Why the Aprilia RS 457 could take the crown of an entry-level sports motorcycle from the KTM RC 390

An Italian sports motorcycle inspired by an entry-level icon – who would have thought that this dream idea would become reality? The 2024 Aprilia The RS 457 has made that dream come true for many entry-level riders who want a quality sports bike without the intimidation and insane performance usually associated with more powerful sports bikes. It's not like they weren't surprised enough by it KTM RC 390 – the first truly scaled down European sportbike experience. But the more choice there is, the greater the excitement.

Over the years, the KTM RC 390 has built up a strong fan base that demonstrates KTM's values ​​of offering absolute aggressiveness and sportiness in everything – be it in the way it looks or the way it rides. However, with high-quality elements and strong brand equity, the Aprilia RS 457 claims to be a solid competitor to the entry-level KTM sports motorcycle. Here are three reasons that make the new Aprilia Rs 457 a superior motorcycle over the 2024 KTM RC 390 and rightly make it the latest favorite in the entry-level sports motorcycle category.

The Aprilia RS 457 parallel twin engine is superior and more powerful

Two are always better than one, and this also applies to cylinders in a motorcycle engine in terms of overall performance and smoothness. Compared to the KTM RC 390, which has a proven liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with 373.2 cc, the Aprilia RS 457 debuts in 2024 with a larger liquid-cooled parallel twin engine with 457 cc.

There is no substitute for displacement – this is shown by a comparison of the power and torque values ​​of the KTM RC 390 and Aprilia RS 457. Compared to the RC 390, the new Aprilia RS 457 claims 4.1 hp and 4.8 lb-ft more, and that too The differences in power and torque values ​​are significant considering that these two motorcycles belong to the same category. Compared to the KTM RC 390, the Aprilia RS 457 achieves its maximum power even at a lower speed, which makes it faster off the line, has faster acceleration values ​​and is one of the best parallel twin motorcycles on the market.

Then comes the parallel twin layout of the Aprilia RS 457's engine, which is a step above the single-cylinder layout of the KTM RC 390. The RC 390's single-cylinder 373.2cc engine is the same engine that was first introduced in the KTM 390 Duke almost a decade ago. However, several tweaks have been made over the years, with the latest changes to this engine including a revised exhaust layout, a curved radiator and a larger airbox. But despite all these improvements, in the end it is still a single-cylinder engine that naturally lacks refinement compared to a parallel twin engine that the new RS 457 has.

The Aprilia RS 457's higher torque also contributes to its maneuverability and ease of use in everyday riding conditions. Known for its rev-hungry nature, the RC 390's powertrain is relatively weaker than that of the RS 457 in the low and mid-rpm range. The higher torque allows the Aprilia RS 457 to stay in higher gear at the same speeds.

Engine specifications

More advanced and higher quality chassis components in the Aprilia RS 457

In addition to their elegant appearance, both the Aprilia RS 457 and the KTM RC 390 also have very different architectures. The new Aprilia RS 457 is the first sports motorcycle under 500 cc in recent times to feature an aluminum perimeter frame. The RS 457's twin-spar aluminum frame, typically found in much higher-end sports bikes, is a more sophisticated and premium element than today's conventional tubular steel trellis frame.

Both sports bikes have a suspension consisting of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a mono shock absorber at the rear. While the rear mono shock absorber on both motorcycles has a preload adjustment, the Aprilia RS 457 also offers a preload adjustment for the upside-down front fork. While the RC 390 isn't too far behind with a larger rear disc brake, wider tubes for the fork up front and an aluminum rear swingarm, the extra front suspension adjustability and lighter and stronger frame give the RS 457 a leg up in handling and ride quality.

The Aprilia RS 457 and KTM RC 390 also differ greatly from each other when it comes to driver ergonomics. The RC 390 offers the rider more space with its wider clip-on handlebars, but its entire riding triangle is much more focused and tiring than the RS 457. The RS 457's fuel tank is also smaller than the RC 390 size, but features roomier knee and thigh grips, especially for taller riders. The seat height of the Aprilia RS 457 is also 35 mm shorter than that of the KTM RC 390 and is therefore more accessible for smaller riders.

Chassis specifications

Related

The 10 cheapest two-cylinder motorcycles today

Two-cylinder motorcycles are among the most versatile machines today; a popular, affordable choice for both newbies and veterans.

More feeling and functions in the Aprilia RS 457 for a small extra charge

To match the might of the KTM RC 390 in the entry-level sports motorcycle category, Aprilia knew it required more than just outstanding performance and driving dynamics. With the equipment, KTM has already raised the bar for all motorcycles in its segment and even some of the segments one or two above. With the RS 457, Aprilia has left no stone unturned to become the new benchmark in terms of equipment.

The KTM RC 390 was the first motorcycle among entry-level sports motorcycles to feature a full TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. The Aprilia RS 457 follows the norm and features a more modern and fresher TFT display inspired by those of the larger RS ​​660 and RSV4. Both motorcycles only offer full LED lighting with daytime running LEDs, illuminated switches and clip-on handlebars, although the quality on the RS 457 is comparatively better.

In terms of safety features and riding aids, both motorcycles have dual-channel ABS, quick shifter, slipper clutch and traction control. However, the RS 457 raises the bar with more advanced two-stage traction control and three riding modes. It offers more tuning options and less intrusiveness, especially when the bike is pushed to its limits. The only additional feature in the RC 390 compared to the RS 457 is cornering ABS. While styling is a subjective topic, the overall RSV4-inspired design of the Aprilia RS 457 attracts less polarizing views than the overly extroverted design of the KTM RC 390.