457cc

; Bore x Stroke: 69 mm x 61.1 mm;

Maximum power: 47.6 HP (35 kW) at 9,400 rpm;

Maximum torque: 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm;

Fuel supply system: Electronic fuel injection system, Φ36 mm twin throttle body

, ride-by-wire accelerator management system; Lubrication system

: Wet sump; Starting system: Self-acting ; Transmission:

6-speed return (Aprilia Quick Shift UP/DOWN is available as an option)

; Clutch: Wet multi-plate clutch with assist and slipper system

; Frame: Double-spar aluminium frame; Front

suspension: Φ41 mm telescopic inverted

fork, spring preload adjustable, wheel travel 120 mm

; Rear suspension: Steel swingarm, mono shock absorber,

spring preload adjustable,

wheel travel 130 mm; Front brakes: 320 mm disc, ByBre radial mount, 32 mm 4-piston caliper

brake (R): 220mm diameter disc, ByBre 1-piston caliper

Overall length / overall width 1,982.5 mm / 760 mm

Seat height 800 mm

Wheelbase 1,350 mm

Tire (F): 110/70 ZR 17 Aluminum wheel 3.0″ x 17″

Tire (R): 150/60 ZR 17 Aluminum wheel 4.5″ x 17″

Weight: Equipped weight 175 kg (with 90% fuel load), dry weight 159 kg

Fuel tank capacity: 13 L

Country of origin: India