ROAD NEWS
APRILIA ANNOUNCES LAMS RS457
Aprilia has announced a new entry-level RS model to join the lineup under the RS660 . Set to go head-to-head with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the LAMS supersport segment , the new RS457 brings plenty of premium features you ’ d expect from Aprilia , but at what is expected to be a much more attainable price point than the RS660 . In markets such as New Zealand , Aprilia has largely been missing out on a slice of the LAMS pie due to the pricing of the RS660 , which can be ordered in LAMS trim , but is largely sold as a full-power motorcycle here . The RS457 looks set to change that while bringing Aprilia ’ s usual approach to sports machines into the segment . “ In recent years , the Aprilia brand has seen an intense burst of renewal , also supported by continued progress in the racing world ,” says Piaggio Group CEO , Michele Colaninno . “ The recent introduction of the 660 family , with
RS and Tuono first and Tuareg later , has expanded its target , creating a full and competitive range . We are now ready to take another step towards the future with an astonishing bike developed entirely in Noale , capable of stimulating and thrilling young people and opening up huge potential in new markets , near and far . It is a step closer to the globalisation of a brand that has always had the perfect combination of technology , fun , and looking to the future in its DNA .” Like the RS660 , the all-new RS457 is built around a parallel-twin engine , which produces 35kW ( 46.9hp ) of peak power while only needing to propel an overall weight of 175kg . The RS457 utilises an aluminium frame which also uses the engine as a stressed member . Suspension and brakes are ready to dip aspiring riders ’ toes into the sports riding world with a 41mm fork with 120mm of travel and preload
96 KIWI RIDER