I bought the Aprilia RS 457 one year ago. Let me tell you, this bike is a riot. But it’s not perfect. Before you decide between the RS 457 and the upcoming Tuono 457, here’s what you need to know from someone who rides the RS daily.

Fast But Demanding

The RS 457 loves open roads, but cities? It’s a mixed bag. The engine pulls hard, even in traffic. I’ve zipped through Hyderabad’s chaos without feeling underpowered. The throttle is jumpy in Sport mode, though. Eco mode tames it, but you’ll still outpace most cars.

The riding posture is the real struggle. Leaning forward for hours kills your wrists. My friend’s KTM 390 Duke feels like a sofa compared to this. The seat isn’t too bad, but the pillion seat is steep. My girlfriend refuses to ride pillion after 30 minutes.

Rumours suggest the Tuono 457 will fix this with upright handlebars and a relaxed seat. If Aprilia gets the ergonomics right, it could dominate city commutes without losing the RS’s punch.

Highway King… If You’re Fit

On the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, this bike shines. It hits 150 km/h without breaking a sweat. The windblast isn’t too bad, thanks to the fairing. Overtaking trucks? A quick twist of the throttle, and you’re gone.

But long rides demand stamina. After two hours, my back starts complaining. The clip-on handlebars force you into a race crouch. Taller riders suffer more—my 6’1” buddy swapped his RS for a Himalayan after a month.

The Tuono 457’s upright stance might reduce fatigue. If it keeps the same engine, highway rides could be comfier without losing speed.

Bumps and Potholes? Surprisingly Good

I expected a stiff ride, but the suspension handles Pune’s cratered roads well. Small potholes vanish. Bigger ones? You’ll feel them, but it’s not bone-jarring. The RS hides its 175 kg weight well—it flicks through corners like a lighter bike.

Ground clearance is a headache. Speed breakers are its enemy. I’ve scraped the belly twice. Go slow, or you’ll leave sparks.

The Tuono 457 might solve this. Leaks hint at a taller stance. If true, it’ll glide over bumps the RS struggles with.

Tech That Impresses (Mostly)

The TFT screen is crisp. I love the gear indicator and fuel gauge. The ride modes work—Eco dulls the throttle, and Sport wakes it up. Missing? Bluetooth. My friend’s Duke connects to his phone. Aprilia cheaped out here.

The quick-shifter (optional) is fun but unnecessary in cities. I barely use it.

The Tuono 457 could fix this. Spec leaks mention Bluetooth connectivity. If true, it’ll beat the RS in tech.

Ownership Blues: Service and Heat

Dealerships in metros are great. My first service in Bangalore was smooth. But spare parts take weeks. A friend in Jaipur waited a month for a mirror.

Engine heat roasts your legs in traffic. It’s worse in summer. I’ve learned to ride with my knees out.

The Tuono 457 shares the same engine, so heat might stay. But its underbelly exhaust could redirect heat better. Maybe.

Why the Tuono 457 Tempts Me

The RS 457 is a thrill. But the Tuono 457? It’s like the RS’s chill cousin. Same engine, same tech, but with a comfy seat and upright bars. Aprilia claims it’s better for cities. At ₹4 lakh, it’s slightly cheaper than the RS too.

Will I switch? Maybe. If the Tuono fixes the RS’s backache and adds Bluetooth, yes. But if you love speed and don’t mind pain, the RS is unbeatable.

Tuono 457 Launch Date and Price: What We Know

Aprilia might confirm the Tuono 457 launch in India on February 17-18, 2025, with deliveries starting by March 2025.

The ex-showroom price is rumoured to be around ₹4 lakh, slightly cheaper than the RS 457’s ₹4.23 lakh. This positions it against the KTM 390 Duke (₹3.13 lakh) and Yamaha MT-03 (₹4.65 lakh). For the price, you’ll likely get the same 457cc engine, three ride modes, and adjustable traction control.

Final Thoughts

The RS 457 isn’t for everyone. New riders? Try something softer. But if you want a pocket rocket that embarrasses bigger bikes, buy it.

Watch the Tuono 457 closely. If Aprilia nails the comfort, it could be India’s best urban sports bike. For now, I’m sticking with my RS—flaws and all. It’s too much fun to let go.