Bellissimo! That’s probably what most riders exclaimed after twisting the throttle on the Aprilia Tuono 457 during its first ride in Bangalore. Now, we’ve put it through a rigorous 700km road test across varying terrains, traffic, and weather to find out if this Italian street-naked lives up to the hype in real-world Indian conditions.
Design
Let’s address the most debated element first—the headlight. Yes, it doesn’t scream traditional Tuono, but the LED cluster and flanking DRLs actually look better in person. Functionally, it performs well too, with strong throw and spread that handle night riding confidently.
The fuel tank has a muscular shape that complements its street-naked appeal, and the exposed aluminium frame with boomerang-shaped radiator shrouds add flair. The tail section ties everything together neatly, especially with that sharp LED tail light that looks like something Batman would ride.
On the quality front, it’s mostly good news. The paintwork, decals, and finish on components like the frame and swingarm are all well-executed. The switchgear feels premium too. However, the uneven panel gaps near the headlight and the dull-looking triple clamp stand out as areas needing refinement.
Ergonomics
The Tuono 457 offers a comfortable upper-body posture, thanks to the wide, high-set handlebar and generous seat. However, the rear-set footpegs pose a problem for taller riders. On commutes or long rides, the lack of room for leg movement can cause discomfort.
Suspension is handled by preload-adjustable USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear—identical to the RS 457. The setup is on the firmer side, which makes low-speed rides a bit harsh, especially over patchy roads. Things smoothen out as the pace increases, and it manages broken surfaces reasonably well. Adjusting preload can help dial in a more comfortable ride.
Engine
The 457cc parallel-twin engine is the star of the show. It offers a refined, tractable experience in the city and explosive power on open roads. You can crawl around town in higher gears without any complaints from the motor—perfect for relaxed commutes.
Open up the throttle, and it transforms instantly. Post 3,000rpm, especially in Sport mode, the Tuono builds speed rapidly, with a raspy exhaust note that adds drama. Despite the sporty nature, it remains calm and smooth at cruising speeds, making it ideal for long highway hauls.
Do note, there have been some reports of power loss in RS 457 models, and we’re awaiting Aprilia’s clarification on that.
Handling
Handling is another area where the Tuono impresses. The feedback from the chassis, combined with Eurogrip Protorq Xtreme tyres and well-tuned suspension, results in confident cornering. It’s nimble and stable, though not quite as razor-sharp as the RS 457—mostly due to the upright seating position.
The braking setup is good for daily and spirited road use, with progressive bite and decent feedback. However, heavy and repeated braking caused some fade during ghat section riding. A set of sintered brake pads, available from Aprilia as an aftermarket upgrade, could solve this for track-day warriors.
Features
The Tuono 457 comes well equipped:
- Full-LED lighting
- TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation
- Three ride modes: Rain, Road, Sport
- Three traction control levels
- Option to disable traction control and rear ABS for added fun
However, Aprilia should have included a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. It would’ve elevated the experience, especially with the engine’s sporty character.
In our real-world fuel-efficiency test, the bike returned 22.5kmpl in moderate to heavy traffic. With a 12.7-litre fuel tank, that gives it a range of around 280km. Keep your wrist heavy, though, and it’ll dip under 20kmpl.
Verdict
The Aprilia Tuono 457 blends sporty excitement with real-world usability. Whether you want a stylish daily ride, a weekend canyon carver, or an occasional track companion, this bike delivers. At Rs. 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s competitively priced, but a quickshifter would have made it even sweeter.
Its only real rival is the Yamaha MT-03, which feels a bit outdated in comparison. So, if you’re looking for a versatile middleweight naked that balances tech, looks, and performance, the Tuono 457 deserves to be on your shortlist.
FAQs
What is the price of Tuono 457 in India?
Rs. 3.95 lakh ex-showroom.
Does it have a quickshifter?
No, it’s not standard but available aftermarket.
What is its fuel efficiency?
It returns around 22.5kmpl in mixed conditions.
Can the rear ABS be turned off?
Yes, along with traction control settings.
Is the Tuono 457 good for long rides?
Yes, but taller riders may find the footpegs cramped.
