When Aprilia first announced the RS 457, it turned out to be quite exciting news for motorcyclists worldwide. After all, it came with the promise of legendary Aprilia performance for the masses and marked Aprilia’s entry into the entry-level performance motorcycle segment. Now with the idea to extend that promise even further, Aprilia launched the Tuono 457. We got the invite to check it out and we bring our findings to you. 

Before that, let us talk a little about why this launch is so exciting. Going back to the RS 457, it was especially exciting for the Indian motorcyclists as the motorcycle is being manufactured right here in India. Not only is that a matter of pride for us but it helped Aprilia in pricing the RS 457 very aggressively. At 4.10 lakhs (4.20 now) (Ex-Showroom), the RS 457 is a banger of a motorcycle at the price. 

So it only made sense to make the platform even more accessible. That… and then there’s the fact that to every RS, there’s a Tuono in the Aprilia lineup. Still, for those who are not too familiar with the idea of a Tuono, imagine all the performance and features of the RS 457 in a street-friendly package. It is already starting to seem like a winner, is it not?!

As always, we start with the design. The Tuono 457 is a slight departure from the bigger ones. Generally, the Tuonos, be it 660 or V4, take a lot of their design cues from their respective RS cousins. The only difference is the handlebar and less fairing. The front fascia is almost identical between the Tuonos and the RSs. 

In the case of the Tuono 457, Aprilia has decided to ditch that strategy and it seems like a good idea in the sense that it lends the motorcycle a very distinct identity. In person, I find the Tuono 457 to be a very likeable motorcycle but this is a subjective… well, subject. So it may not be to everyone’s taste. Still, do not simply judge the Tuono 457 from the photos… go take a look at it in the flesh as it looks way, way better in person especially, in the grey and white colour. 

Another major difference between the RS 457 and the Tuono 457 appears when you sit on the motorcycle. The Tuono 457 is decidedly more upright and the rider’s triangle is more comfortable. There is less weight on the wrists and the footpegs are also not as rear-set as the RS 457. The wider handlebar not only makes the Tuono 457 more comfortable but it also gives the rider more leverage to point the motorcycle wherever they want. 

In the ergonomics department, the Tuono 457 scores big because a committed riding stance, while enjoyable, is not for everyone. So I think that the people who were dissuaded by the riding posture of the RS 457 will be delighted to have the 457 experience with a much more relaxed stance. 

The headline remains the same though. The Tuono 457 continues to be powered by the stunning 457cc parallel twin that is nestled in the stellar aluminium frame. 47.6 horsepower is a lot but even more than that, it is the torque that is intoxicating. 43.5 Nm. Considering the Tuono 457 weighs the same as the RS 457, you can expect this to be a formula for mayhem too. The only change in the drivetrain is that the Tuono 457 gets an extra tooth in the rear sprocket for even more acceleration. 

And it shows when you ride the motorcycle. Starting the engine is followed by the same delightful exhaust note that I loved about the RS 457. When you get going though, the Tuono 457 feels even more urgent and ballistic. Considering it lacks fairing and proper wind protection, it is not as confidence-inspiring as the RS 457 at higher speeds, but it is a motorcyclist that is meant for acceleration and the thrill of wheelie-ing launches! That extra tooth makes a noticeable difference too plus the upright stance makes the acceleration ‘felt’ even more. 

In terms of handling too, it leaves nothing to be desired. After all, it has the same platform and cycle parts as the RS 457 so there is no reason to expect anything less. If anything, the wider and more upright handlebars give the rider more leverage to steer this nimble little beast around. It is a delight on the roads and the racetrack (I believe). 

In terms of electronics too, it is the same as the RS 457 so you can expect one of the most comprehensive suites of electronics in the class and even beyond. From riding modes to traction control and from the stunning display to the Bluetooth connectivity, it is all there. That makes the Tuono 457 a properly loaded motorcycle. 

Now, let’s talk competition. While I personally think that Tuono 457 has everyone beat handily, let us still talk about it. First, we have the single-cylinders; the Apache RTR 310 and the 390 Duke. While both of them are very accomplished motorcycles in their own right, they are beat in the power department. Moreover, the additional cylinder in the Tuono 457 gives it an edge. 

More importantly, that edge does not come at the cost of peppiness. Despite being a twin, the Tuono 457 is mighty punchy and has no problems absolutely rocketing off the line. Twins may be notorious for being peaky when compared to single-cylinders, but that is not the case with the Tuono 457. The only advantage the other two have is the price but then again, for the asking price of INR 3.95L (Ex-Showroom), the Tuono 457 is a stellar deal. 

Then there is the MT-03. It is a Yamaha and it is based on their tried and tested twin so it is a very, very good motorcycle. But it pales in comparison to the Tuono 457. The latter has more power, more features, and tons of character. Still, at 3.5L (Ex-showroom), the MT-03 is a very good motorcycle. That said, there is already a new R3 and there might be a new MT-03 as well. So at around 40,000 more, the Tuono 457 packs more power, more electronics, better looks (my opinion) and overall better value. 

So in my eyes, if one can stretch a little for the Tuono 457, one should. Kawasaki has a history of pairing their Ninjas with their Zs but for the Ninja 500, there isn’t one here yet. So we’ll just have to wait and that is… even if Kawasaki is planning for one. 

To summarize, the Tuono 457 is a more comfortable and more accessible RS 457 which is a winning formula in my opinion and that is not just on paper. Aprilia has done a wonderful job in the execution of that plan as well which makes the Tuono 457 a motorcycle to be reckoned with. And for the price, it is a steal for someone who wants to experience the Aprilia legacy without breaking the bank… or their back!