The highly anticipated Aprilia Tuono 457 is set to make its Indian debut on February 17, 2025. As a street-naked sibling of the RS 457, the Tuono aims to offer a versatile and budget-friendly option to motorcycle enthusiasts. With an expected price tag of around or below Rs 4 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tuono 457 provides an accessible alternative to the RS 457, which is priced at Rs 4.20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Designed for riders who seek a balance between style, performance, and comfort, the Tuono 457 features unique modifications to distinguish it from its fully-faired counterpart. It promises an engaging riding experience, making it a strong contender in the mid-capacity streetfighter segment.
Key Styling and Design
The Tuono 457 is an evolution of the RS 457, incorporating design changes that make it more suitable for urban and relaxed riding. It features a more upright seating position, providing improved comfort and control during city commutes or longer, casual rides. The handlebars are raised slightly compared to the RS 457, ensuring a more relaxed posture for riders.
Additionally, the suspension has been tuned for better performance on uneven urban roads, offering a smoother and more enjoyable ride. The Tuono 457 also includes design elements such as a slightly modified fairing and a less aggressive stance, aligning it with the needs of riders looking for a versatile and approachable motorcycle for daily use.
Distinctive Features:
- Flat Handlebar: A flat handlebar replaces the clip-on handlebars found on the RS 457. This modification provides a relaxed and upright riding posture, reducing strain on the wrists and back, especially for city commuting and long rides.
- Restyled Tail Section: The redesigned tail section gives the Tuono a sportier and more aggressive appearance while maintaining the practicality needed for everyday use.
- Boomerang-style DRLs: Boomerang-shaped daytime running lamps add a modern, striking aesthetic and improve visibility for enhanced safety.
- Two-Piece Seat: The two-piece seat offers additional comfort for both the rider and pillion, ensuring long-distance rides are less tiring.
- Underbelly Exhaust: The underbelly exhaust design contributes to the bike’s clean and aerodynamic look.
- Rear-set Footpegs: Rear-set footpegs balance comfort and sportiness, ensuring a dynamic yet ergonomic riding position.
Engine and Performance
The Tuono 457 is powered by the same 457cc parallel-twin engine as the RS 457 but is tuned to deliver a unique riding experience. This engine produces an impressive peak power of 47 horsepower, catering to a wide range of riders, from beginners to experienced motorcyclists. The Tuono 457 features a revised torque curve, ensuring smoother acceleration and enhanced responsiveness, making it ideal for both city commuting and spirited weekend rides.
Additionally, the engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes equipped with a slipper clutch, allowing for seamless downshifts and reducing rear-wheel hop during aggressive braking. This tuning emphasizes a balance between performance and usability, providing a thrilling yet manageable ride experience tailored to its naked sports bike character.
Engine Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Parallel-twin |
| Displacement | 457cc |
| Maximum Power Output | 47bhp |
| Peak Torque | 43.5Nm |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled |
| Expected Gearing | Optimized for low-end torque |
Performance Highlights:
- The engine delivers smooth power delivery and strong mid-range performance, making it versatile for both city riding and spirited highway runs.
- Industry insiders suggest Aprilia may fine-tune the Tuono’s gearing to enhance low-end torque, which will be ideal for stop-and-go traffic.
- With a lighter kerb weight compared to the RS 457, the Tuono 457 offers agile handling and quicker acceleration.
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Suspension and Braking
The Tuono 457’s suspension and braking components are designed to provide a balance between comfort, stability, and control.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | 43mm inverted fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Brake | 320mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 220mm disc |
| ABS | Dual-channel |
Key Features:
- The inverted fork at the front offers superior damping, ensuring stability even at high speeds or rough roads.
- A rear monoshock provides consistent performance and improved handling.
- Dual-channel ABS ensures safety during sudden braking, minimizing the risk of wheel lock-ups.
Features and Technology
The Tuono 457 is equipped with modern features and rider aids, making it a technologically advanced offering in its segment. It boasts a full-color TFT display, providing riders with clear and customizable information on speed, navigation, and performance metrics. The bike also comes with multiple riding modes, enabling riders to adapt to different terrains and weather conditions seamlessly.
Advanced traction control, cornering ABS, and a quick shifter ensure a safe and exhilarating riding experience. Additionally, features like LED lighting, smartphone connectivity, and an intuitive user interface further enhance the bike’s appeal, offering convenience and cutting-edge technology in one dynamic package.
Key Features:
- TFT Display: A fully digital TFT screen offers intuitive and clear navigation of bike metrics, including speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip information.
- Traction Control: A 3-level traction control system enhances safety by preventing wheel slips. Riders can toggle the levels or switch it off entirely to suit their riding preferences.
- Riding Modes: The three riding modes—Rain, Sport, and Eco—adjust traction control and ABS settings based on riding conditions:
- Rain: Optimized for wet surfaces with maximum safety aids.
- Sport: Prioritizes performance with minimal electronic intervention.
- Eco: Focuses on fuel efficiency for economical rides.
Market Rivals
The Tuono 457 will compete with other popular streetfighters in the mid-capacity segment, which includes the BMW G 310 R, Yamaha MT-03, and KTM 390 Duke. These models are known for their blend of performance, agility, and affordability, making them favorites among urban riders and enthusiasts.
The Tuono 457 aims to stand out with its unique Italian design, advanced electronics, and a high-revving engine that promises a thrilling riding experience. With competitive pricing and features tailored for the streetfighter category, the Tuono 457 is poised to attract riders seeking a balance of style, technology, and performance in the competitive mid-capacity market.
Comparison Table:
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | ~Rs 4 lakh | 457cc, parallel-twin | TFT display, traction control |
| BMW G 310 R | Rs 2.85 lakh | 313cc, single-cylinder | Ride-by-wire, USD forks |
| Yamaha MT-03 | Rs 3.65 lakh | 321cc, parallel-twin | LED lighting, TFT display |
| KTM 390 Duke | Rs 3.10 lakh | 373cc, single-cylinder | Quick-shifter, TFT display |
The Tuono 457’s combination of Italian styling, robust engine performance, and advanced features will make it a compelling choice in this competitive segment.
Riding Dynamics
The Tuono 457’s upright seating position and lightweight frame make it an ideal choice for diverse riding scenarios.
- The flat handlebar ensures a comfortable posture for city commutes and long-distance touring.
- Rear-set footpegs and an aggressive stance add a sporty edge while maintaining rider comfort.
- Its lightweight frame enhances agility, making it easy to navigate through traffic and sharp corners.
Anticipated Price and Availability
The Tuono 457 is expected to launch with an ex-showroom price of approximately Rs 4 lakh, slightly undercutting the RS 457.
| Model | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | Rs 4 lakh |
| Aprilia RS 457 | Rs 4.20 lakh |
This competitive pricing positions the Tuono 457 as a premium yet accessible motorcycle for riders seeking Italian flair and performance without overspending.
Conclusion
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is poised to be a game-changer in the mid-capacity streetfighter category. Its blend of performance, comfort, and technology sets it apart as a motorcycle designed for both novice and experienced riders. With a well-balanced chassis, advanced rider aids, and distinctive styling, the Tuono 457 promises to deliver an engaging and thrilling riding experience.
As it gears up for its February 17, 2025, launch, the Tuono 457 is expected to capture the attention of India’s growing community of motorcycling enthusiasts, bringing Italian sophistication and performance to the forefront.
FAQs
What is the engine capacity of the Aprilia Tuono 457?
The Aprilia Tuono 457 has a 457cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47bhp and 43.5Nm of torque, delivering excellent performance for city commutes and highway rides.
What is the expected price of the Aprilia Tuono 457 in India?
The Tuono 457 is expected to be priced at approximately Rs 4 lakh (ex-showroom), offering a more affordable alternative to its sibling, the RS 457.
What riding modes are available on the Tuono 457?
The Tuono 457 features three riding modes—Rain, Sport, and Eco—that adjust traction control and ABS settings to match different riding conditions for safety and performance.