Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390 Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Pick?

Aprilia, a subsidiary of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., has finally launched the much-awaited RS 457 in India, priced at Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The supersport gets RS 660-inspired bodywork, aluminium chassis, electronic rider aids, as well as a 48bhp twin-cylinder engine. All this makes the Aprilia RS 457 more expensive than the KTM RC 390, which is currently available at a sticker price of Rs 3.18 lakh (ex-showroom). We stack up the newly launched Aprilia RS 457 against its close competitor to see how they compare in terms of powertrain, chassis, features, etc.  

Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390: Engine

 The new Aprilia RS 457 draws its power from a new 457cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 270-degree crank and double camshaft timing. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch, this engine churns out 48bhp and 44Nm of peak torque. The new Aprilia motorcycle, in terms of performance, outclasses the 2023 KTM RC 390. Thanks to a large airbox and updated mapping, the KTM RC 390 OBD-2 delivers 43bhp at 9,000rpm and 37Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm.

Also Read: Aprilia RS 457 Launched in India at Rs 4.10 Lakh; Bookings to Open from December 15

As for the engine, the KTM bike continues to feature the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection system. The KTM bike comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox accompanied by a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter – the latter is also offered with the Aprilia RS 457 but as an optional extra. 

Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390: Suspension, Brakes, Wheels 

In terms of hardware, both bikes are quite similar, but the Aprilia RS 457 is the only one to feature preload-adjustability at both ends. The KTM RC 390, however, gets a bigger fuel tank that can fill in 13.7 litres of fuel. The RS 457, in comparison, feeds its engine through a 13-litre fuel tank. 

Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390: Styling, Features

Drawing inspiration from the larger RS 660, the Aprilia RS 457 features signature double front fairing, split headlamps with built-in LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals, a split-seat setup, a transparent visor, aerodynamic vents on the side fairings, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, underbelly silencer, and streamlined 2-in-1 exhaust system. The KTM RC 390, meanwhile, gets MotoGP-inspired styling, featuring a full fairing, a single-pod headlamp, clip-on handlebars, split seats, and a side-slung exhaust. 

Both bikes are equipped with features such as dual-channel ABS, traction control, all-LED illumination, as well as a Bluetooth-equipped TFT display offering essential information. Other bits on the RS 457 are backlit switchgear and a ride-by-wire system with three riding modes – Eco, Rain and Sport. 

Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390: Weight

The Aprilia RS 457's dry weight of 159 kilograms (or 175kg weight when fully fuelled) makes a power-to-weight ratio superior to that of its competitors, namely the Kawasaki Ninja 400 (45bhp), the KTM RC 390 (44bhp and 37Nm), and the upcoming Yamaha R3 (42bhp). In comparison, KTM RC 390 weighs 3kg less than the Aprilia RS 457, tipping the scales at 172kg (kerb weight). 

Also Read: IBW 2023: Kawasaki W175 Street Launched in India at Rs 1.35 Lakh, Gets Alloy Wheels and New Colour Options

Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390: Price 

Priced at Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), the Aprilia RS 457 is significantly more expensive to purchase than the KTM RC 390 (Rs 3.18 lakh, ex-showroom). The bookings for Aprilia's first made-in-India motorcycle will open on December 15, with deliveries to commence in March 2024. It comes in 3 colours, while the KTM motorcycle is offered in two colour options.