Aprilia RS 457 launched in Malaysia – from RM33,900

The mid-ranged motorcycle market in Malaysia is becoming increasingly exciting with the arrival of a new competitor, the Aprilia RS 457.

Globally introduced in September last year, the RS 457 has been developed with the same winning formula as the RS 660.

This is clearly evident in its design, where the RS 457 features similar elements to the RS 660, including the triple LED headlights that integrate LED daytime running lights and turn signals, the double fairing, and the exhaust on the ‘belly’.

At the heart of the RS 457 is a 457 cc DOHC parallel twin-cylinder engine producing 47 hp and 43.5 Nm. Highlights include liquid cooling system and four valves per cylinder.

Like the RS 660, this model is built using an aluminium frame with a crankcase that functions as a load-bearing element. This not only provides dynamic riding performance but contributes to forming a lightweight structure. Speaking of weight, the RS 457 tips the scale at 175 kg.

The frame is paired with a 41 mm fork offering 120 mm of travel at the front, as well as a single shock absorber with 130 mm of travel at the rear. Both feature preload adjustment.

For braking, the RS 457 utilises 320 mm discs at the front and 220 mm at the rear, paired with ByBre’s four-piston radial callipers.

As for the tyres, it comes equipped with 17-inch wheels shod with 110/70 tyres at the front and 150/60 tyres at the rear.

The electronic features include a five-inch TFT instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS, a Ride-by-Wire system, three riding modes, and Traction Control with three levels of adjustment. A quickshifter is available as an option for RM399.

The starting price is RM33,900 for the Prismatic Dark and Opalescent Light colours, and RM35,900 for the Racing Stripes.