The Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition is now the only version of the Tuono 457 available in India. Despite the name, this is not a limited run on top of the standard bike, but the replacement for it. It arrives with a revised riding position, retuned suspension and a standard-fit flyscreen, all aimed at making the Tuono a more liveable everyday machine without compromising its core character. Here's what works in its favour and a couple of reasons it might not be for you.
Reasons to buy the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition
Noticeably better ergonomics and comfort
The original Tuono 457 was essentially a naked RS 457 with the same seat, same riding position, and just with a flat handlebar instead of clip-ons. For taller riders in particular, it felt uncomfortably cramped. The Special Edition addresses this with taller handlebar risers and additional seat padding (both around 10mm each) which sound modest on paper but make a meaningful difference in practice. During our time with the bike, Rishaad, who stands 6'1" found that the new ergonomics offered a substantial improvement over the older bike, especially after a long ride. The retuned suspension, with a softer initial stroke front and rear, also makes the bike less abrasive over imperfect roads without blunting its handling.
An engine and chassis that no locally manufactured rival can match
The 457cc parallel-twin remains the highlight of the package. It produces 47.6hp and 43.5Nm, makes a genuinely excellent sound, and has a strong enough mid-range to pull clutch-up wheelies in second gear – something no other locally manufactured motorcycle at this price can do. The chassis is equally impressive, with a taut, reactive feel that gives it what the reviewer describes as a scaled-down big bike character. Highway speeds are effortless, and the bike cruises comfortably at 130kph and above.
Better relative value than before
The Tuono 457 Special Edition is priced at Rs 3.99 lakh – unchanged from when the standard Tuono launched. Meanwhile, its closest rival, the KTM 390 Duke, has seen its price rise due to the GST rate hike applicable to motorcycles above 350cc. What was previously a Rs 1 lakh gap has now narrowed to around Rs 50,000. That shift in relative positioning makes the Tuono a more compelling consideration than it was even a few months ago.
Reasons to skip the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition
It's still a compact motorcycle
The ergonomic improvements are real, but the Tuono 457 remains a small, compact motorcycle. The footpegs are still high-set, position is still sporty, and taller riders will still find it more constricted than, say, a KTM 390 Duke or a Triumph Speed 400. The changes make it more manageable, not roomy. If everyday comfort over long distances is your priority, this is not the bike for you.
Aprilia's dealer network remains limited
Aprilia's sales and service network in India is significantly more restricted than rivals like KTM, Triumph and Royal Enfield. For riders outside major metropolitan areas, finding an Aprilia dealership for routine servicing or warranty work can be a real inconvenience and it's a concern that hasn't been addressed alongside the motorcycle's improvements. It also tends to be a more expensive bike to run, both in terms of service costs and spare parts.
Ved Janve
Autocar India News Desk
Dinshaw Magol
