Aprilia has shaken up India’s premium naked motorcycle segment with the launch of the Tuono 457, priced aggressively from ₹3.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on the RS 457 platform, this Italian streetfighter combines razor-sharp design, track-bred mechanics, and accessible pricing to challenge rivals like the Yamaha MT-03 and KTM 390 Duke. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes the Tuono 457 a game-changer.
Aprilia Tuono 457 Price & Variants
The Tuono 457 launches as a single variant, with bookings open for ₹10,000 and test rides starting March 1, 2024.
| Model | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | ₹3.95 lakh |
Design & Aesthetics: Brutal Italian Flair
The Tuono 457 ditches the RS 457’s fairings for a raw, streetfighter stance while retaining Aprilia’s signature aggression:
Headlamp Design: Angular LED projector setup with sharp twin DRLs and winglet-inspired accents.
Muscular Profile: Aggressive fuel tank shrouds, chunky tires, and a black-chrome mechanical finish.
Underbelly Exhaust: Enhances mass-centralization and adds a sporty growl.
Tail Section: Shares the RS 457’s sleek LED taillight for brand consistency.
Engine & Performance: Track DNA for the Streets
The Tuono 457 borrows its heart from the RS 457 but tweaks it for street dominance:
Engine: 457cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder.
Power: 46.9 bhp @ 9,400 rpm (same as RS 457).
Torque: 43.5 Nm @ 6,700 rpm (shorter final drive chain for quicker throttle response).
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter (standard).
Performance Notes:
0–100 km/h in ~5 seconds (estimated).
Top speed of 180–190 km/h.
Optimized for low-mid range punch, ideal for urban and canyon riding.
Hardware & Suspension: Premium Components
Aprilia equips the Tuono 457 with segment-leading hardware:
Frame: Dual-beam aluminum chassis (shared with RS 457).
Suspension:
Front: 41mm USD forks (120mm travel).
Rear: Monoshock (130mm travel).
Brakes:
Front: 320mm floating disc + radial 4-piston ByBre caliper.
Rear: 220mm disc + single-piston caliper.
Dual-channel ABS with rear lift mitigation.
Wheels: 17-inch alloys wrapped in grippy tubeless tires.
Features & Technology: Tech-Savvy Riding
The Tuono 457 packs a suite of modern electronics:
5-inch TFT Display: Smartphone connectivity (navigation, call alerts).
Riding Modes: Urban, Touring, Track (adjusts throttle response, traction control).
Ride-by-Wire: Seamless throttle control.
Aprilia Traction Control (ATC): 3-level adjustable.
LED Lighting: Full-LED setup for visibility and style.
Aprilia Tuono 457 vs Rivals: Spec Comparison
| Specs | Aprilia Tuono 457 | KTM 390 Duke | Yamaha MT-03 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 457cc twin-cylinder | 399cc single-cylinder | 321cc twin-cylinder |
| Power | 46.9 bhp | 44 bhp | 41.4 bhp |
| Torque | 43.5 Nm | 39 Nm | 29.6 Nm |
| Weight | 159 kg (kerb) | 167 kg | 170 kg |
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹3.95 lakh | ₹3.11 lakh | ₹4.60 lakh |
Key Takeaways:
Power Advantage: The Tuono 457 leads in torque and horsepower.
Lightweight: At 159 kg, it’s 8–11 kg lighter than rivals.
Price Positioning: Priced between the Duke and MT-03, offering Italian pedigree at a premium.
Target Audience & Use Case
The Tuono 457 caters to:
Enthusiasts: Seeking Italian design and track-inspired performance.
Urban Riders: Lightweight chassis and upright ergonomics for city agility.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: Wanting premium specs without breaking the bank.
Why the Tuono 457 Matters for Aprilia
Made in India: Second model produced at Piaggio’s Baramati plant, boosting local affordability.
Segment Expansion: Fills the gap between the RS 457 and premium Tuono 660.
Brand Democratization: Brings Aprilia’s racing legacy to a broader audience.
Challenges Ahead
KTM’s Dominance: The 390 Duke’s established fanbase and lower price.
Service Network: Limited Aprilia service centers compared to Yamaha/KTM.
Perception: Convincing buyers to choose Italian flair over Japanese/Austrian practicality.
Verdict: The Italian Bargain Streetfighter
The Aprilia Tuono 457 isn’t just a naked RS 457—it’s a statement. With its intoxicating mix of Italian design, segment-leading power, and approachable pricing, it challenges the notion that premium European bikes must come with premium price tags. While the KTM 390 Duke remains a value king, the Tuono 457 appeals to riders craving exclusivity and track-derived thrills.
For those tired of the Duke’s ubiquity or the MT-03’s conservative styling, the Tuono 457 is a breath of fresh air. Just ensure your city has an Aprilia service center before taking the plunge.
Prices ex-showroom. Features and specifications subject to change at Aprilia’s discretion.
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