2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 Evaluation

October 28, 2025

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2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 Evaluation — The 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 is a brand new bare bike based mostly on the RS 457 sportbike and powered by a 457cc parallel-Twin. (Photographs by Joe Jackson)

For riders who need Aprilia’s well-known Tuono (Italian for “thunder”) however have a restricted price range, the Tuono 457 has arrived. Constructed on the 457cc parallel-Twin platform that debuted final yr with the totally faired RS 457, the built-in-India Tuono 457 has a peppy engine, trendy tech, loads of character, and an reasonably priced value ($6,599) – qualities which are seemingly to attract new clients to the Italian model.

The Aprilia dealership Moto Bello Orange County was form sufficient to permit me to borrow a Tuono 457 for a correct shakedown. Leaning into the aesthetics of its greater siblings, the Tuono 660 and Tuono V4, with sharp, angular traces, a muscular tank design, and a minimalist tailsection, the 457 doesn’t appear like a starter bike. It leans into the wind with fork-mounted headlight nacelle that homes a triple full-LED cluster and a crimson spoiler.

2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 Review — The Aprilia Tuono 457 is on the market in two colours: Piranha Crimson (above) and Puma Grey.

Beneath the tank sits a liquid-cooled 457cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crank that produces a claimed 47.6 hp at 9,400 rpm and 32.1 lb-ft of torque. These figures put it virtually neck-and-neck with its closest competitor, the Kawasaki Z500whose 451cc parallel-Twin makes a claimed 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm.

Although they share the identical engine, the Tuono 457 feels a bit peppier than the RS 457 due to an additional tooth within the rear sprocket, giving it faster acceleration. In metropolis site visitors, the torque supply is easy and linear, making for a stress-free experience, and it was an absolute blast to experience within the canyons. Twist the throttle in Sport mode, and the bike comes alive. The engine is raring to rev, with a good pull within the low-to-midrange and a noticeable step up in urgency previous 7,000 rpm, making freeway on-ramps and twisty roads a blast. Larger revs additionally deliver noticeable vibration, however rubber dampers within the handlebar mount and inserts within the footpegs assist to maintain the excitement at bay.

Gear Up

Along with avenue using, two days at California’s Buttonwillow Raceway Park allowed me to discover the Tuono 457’s capabilities. Initially, I wasn’t assured on the Eurogrip Protorque Excessive HR tires, so feeling the bike out was a battle. Finally, I discovered a candy spot with the air strain within the tires, however they by no means delivered the suggestions one will get from higher-spec rubber.

Even with the blistering 105-degree warmth, I liked using the Tuono 457 on the monitor. With inventory elements and no efficiency mods, it was loads of enjoyable however began to flatten out after 9,000 rpm. Whereas seasoned riders might need for extra outright energy, the Tuono 457 finds a steadiness between enjoyable and management, particularly for newer riders who nonetheless need efficiency with intimidation.

Including to the experience high quality is a slip/help clutch that makes downshifting easy and drama-free. This actually helped on the monitor once I began to experience extra aggressively. And the sunshine clutch pull and optimistic engagement of the 6-speed transmission make gear adjustments slick and exact. Aprilia provides an non-compulsory up/down quickshifter, which might be a terrific improve.

The Aprilia Efficiency Trip Management (APRC) suite of digital rider aids has been obtainable on different Aprilia fashions for years. On the Tuono 457, nonetheless, APRC is restricted to a few experience modes (Sport, Eco, and Rain), traction management with three ranges, and ABS. TC and ABS will not be lean-sensitive, although ABS may be turned off on the rear; TC may be totally deactivated by holding the down arrow on the left switchgear.

Pertinent experience information and APRC settings are proven on a brilliant, full-color 5-inch TFT show that’s uncluttered and straightforward to learn in each brilliant solar in addition to low-light circumstances. The Tuono 457 additionally has backlit switchgear, giving the bike an upscale really feel and making evening rides extra handy.

True to Aprilia’s racing pedigree, the Tuono 457 has a twin-spar aluminum body that makes use of the engine as a confused member, giving it a stable, responsive really feel. Weighing simply 385 lb moist, with its 3.3-gallon tank full, the Tuono is nimble and straightforward to maneuver, each at low speeds and when leaning by corners. In comparison with my track-focused KTM RC 390, the 457’s chassis feels comparable however barely extra direct. Even going full throttle for many of my time at Buttonwillow, I managed a median of 45 mpg in Sport mode and 60 mpg in Eco mode.

The suspension setup features a 41mm inverted fork and a rear monoshock, each adjustable for preload solely. Regardless of the dearth of adjustability, which is frequent at this value level, the suspension delivers a planted experience, and it dealt with effectively sufficient to make me need to preserve using all day. On the monitor and within the canyons, the bike dealt with the twisty and uneven pavement effectively. Whereas using on the freeway, the bike bounced round over seams and imperfections.

Braking duties are dealt with by ByBre (Brembo’s India-based subsidiary), with a single 320mm entrance disc with a radial-mount caliper and a 220mm rear disc. The brakes supplied respectable preliminary chunk however by no means elevated in stopping energy regardless of how exhausting I squeezed. This was stunning for the reason that brakes use steel-braided traces, so the axial grasp cylinder is the seemingly wrongdoer. The rear brake was satisfactory for on a regular basis using, however extra importantly, it was good for balance-point wheelies!

The 31.5-inch seat top makes the Tuono 457 simply accessible for a variety of riders, even these on the shorter aspect, like myself at 5-foot-5 with a 28-inch inseam. I used to be capable of put each ft flat on the bottom and simply transfer the bike ahead and backward utilizing solely my legs. In comparison with the totally faired RS 457, the Tuono’s handlebar is 5 inches greater and 1 inch nearer to the rider, leading to a way more upright seating place. The using place feels pure, putting the rider in a barely forward-leaning stance that fits each commuting and sporty rides.

There’s sufficient room to maneuver round on the bike, and the pegs are positioned to present simply the correct amount of cornering clearance with out placing extreme bend in your knees. Commuting by stop-and-go site visitors was straightforward and extra comfy than on my Tuono V4. For riders pondering long-term or about weekend journeys, the non-compulsory touring equipment, like panniers, a tankbag, and a USB socket give the Tuono additional practicality factors.

The 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 joins a crowded class of small-displacement bare bikes that features not solely the Kawasaki Z500 ($5,699) but additionally the CFMOTO 450NK ($5,399), Honda CB300R ($5,149), KTM 390 Duke ($6,499), Triumph Velocity 400 ($5,395), and Yamaha MT-03 ($4,999). At $6,599, the Aprilia carries the best value within the class however isn’t the best-in-class in any explicit space. Energy, efficiency, elements, and options are nearly as good or higher on a few of its competitors, which brings the Aprilia’s worth proposition into query in a price-sensitive section. The Tuono 457 is a enjoyable, trendy bike that ought to preserve each new and skilled riders entertained, however for the value it’s missing some thunder.