Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 Spec Comparison: Which is Better?

Aprilia recently unveiled the RS 457 in India, intensifying competition in the sportbike market. This supersport model will face off against several competitors, including the Kawasaki Ninja 400, both of which fall under the sub-500cc motorbike category. This class of motorcycles is becoming increasingly popular among potential customers in the Indian market. The Aprilia RS 457 takes styling cues from its bigger siblings, the RS 660 and the RSV4. It features twin LED headlights, an underbelly exhaust, clip-on handlebars, and a short tail.

On the other hand, the Ninja 400 boasts twin headlights, a side-mounted exhaust, and a muscular front fairing. The price announcement of the RS 457 is yet to be made, but its arch-rival, the Ninja 400 is already available in the market at a starting price of Rs 5.19 lakh (ex-showroom). In anticipation of the launch, we have compared the recently revealed Aprilia RS 457 with the direct competitor, the Ninja 400, to help you choose the better option. So, without further ado, let's take a read. 

Also Read: Aprilia RS 457 Unveiled in India: Design, Engine, Features and More Explained

Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: Engine 

Both the Aprilia RS 457 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 are popular models in the market. The Aprilia bike, however, has a stronger engine with a 457cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor that produces a maximum power output of 47bhp. In contrast, the Ninja 400 has a twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a smaller displacement value of 399cc and a power output of 45bhp. Both models have a 6-speed manual transmission, but the RS 457 comes with an optional quickshifter. The Ninja 400 weighs 7kg less than the Aprilia bike, coming in at 168kg compared to the latter's 175kg (wet).

Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: Hardware and Features

The suspension responsibilities on the Aprilia bike are overseen by the front 41mm USD fork, which has 120mm of travel, and the rear monoshock with 130mm of travel. For both, preload can be modified. The bike's brake system consists of a front disc, which measures 320mm and features a Bybre 4-piston radial calliper. The rear disc measures 220mm and has a single-piston floating calliper. The bike is equipped with 17-inch wheels and TVS Protorq Extreme tyres, with a size of 110/70 at the front and 150/60 at the back.

Contrarily, the Ninja 400 has 17-inch wheels covered in 110-section front and 150-section rear tyres, telescopic non-adjustable front forks, a monoshock at the back, and disc brakes with dual-channel ABS on both ends. Traction control and riding modes are absent from the Ninja.

The RS 457 has ride-by-wire technology, three levels of traction control, an optional quickshifter, and a five-inch TFT display. On the other hand, the Kawasaki motorcycle features a semi-digital instrument cluster, LED headlights, dual-channel ABS, and other amenities.

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Launched in India at Rs 8.49 Lakh, Sounds Like This: Watch Video

Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: Price

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the most economically efficient twin-cylinder bikes from the brand available in India. The prices of this motorcycle range from Rs 5.19 lakh to Rs 5.24 lakh, which are ex-showroom figures. The price for the upcoming Aprilia motorcycle has not been announced. Industry rumours, however, suggest that the bike may cost around Rs 4 lakh (ex-showroom). If the speculation is true, this Aprilia bike will offer more power and electronic aids at a lower cost than its counterpart.