Aprilia RS 457 Based Naked Retro Bike Spied Testing, RE Rival?

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A test mule of what appears to be a retro-themed motorcycle based on the recently launched Aprilia RS 457 has surfaced on the internet

Aprilia introduced its most affordable motorcycle, the RS 457, in India a few days ago and is priced highly competitively at Rs. 4.1 lakh (ex-showroom) as it is locally produced at the Baramati plant in Maharashtra. The Italian high-end motorcycle manufacturer appears to have huge plans with the new engine and platform as new models will be introduced in the future.

An early indication has just arrived as the test prototype of a brand new naked motorcycle which is suspected to feature the 457 cc powertrain has been caught on camera in Europe. Firstly, the grey-finished engine casing and other elements reminisce that of the 457 cc unit, which is a liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel-injected, four valves per cylinder, parallel twin-cylinder mill.

It is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 47.6 bhp and 43.5 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission featuring a slipper and assist clutch as standard in the RS 457 faired supersport. The test mule looks to be in its early stages of development as some of the components including the headlamp, fuel tank area and side panels are not production-spec.

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The black-finished alloy wheels and tyres appear to be lifted from the RS 457 as well. The prototype is suspended on upside-down front forks and twin-sided shock absorbers at the rear with a contrasting red finish to the springs. The braking duties are performed by front and rear single discs, assisted by a dual-channel ABS system.

You could also see single-piece seat, split grab rails, a distinguished tail lamp, which does not look to be in its production state yet, a wide handlebar, sleek turn indicators, etc. It will be interesting to see how the test mule evolves over time as it could be pitched as a neo-retro roadster. It may as well take a different styling approach as it is too early to predict at the moment.

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Aprilia has certainly built a huge buzz around the RS 457 and we will be riding it next month on a racetrack. So stay tuned for more details!

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