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Summary
- Aprilia is developing a Trofeo version of the RS 457, featuring race-ready bodywork.
- The Trofeo kit will eliminate road-legal elements.
- There are hints of a Tuono 457 model, as suggested by spy shots and comments from the design director, Marco Lambri.
Think of the biggest two-wheeler reveals this year and the Aprilia RS 457 certainly springs to mind. It’s the Noale factory’s first 400-500cc sports bike in a long time, one that finally makes the otherwise exotic brand accessible for all riders (new or experienced). Accordingly, the RS has made fans worldwide, and now, it looks like Aprilia is ready to take another step in the same direction. The news comes straight from the horse’s mouth–the company’s top honchos.
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Aprilia Will Reveal An RS 457 Trofeo In 2024
First, the confirmed news. Aprilia is readying a ‘Trofeo’ version of the RS 457. The company showed the prototype at the recent 2023 EICMA, but it just seemed like a marketing effort at the time. Now, the factory has confirmed a Trofeo kit for the baby RS is in the works, alongside an entire one-make racing cup.
What will make the Trofeo special? The EICMA prototype sings that song well. We can spot race-ready bodywork in place of the stock tidbits. There are no road-legal elements–headlight, turn signals, number plate holders, or mirrors–suggesting the Trofeo will be lighter than the 385-pound stock model (wet). This is topped by suspension and engine upgrades. The former comprises a fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock outback, while the latter includes an SC Project carbon fiber slip-on. We don’t see any changes for the 41 mm USD forks, ByBre brakes, and the 457cc parallel-twin engine, though. Other nitty gritty additions are:
- Engine case protection
- Clutch/brake lever protectors
- Racing sticker kit
- Pillion seat cowl
- Racing seat
Much of the package here takes inspiration from the recently introduced Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo. It has spruced-up suspension and SC Project exhaust, among other changes. The updates bump the price to $21,000–almost $10,000 more than the standard MSRP. In contrast, the RS 457 will have a ‘Trofeo’ bolt-on kit.
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Second, and the more exciting news, is the subtle confirmation of a Tuono 457. All RS models–RSV4 1100, RS 660, RS 125–have had partnering Tuono models, and it seems the RS 457 will have one too. Marco Lambri, design director at Piaggio, supports the idea, as revealed in a discussion with Indian publication AutoCar India, followed by a wry smile.
Spy shots of what’s said to be a naked Aprilia 457 are also doing rounds on social media. The engine casing, front suspension, wheels, and TVS Eurogrip tires are all straight from the RS 457, suggesting it’s a derivative of the sports bike. At the same time, much of the bodywork is reminiscent of existing Moto Guzzi bikes. We think it’s Aprilia’s way to fire warning shots to the competition and grab eyeballs, while still keeping the baby Tuono a mystery. What do you think? Will Aprilia treat us with a Tuono 457?
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