Aprilia Tuono 457 Review: The Aprilia Tuono 457 is the latest addition to the Italian manufacturer’s lineup, and it’s making waves in the sub-500cc naked motorcycle segment. Following the success of the RS 457, a faired sports bike that challenged rivals like the KTM RC 390 and Yamaha R3, Aprilia has now unveiled the Tuono 457. This naked streetfighter is more than just a stripped-down version of its sibling; it’s a bold statement of performance, design, and Italian engineering. With its aggressive styling, refined mechanics, and thrilling performance, the Tuono 457 is poised to take on competitors like the KTM 390 Duke, Bajaj Dominar 400, and Yamaha MT-03.
Unlike its faired counterpart, the Tuono 457 embraces a fully naked design, ditching the side fairings for a more muscular and aggressive look. The fuel tank, now 300ml smaller at 12.7 liters, features new panels that enhance its streetfighter appeal. The flat handlebar replaces the clip-ons of the RS 457, offering a more comfortable riding position without compromising on the bike’s sporty DNA. The Tuono retains the same 5-inch TFT display, illuminated switch cubes, and exhaust setup as the RS 457, ensuring a premium feel. Underneath its bold exterior lies the same liquid-cooled, parallel-twin 457cc engine, delivering 36.9 bhp and 43.5 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and an optional quickshifter.
On the road, the Tuono 457 shines as a versatile and exhilarating machine. The slightly shorter gearing, thanks to a one-tooth larger sprocket, makes it a blast in city traffic while still capable of hitting high speeds on open roads. The suspension setup, featuring 41mm USD forks and a monoshock, strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. However, the brakes, though adequate, could benefit from an upgrade to sintered pads for sharper performance. Despite this minor drawback, the Tuono 457 is a compelling option for riders seeking a sub-500cc naked bike with Italian flair and performance.
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Specifications of the Aprilia Tuono 457
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications of the Aprilia Tuono 457:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin |
| Power | 36.9 bhp @ 9,400 rpm |
| Torque | 43.5 Nm @ 6,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with slipper clutch |
| Quickshifter | Optional |
| Frame | Twin-spar aluminium frame |
| Front Suspension | 41mm USD forks, 120mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock, 130mm travel |
| Front Brake | Dual 320mm discs, 4-piston Bybre calipers |
| Rear Brake | 220mm disc, single-piston Bybre caliper |
| Tires | TVS EuroGrip Protorq, 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 liters |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 159 kg |
| Instrumentation | 5-inch TFT display |
Features of the Aprilia Tuono 457
The Tuono 457 is packed with features that enhance both its functionality and appeal:
- 5-inch TFT Display: A fully digital, customizable display provides all essential ride information.
- Illuminated Switch Cubes: Premium switches with backlighting for better visibility at night.
- Flat Handlebar: Offers a more upright and comfortable riding position compared to clip-ons.
- Optional Quickshifter: Enables seamless upshifts without using the clutch.
- LED Lighting: Modern LED headlights and taillights improve visibility and add to the bike’s aggressive look.
- Slipper Clutch: Reduces rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
Performance and Riding Experience
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is a joy to ride, whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through twisty roads. The 457cc parallel-twin engine delivers a strong low and mid-range punch, making it tractable in urban environments. The shorter gearing ensures quick acceleration, while the top-end power allows for thrilling highway runs. The suspension setup is well-tuned, offering a pliant ride over rough surfaces without sacrificing sporty handling. However, the brakes, though decent, could use an upgrade for more bite and sharper feedback.
Design and Styling
The Tuono 457’s design is a head-turner, with its bug-eyed LED headlights and muscular fuel tank design. The absence of side fairings gives it a raw, aggressive look, while the twin-spar aluminium frame adds to its premium feel. The flat handlebar and slightly reworked ergonomics make it more comfortable for daily riding compared to the RS 457.
Price and Launch Details
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is expected to be priced higher than its rivals, reflecting its premium build and performance. While the exact price for the Indian market is yet to be announced, it is likely to be in the range of ₹4.5-5 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike was unveiled at EICMA 2023 and is expected to hit showrooms by mid-2024.
Aprilia Tuono 457 Review Conclusion
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is a bold and exciting entry into the competitive sub-500cc naked motorcycle segment. With its aggressive design, refined engineering, and thrilling performance, it stands out as a true Italian streetfighter. While it shares its core mechanics with the RS 457, the Tuono 457 carves its own identity with a more comfortable riding position, muscular styling, and a focus on everyday usability. It’s a bike that not only looks stunning but also delivers a dynamic and engaging riding experience.
One of the Tuono 457’s standout features is its 457cc parallel-twin engine, which offers a perfect blend of tractability and performance. Whether you’re navigating city streets or pushing it on open roads, the engine’s strong low and mid-range torque ensures a responsive and exhilarating ride. The slightly shorter gearing further enhances its agility, making it a joy to ride in urban environments. However, the brakes, though adequate, could benefit from an upgrade to sintered pads for sharper performance.
In terms of design, the Tuono 457 is a head-turner. Its bug-eyed LED headlights, muscular fuel tank, and twin-spar aluminium frame give it a raw and aggressive look that sets it apart from its competitors. The flat handlebar and reworked ergonomics make it more comfortable for daily use compared to the RS 457, while the premium features like the 5-inch TFT display and illuminated switch cubes add to its appeal.
That said, the Tuono 457 does come with a higher price tag compared to its rivals like the KTM 390 Duke, Yamaha MT-03, and Bajaj Dominar 400. While its premium build quality and Italian charm justify the cost, budget-conscious buyers might find it a bit steep. However, if you’re looking for a bike that offers a unique combination of style, performance, and comfort, the Tuono 457 is worth every penny.
In conclusion, the Aprilia Tuono 457 is more than just a naked version of the RS 457—it’s a well-rounded streetfighter that brings Italian flair and excitement to the sub-500cc segment. If you’re in the market for a naked motorcycle that stands out from the crowd and delivers an unforgettable riding experience, the Tuono 457 should be at the top of your list. Take it for a spin, and you’ll understand why it’s more than just the emperor’s new clothes.
Aprilia Tuono 457 Review FAQs
1. What is the engine capacity and performance of the Aprilia Tuono 457?
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is powered by a 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers 36.9 bhp at 9,400 rpm and 43.5 Nm of torque at 6,700 rpm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slipper clutch and an optional quickshifter. The parallel-twin configuration ensures a smooth and tractable power delivery, making it suitable for both city commutes and spirited rides on open roads. The engine’s strong low and mid-range torque provides excellent responsiveness, while the top-end power allows for thrilling high-speed performance.
2. How does the Tuono 457 differ from the RS 457?
While the Tuono 457 shares its engine and chassis with the RS 457, it distinguishes itself with a fully naked design and a more relaxed riding position. The Tuono 457 ditches the side fairings and clip-on handlebars of the RS 457 in favor of a flat handlebar, which offers a more upright and comfortable riding posture. The fuel tank design has also been reworked to give it a more muscular and aggressive look. Additionally, the Tuono 457 features slightly shorter gearing, thanks to a one-tooth larger sprocket, which enhances its acceleration and agility in urban environments.
3. What are the key features of the Aprilia Tuono 457?
The Aprilia Tuono 457 comes packed with premium features, including a 5-inch TFT display that provides all essential ride information in a customizable layout. It also features illuminated switch cubes for better visibility at night, LED lighting for the headlights and taillights, and an optional quickshifter for seamless gear changes. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with TVS EuroGrip Protorq tires and is equipped with dual 320mm front discs with 4-piston Bybre calipers and a single 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. The suspension setup includes 41mm USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, both offering preload adjustment.
4. How does the Tuono 457 perform on the road?
The Aprilia Tuono 457 offers a thrilling and versatile riding experience. Its slightly shorter gearing makes it highly responsive in city traffic, while the parallel-twin engine ensures smooth power delivery across the rev range. The suspension setup strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness, allowing the bike to handle rough roads with ease while remaining composed during aggressive cornering. However, the brakes, though adequate, could benefit from an upgrade to sintered pads for sharper performance. Overall, the Tuono 457 is a capable and fun-to-ride motorcycle that excels in both urban and highway environments.
5. What are the main competitors of the Aprilia Tuono 457?
The Aprilia Tuono 457 enters a highly competitive segment, where it faces rivals like the KTM 390 Duke, Yamaha MT-03, Bajaj Dominar 400, and TVS Apache RTR 310. Each of these bikes offers a unique set of features and performance characteristics. The KTM 390 Duke is known for its sharp handling and aggressive styling, while the Yamaha MT-03 offers a refined parallel-twin engine. The Bajaj Dominar 400 provides a more touring-oriented experience, and the TVS Apache RTR 310 stands out with its advanced electronics and value-for-money proposition. The Tuono 457, however, distinguishes itself with its Italian design, premium build quality, and twin-cylinder engine, making it a compelling choice for riders seeking a blend of style and performance.
