Aprilia, the renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer, is intensifying its focus on the middleweight segment, evident in the recent launch of the RS 457 sportbike at India Bike Week 2023. This move indicates a potential expansion into the street naked category with speculation suggesting a model named the Tuono 457 following Aprilia's established nomenclature.
In the motorcycle industry the introduction of a new model often serves as a foundation for developing derivative variants. Aprilia has a history of successfully implementing this strategy, exemplified by the shared platform of the RSV4 superbike and Tuono V4 supernaked. Similarly, the RS 660 sportbike has spawned the Tuono 660 street naked and the Tuareg 660 adventure bike.
During a recent discussion with Marco Lambri, design director at Piaggio (Aprilia's parent company), the idea of a Tuono 457 was proposed. Lambri's response, accompanied by a wry smile, was, "Why not? Why not." While not a definitive confirmation of Aprilia's plans for a Tuono 457 Lambri's response keeps the possibility alive and adds credibility to the speculation.
The launch price of the RS 457, at Rs 4.1 lakh (ex-showroom), was slightly higher than expected. The potential introduction of a Tuono 457 could provide Aprilia with the opportunity to lower the entry threshold to its motorcycle lineup in India. In line with the Tuono 660 and Tuono V4's more affordable pricing overseas compared to their fully faired counterparts, a Tuono 457, if realized, might offer a more accessible option for Indian riders.
Anticipated features of the Tuono 457 include more upright ergonomics than the RS, featuring a flatter handlebar and less extensive bodywork. The 457cc parallel-twin engine is expected to be retained with minimal changes, likely yielding a power output close to the 50hp mark. If produced, the Tuono 457 could be manufactured alongside the RS 457 at Aprilia's Baramati plant in India, potentially positioning itself just under the Rs 4 lakh mark upon its launch in the country.