The Tuono 457 is one of those launches which everybody saw coming. The RS 457 was launched at last year’s EICMA and its stripped-down counterpart has now debuted at EICMA 2024 today. It is essentially an RS 457 with the fairing taken off, sleeker bodywork and a new headlight cluster. Also, the fuel tank holds 12.7 litres of fuel versus the RS 457’s 13 litres.
The Tuono 457 is a compact motorcycle with an Aluminum frame and the engine placed as a stressed member. Weighing in at a measly 175 kg (same as the RS 457), it packs a punch with its 457cc 270-degree parallel-twin engine that makes 48PS and 44Nm. The light weight and good power figures make for an impressive power-to-weight ratio! All this also means it is nimble and light-footed, making it a great introductory sports bike for beginners looking to scrape their knees around a track.
This engine will rev freely till its 10,500rpm redline, but the peak torque sits at just 6,700rpm. This ensures that you don’t have to wring out its neck to make progress. The motor is quite tractable, and the gear ratios prioritise a wide powerband. It should also come equipped with the slip-and-assist clutch and offer the RS 457’s bi-directional quickshifter as an accessory also.
A 320mm floating disc with 4-piston radial callipers in the front and a 220mm rear disc with single-piston floating caliper at the rear, both ByBre branded, provide sufficient stopping power. 17-inch wheels sit at both ends shod in a 110/70 tire at the front and a 150/60 tire at the back. The Tuono 457 also sports everything that the RS 457 has, including a five-inch TFT display, a ride-by-wire throttle, traction control with four levels, and ride modes to match the situation at hand. Aprilia has also shown saddlebags, a tank bag, sintered brake pads, a pillion seat cowl and some more accessories to customise the new Tuono 457 with.
If the build quality of the Aprilia RS 457 is anything to go by, we can safely expect top-notch quality from the Tuono as well. it can also be expected to be made right here in the country like the RS 457 and that should give it a definitive edge in terms of pricing. Ideally, it should sit somewhere lower than the RS 457’s ₹ 4.10 lakh ex-showroom price tag. The RS 457 is already a fantastic VFM proposition. The Tuono 457 looks smashing, should have impressive build quality, is feature-packed, and the engine is powerful and engaging with the dynamics backing it all up. It’ll be interesting to see this take on the likes of the newly updated KTM Duke 390 and the Yamaha MT-03, both of which cost significantly more than the RS 457 already! Now, only if Aprilia expand their sales and service network soon…
