2024 Aprilia RS457 ridden on track! Is this the best A2 licence sportsbike on sale? | MCN Review

#aprilia #rs457
Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves has been out on the launch of the new Aprilia RS457 sportsbike, putting it through its paces on track in Italy. Watch his video review now, and then read the written review here: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
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[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

What's your favourite sportsbike in the A2 licence class? Tell us below 👇

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Yamaha MT-03

[@Adam-mo2qw]

@SWTrailsAndWheels it's definitely very cool. Wish they added a few bhp to it though

[@SuperOle2011]

KTM RC390 But I suppose this bike might edge it now... So... Aprilia RS457, Triumph Daytona 660 and KTM 690 Enduro (Rally build) will be my garage. Europe only🇪🇺💪🏻

[@koczownik]

Ninja 400

[@salskars6637]

Ninja 400

[@satyajitroy726]

No music 👍

[@backho12]

That shite on most videos can’t be considered music

[@salskars6637]

Absolutely! Bravo for no music.

[@backho12]

Once again Michael Neeves delivers a spot on review. He’s the best at this!

[@jonmelson4629]

Great review- thank you Michael. Always enjoy your content.

[@DrumHeadV]

Great commentary. I'm absolutely wired for the comparison test! 🏍

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

That thing would be a hoot on those really small tight mountain roads!

[@AntaresSQ01]

I think it'd be pretty bad/no better than other supersports, size and weight make less of a difference to flickability than riding position, a GS would be more agile on tight mountain roads than a supersport, even if it's as small as the RS457

[@bboness713]

I think I'd still prefer a 660 Aprilia or the Triumph daytona 660

[@mala7794]

Lmao a freaking gs. U mean that aircraft carrier of a bike? My tuono would outpase it ​@@AntaresSQ01

[@petereeves1354]

Great Vid. My old track from I lived out there. Great to see it again. 07 Ktm SD.

[@nhaze8173]

I like the look of the Aprilia bikes, even the smaller ones looks sweet 👍👍

[@salskars6637]

Agreed and they were smart enough to design an integrated windscreen. No dust pans,

[@nscott26]

I really hope Aprilia uses this 457cc twin and makes a mini Tuareg that comes in at 170kg wet! I had high hopes for the CFMoto 450 MT but it's just to heavy 😞.

[@Quijibo13]

The comment you made about the ergos is spot on. It makes no sense (except to posers) to have extreme track ergos on a street bike. Having worked for race team, (and owned many sport bikes) I know that most racers swap out clip ons and rear sets to fit them anyway, even on bikes with 'race" parts. To say "if you don't like it, buy a different bike" is utter BS. I've never owned a bike, track or street, that kept its stock parts. Also, like me, there are many riders who have had plenty of literbike experience but know how much fun a small bike can be on twisty roads where bigger bikes tie themselves in knots. Riding a small bike at 9/10ths will always be more fun than riding a bigger bike at 5/10ths. Especially for those of us who know how to manage momentum and crave corner speed.

[@SladeRenegade]

Lovely review of a lovely bike. Thank you.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review & bike. Looks fun & at a decent price. Less is more it seems.

[@vijayam1]

Brilliant. Would love to hear your thoughts as always with the 2023 Duke 390 and the RS457, perhaps!

[@andrewprice1189]

Great review easy for us 50 + to knock the current breed of smaller capacity bikes such as the new Daytona, gs8S etc but we really need to bring younger riders in to this passion we share...ps Neevsey looks very clever in his glasses

[@davidlacey1627]

Sure i can see pre load on forks Mr Neeves 😂 great review as always.

[@tom30]

A comparison I would love to see is a comparison between this and the new Ninja 500 in terms of best beginner track bike.

[@jeanmilaalvarez]

Superbe vidéo merci ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@Terraceview]

So it's a banger. Looks great too.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Looks good. 👍

[@daenglishpatient]

Nails it. As ever. Thx.

[@AngusNorton-sl9bv]

So i am an old crusty too. My goto "small" track bike is my RS660 which is track only. Question. How do you think this stacks up vs the KTM390 on the track?

[@erkinkarabulut3759]

thank you

[@FreddyKings87]

How does it compare against the cfmoto 450 sr

[@sushantharpal5854]

Made in India 👍

[@jondiaz3475]

My daughter has a Kawasaki Z400 that is pretty fun to ride, but just slightly too small for me. A slightly roomier bike of this displacement would be great!

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

Great bike. I wish Yamaha would update the R3 already.

[@vishnuraj6893]

Are those pirellis 110 and 150 ? Same as in the stock bike?

[@captricharddee3634]

This bike is what I'm looking for right now, however just concerned with reliability.

[@dickiemcgeezacks9458]

As you should be. First year rsv4? Issues. First year Tuono v4? Issues. First year 660 engine bikes? Issues. First year 457? Well......

[@lorischapman7354]

Will be fine is a small twin

[@garethlewis3743]

Ninja 500 it is then.

[@splodge5714]

The power they get out of a 450 twin I'd wait at least a year before buying.

[@danielpena-un8vl]

I wouldn't worry, aprilia doesn't mess around when it comes to issues with their bikes. If you buy it new you will receive full warranties and peace of mind.

[@CaptAra]

Front shocks are adjustable too.

[@VTECH650]

cant wait for the group test .not sure why none of the japanese manufactures have not developed 270 degree crank bike for this class

[@Velocitysingh]

Actually, the TVS tire you mentioned is a W rated tire and has a good grip for these 50bhp motorcycles better than a few metzelers

[@Kwhopperfan]

They sound great! Sharp looking little bike, nearly 50 hp I’m sure it would be fun. I loved my very simple ninja 250 back in 2003 and that had what 13 horsepower?

[@tonygill2266]

With reference to the Ninja 250 - it only felt that way 😊

[@Kwhopperfan]

@@tonygill2266 when riding motorcycle isn’t that all that really matters? The feel of it. Specs on paper are over rated.

[@dianedownie5951]

You must have had a banana stuffed up the exhaust 😮 13 hp, I don't think so.

[@Kwhopperfan]

@@dianedownie5951 my mistake, 18 ftlbs. Not HP. HP was 29 at the crank.

[@visordownn]

In Indian model, the front forks are preload adjustable too. It's marked on the knobs.I guess the reviewer just missed that detail or the euro models comes with different forkes?

[@mervyoung5397]

Gorgeous bike! How does it compare to the CFMOTO 450SR-S which is also a 450cc sports bike, which is lighter than the RS457 I believe.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Neevsy, I agree with you on just about everything as we’ve had a similar racing journey. This new small 4 stroke is not better or even in the same ball park as the 250 cc 2 stroke offerings from the 90’s. As someone who started out road racing on a Suzuki RGV-250 in the Australian 250 production class series during Troy Bayliss’s last year, these bikes, with the only changes allowed were replacing the standard fairings with fibreglass ones and removing all the road going stuff, were quick even around Phillip Island, my old home racetrack. I enjoy hearing from riders of all ages who do the occasional track day there and when I ask the majority on say an R1M, with the stickiest road tyres what their best lap times were I simply smile and say on the 250 with 90’s road legal tyres that even the last person to actually meet the cutoff qualifying lap times would pass you in between laps 6 and 7 and as you know this track does have a very long straight. I doubt you could say the same (back to back) with this A2 machine.

[@mfennell70]

The A2 licensing really handcuffs a bike like this. 65ish hp would be quite a different experience. Still not wailing-250-two-stroke though.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@mfennell70 It’s interesting being an Australian which now has a similar A2 type category for learner licence holders, with the main difference being a max displacement of 660 cc’s and a max power to weight figure of 150 kw per 1,000 kgs. When back in the 90’s it was just capped at 250 cc. So, the 2 strokes of that era have a power to weight ratio much higher, resulting in not being learner friendly. I remember when the streets were full of these throughout the 90’s yet no longer exist as they were either destroyed by learners riding a bike way beyond their capabilities or simple destroyed by converting them into production class race bikes. Luckily, I decided to keep one out of the two I raced and it’s now worth at least 5 times the amount I paid for it brand new as the road fairings that have been reinstalled still look brand new.

[@RS-nl2lp]

I'd like a Tuono version for the daily commute!

[@joek81981]

I'm calling it now: Baby Ducati. 468cc, $12k, Spring 2027.

[@davewestsk8]

as a 41 year old this bikes probably not aimed at me but i think smaller lightweight bikes are so fun on the road.

[@urbanstrencan]

Hope they make supermoto version with this engine ❤❤

[@splodge5714]

"engine brand new from the ground up" Oooher, I'd give that a year or two before buying one. Looks nice.

[@Amac1825]

I got licensed at 17 on my cbr600. Then to the s1000rr 4 years later. Usa isnt the best but freedom makes up for a lot.

[@jacobjp5799]

the front has Preload adjustable right? it is noticable in 7.44min also front is 110/70 R17 (subtitles/captions are bad) the front and rear brakes are same unit from KTM 125/250/390 or current 400 so we have options available if stocks not avaialbe at service the backlight switch might be inspired from Bajaj -KTM

[@ZANGI3F]

Looks like preload adjust

[@LowEndTorque]

TVS are an Indian brand of Tyres, as the bike is manufactured in India it gets them. I have also seen Eurogrip tyres on the bikes. As far as I can tell they are ok but would suggest swapping to a better brand once the standard ones are out.

[@alphonsjose6812]

Eurogrip is the tire series from TVS brand and these tyres are actually grippy on streets and city road not that good enough for track use,I use these tyres on a different bike from same TVS brand and it is doing its job very well nice feedback and breaking is also good.

[@LowEndTorque]

@@alphonsjose6812 Oh I didn't know they were a TVS brand. I had them on my Pulsar 180 when buying the bike new in 2008. Then I swapped to MRF Zapper and they made a lot of difference in the ride quality.

[@oliw3664]

Let’s hope it’s valves are better than in my 660.

[@ZANGI3F]

What happened?

[@danielpena-un8vl]

I think with a new pipe and an ECU flash that bike could go well pass the 47hp mark.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Please out it up against an RS250 on the track. 🙏🏼

[@philsb9388]

Norwegian prices are absolutely ridiculous. Aprilia RS 457 - 11.400 Honda CBR 500 - 10.000 Kawasaki Ninja 500 - 10.000 Yamaha R3 - 9.700 KTM RC 390 - 7.200

[@user-mp8kf4rw4n]

its better then rc 390(last gen ktm engine duke 390 got updated with new 399cc one) and yamaha r3(decade old machine with new fairing) and ninja 400~ninja 500 not sure about the honda the twin sound is to die for

[@kierenmoore3236]

‘I’m more impressed by his hair, than his riding ability’ … bit of a backhanded compliment, lol. How many MotoGP Sprint Races have you won, this year?😉

[@tazzjazz]

He would have if he had that hair

[@webbieuk]

This or a zxr400rr ?

[@josefmd]

Totally different bikes! ZX4RR all day every day if you swing the 3k price difference.

[@ParagonGarage]

The tail section of this bike looks weak

[@theriderdtm8650]

Motor kecil untuk rider kecil...... Ap kecil ✅

[@hookmaster1109]

Faster than a RS250? Seems dementure has set in Neevsey...

[@iodineclip]

pretty sure he meant the 4 stroke version

[@nemesiszz]

may be an aluminum swingarm would have resulted in further weight reduction?!

[@TheRosycruxian]

& a price jump.

[@GlynOC]

If it were any lighter it wouldn't be a legal A2 bike

[@ellwoodwolf]

It's the most expensive, it better be.

[@ZionStudiosPH]

you’d be better off with a cf moto 450sr cheaper parts cheaper everything. if its for track use i think cheaper stuff counts

[@fredstah714]

Aprilia has made beautiful bikes with great performance to back it up…. But piss poor reliability.

[@claesnorell8702]

Not had any issues with my Tuono 660 Factory

[@musique2005]

Vs ZX4RR?

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

The zx has way more power

[@captricharddee3634]

@@Bow-to-the-absurd But no torque for grunt.

[@jims1337]

zx4rr 4cyl tourqe mid-hi rev..way better.

[@backho12]

@@jims1337Agreed, but unfortunately a steel frame.

[@jims1337]

@@backho12 un noticed ..still a steel frame, rivals already alumanium?

[@seanbirtwistle649]

give me a big bike or a small one - its hard to justify much else for the road

[@tejashwarrana9834]

TVS tyres are Indian ....they are pretty good for the price here

[@meizunote5113]

It touches 200km/hr on street, an Indian owner uploaded raw footage

[@mbvalency]

I've seen 186 km/h. More than enough.

[@user-vd7ez7cp2r]

118 mph?my 1995 cb500 did 120

[@burnttoast9890]

Emissions are a thing by the way

[@user-vd7ez7cp2r]

@@burnttoast9890 even with no emissions evolved it couldn't hang with any 400cc old school inline 4

[@burnttoast9890]

@@user-vd7ez7cp2r yeah, giving children asthma is the best way to fulfill performance goals

[@tgmwright]

You're a very handsome man.

[@littleseal833]

Stunning head , just want to lay it my lap and polish it

[@Plasma.404]

Someone in india hit 125 mph or 200kmph

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

The best A2 license bike is one from Japan. The last thing a newer rider needs is to break down and become soured, or worse, on the motorcycle experience.

[@paulfowler7618]

I own a TZR250 which has the same top speed and bhp as this bike but for an average rider on the road I bet this would leave the TZR for dead.

[@user-vd7ez7cp2r]

Maybe there's something wrong with your tzr250 .I had 135 out my friends rgv 250

[@paulfowler7618]

​@@user-vd7ez7cp2r No I own a UK spec TZR250. I've owned 5 of these since passing my test in 1990. They are about 45bhp and have a top speed of around 118. RGVs were faster. The first ones about 126 and over 130 for the later ones

[@user-vd7ez7cp2r]

@@paulfowler7618 still 30 years of bike engine development and these aprilla 450s can still only manage 118 mph i had a 1995 cb 500 that did 120

[@Push-fg5cy]

This has no chance comparing to an Rs 250, maybe for a bad rider, this one is easier because of the torque, but if you know how to ride an Rs 250 I don't think this bike will have a chance, I ride a Aprilia Rs 250 since 2006, I done 40 000 Km, and already did 230 Km top speed, on mountain roads, I can easy go along with the 1000 cc liter bikes, but it's not easy I admit

[@user-vd7ez7cp2r]

Even a zxr 400 baby blade nc30 fzr would all give this new aprilla a ass kicking with less cc

[@dianedownie5951]

Come on Michael, pin your flag to the mast.....Kawasaki zzr400rr or the aprilia 457?

[@mbvalency]

up to your liking

[@pravinmurthy]

The bike gets 110 section front tyre & not 100.. Its a made in India bike & exported all over the world just like the Triumph 400s 🤷‍♀️

[@TIMHARTTT]

I tried less than 100 hp bikes, never again, once you taste the power of 1000cc it is really hard to (enjoy) small hp bikes. No ego just facts.

[@Adam-mo2qw]

Personal taste though eh. My bro inlaw rides a vespa now and absolutely loves it.

[@TIMHARTTT]

@@Adam-mo2qw vespa is a scooter, so it normal to have low hp, but these bikes with all the fairing and sporty look don’t fit with power.

[@Adam-mo2qw]

@TIMHARTTT fair point. Just saying power on 2 wheels is personal taste. I look at this bike as a nimble, comfortable, involving motorcycle. One you can ride close to its limits on the road. A 1000cc feels like a beast but feels like a waste on the shitty roads we have now. owned was a zxr400rr 20 years ago. Had a cbr600f and then gixxer 750 after that. Took my brothers sv650 out and fell in love with that. Just felt so much better on the road. Sold the 750 and bought an sv650.

[@Adam-mo2qw]

@TIMHARTTT personally if I was looking at A2 bikes I'd get a street 400 as the look suits the power as you say. The aprilla is technically the best in class though

[@splodge5714]

You don't need 1000cc for the road. A ZX6R or CBR 600RR have plenty of power and maybe even more fun.

[@remsangachhakchhuak1738]

Tvs ? Yeah we Indians know what that is .

[@user-lm7rt8om9n]

🇮🇳

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Unfortunately, the rs250 is now extremely collectable, But it would destroy the 457 around a track. 8kg lighter 30 hp more

[@ktmkevin]

So? What kind of comparison is this haha.. A 2 stroke race bike with a license plate vs a beginner license friendly, very low maintenance four stroke 😂

[@mfennell70]

Agree. My MK.1 RS250 is 22kg (50 American) lighter than the claimed dry weight on the RS 457. It's pretty well built and dynos at 67 to the wheel. Stock generally came in around 57 at the wheel (I think contemporary advertising said 72 but that was pure fantasy). TBF, adjusted for inflation, it was a lot more expensive than the new bike. Even more than a ZX4-RR.

[@itzerisadomeeiot4980]

fck the music

[@holylordofmadness6988]

sportsbike? it is clearly a sport touring bike lmao

[@borscheproductions3077]

can we finally stop talking about gyro effect!! it is almost bot affecting anything. It doesn’t affect steering - geometry does, it’s not affecting general feeling - geometry does!

[@sonny9608]

You’ll be bored with it before you’re done making payments. 40 hp gets boring fast

[@Adam-mo2qw]

47 bhp... I think it's a lovely bike. Motorcycling is changing. For the road, 47 bhp is a lot of fun.

[@sonny9608]

@@Adam-mo2qw The last 2 years I rode a 22’ 390 Duke and 22’ RC 390. My current bike, an 890 Duke R, is a much better and more useful bike than either of those and it mostly has to do with HP. Being at 8k rpm at 75mph on the thruway totally sucks. Getting passed by a bone stock Honda Civic sucks. Not being able to wheelie in second sucks. And I’m only 5’6” and like 140 lbs so I’m better off than most people on a little bike. I love little bikes…but as a second bike maybe.

[@Adam-mo2qw]

@sonny9608 what's your leg length out if interest?

[@eoghanhennessy15]

It’s for a restricted a2 license, otherwise buy the rs660

[@burnttoast9890]

​​@@sonny9608 Buddy this bike is for beginners, like you who bought the ktm 390s to learn. It would be stupid if someone told you to buy a 100 hp bike because you would get bored of the power in 3 days

[@grtbgf]

Why film why people are riding, it was so annoying...

[@Adam-mo2qw]

I liked it. 👍

[@ZANGI3F]

Just because you got annoyed, doesn't make it automatically annoying

[@Affairsbengali]

in india this bike has been delivered to many customers and this bike has touched 190kmph at plain road and 200+ kmph at down road .

[@CarbonRP]

It will also be seen at the service center's pretty soon with Aprilia's poor reliability.

[@kankit230]

Getting one, booked in December itself,but Aprilia is one shityy company to deal with

[@dickiemcgeezacks9458]

Tuono and Tuareg versions, please.

[@nandadityaswami7452]

They haven't been launched even in India yet