Aprilia RS 457 real world fuel economy tested, explained

Aprilia launched the RS 457 earlier this year and set the market ablaze with its credentials and relatively competitive pricing. After spending about a week with it and putting it through our test cycle, we are now ready with a report on how it performs on the streets.

As per our usual method, we start by filling the RS 457 to the brim and riding it for about 60km on the highway, cruising at around 80kph (the speed limit on the highway stretch where we conduct these tests) in 6th gear. At the end of our test, we refilled the tank and the Aprilia took 1.62 litres. In our test, the RS 457 achieved a commendable fuel efficiency figure of 32.53kpl.  

 

Next up is the concrete jungle where we plan to run our city mileage test. Same as before, we rode the RS 457 for 50km through mixed traffic conditions and at the end of it, we tanked it up to the brim once more. In the city test, it managed an efficiency figure of 17.03kpl.

 

Powered by a liquid-cooled, 457cc parallel twin engine, the RS 457 packs one hell of a potent motor. It’s tractable and can easily handle lower speeds with higher gears. It’s abundant low-end torque and light clutch make it an easy affair both in the city and on the highway. It is worth mentioning that the RS 457 has scored the lowest city efficiency figure in its segment. While it is also the fastest and most powerful bike in its segment, we were surprised to get a figure below 20kpl. Our pattern during the city test is to ride in a natural way and keep pace with the rest of the traffic. You may be able to extract better fuel efficiency with an extremely sensitive right hand, but it is one of the few areas where this bike does not impress. 

 

Things get a lot better out on the highway; the RS 457 can really stretch its legs and its engine seems a lot more relaxed at higher speeds, which is once again reflected in its significantly higher highway efficiency figure. Though its throttle can be a little too sensitive, Aprilia has given you three different modes to help fine-tune your input. As with the city test, we ride the bike in a smooth, natural manner, and you can achieve much lower figures if you extract more performance.

 

Our fuel efficiency testing routine begins by filling the tank to its brim and ensuring the bike's tyre pressures match the manufacturer's recommendations. The bike is then ridden on predetermined city and highway routes, maintaining specific average speeds that closely mimic real-world conditions. The weight is kept constant by balancing rider weights and ballast to ensure consistent data across different motorcycles and riders. At the end of the run, the fuel tank is refilled to the brim, allowing us to measure the consumption against the trip metre reading.

 

Also see: Yamaha R3 real world fuel economy tested, explained