Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition Expert Review

The Aprilia Tuono 457 gets a different look compared to the RS 457, with the fairing, clip-ons and tri-lamp headlight replaced by a smaller LED headlight and a handlebar setup. The headlight design may not look as attractive as the RS initially, but it grows on you over time. Aprilia has also slightly reprofiled the fuel tank to suit the taller handlebar and improve lock-to-lock clearance.

The Tuono shares its chassis with the RS 457 and even weighs the same 175kg despite having less bodywork. Aprilia says the smaller headlight and handlebar setup balance out the weight difference. The motorcycle also gets rubber-mounted footpegs, which help improve comfort on the road.

The Tuono 457 is far more comfortable than the RS on regular roads. The upright riding position with only a slight lean towards the handlebar makes bad roads easier to deal with, even though the suspension setup remains stiff like the RS.

The bike combines sporty performance with all-day comfort very well. It feels relaxed enough for commuting and touring, while still remaining engaging to ride. Windblast becomes noticeable at around 140kph, but cruising at 120kph feels comfortable.

The parallel-twin engine remains one of the highlights of the Tuono 457. It feels punchy, flexible and very refined, with strong low and mid-range performance. Aprilia has shortened the final drive gearing with a larger rear sprocket, making the bike feel even better in everyday riding conditions.

The engine is extremely tractable and can pull away from a standstill in second gear without protest. Even 45kph in sixth gear feels smooth and free from knocking. At the same time, the Tuono remains exciting and playful, with enough performance to lift the front wheel under hard acceleration.

Despite the more comfortable ergonomics, the Tuono has retained the RS 457’s sharp and composed handling. It feels eager while cornering and remains stable and confidence inspiring on twisty roads.

The upright position actually improves road usability without taking away from the sporty character. Whether it is city riding, highway touring or attacking corners, the Tuono handles everything with ease while keeping the rider comfortable and engaged.

The Tuono 457 shares its feature-rich dashboard with the RS 457 and gets plenty of tech. However, some important equipment is missing as standard. Adjustable levers, sintered brake pads and the optional quickshifter are not included, which feels disappointing at this price point. The quickshifter alone costs around Rs 20,050 extra.

Priced at Rs 3.97 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tuono 457 costs Rs 25,000 less than the RS 457 while still delivering a highly capable and well-rounded riding experience. It combines strong performance, excellent handling, everyday comfort and useful technology into one package.

While a few missing features could have been standard, these are relatively minor issues in an otherwise impressive motorcycle. For riders looking for a fast, sporty and reasonably comfortable machine, the Tuono 457 makes a very strong case for itself.