Most 250s were boring, with the exception of the Kawasaki KR-1S, Aprilia RS250 and Suzuki RGV250, but you needed a full licence to ride those. Roll on a few decades later and the choice for what is an entry-level motorcycle is phenomenal. In a range of capacities, both old and new, new riders can choose from adventure bikes, maxi scooters, cruisers, nakedbikes, tourers, sports-tourers, motards, trailbikes and, of course, sportsbikes. Enter the Aprilia RS457.

Check out our LAMS motorcycle reviews here...

Looking very much like the entry-level, race-replica version of the marque RSV4 superbike, the new RS 457 isn’t just a lookalike sportsbike for those that don’t have the experience or perhaps money to afford the production road racer. Just as with the bigger capacity bikes in the range, Aprilia has put a concerted effort into making this new twin-cylinder sportsbike go as good as it looks.

Fresh off the back of the launch of the RS 660 (read our RS 660 review here), Aprilia has bookended their sportsbike range with the parallel-twin, 457cc RS 457. Every much looking like the racer-inspired small capacity machine, this isn’t of the ilk of the two-stroke RS 250 – an out-and-out production racer, but more so an evolution of the timid four-stroke RS4 125. But unlike the RS4, Aprilia hasn’t left one aspect of this machine’s performance unfettered.

“The engine is a 270-degree firing order, 457cc parallel-twin that puts out 35kW and 44Nm – with most of that delivered by 3000rpm”…

This is a ground-up, new machine for Aprilia. The engine is a 270-degree firing order, 457cc parallel-twin that puts out 35kW and 44Nm – with most of that delivered by 3000rpm with the design centring around minimising friction (see technical breakout) across various engine components and gearbox. The architecture of the cylinder-heads isn’t too far removed from the RSV4 Aprilia claims, and at a glance it certainly looks that way.

Although the twin revs out to a 10,500rpm redline, most of the torque is at hand low in the rev range. On the road, it gets away quickly from a standstill with no need for riding the clutch to get the revs up. It pulls through the rev range strongly and the good spread through the six-speed gearbox won’t see you frantically working through the ’box. Out on the open road, the strong bottom-end power means the tight and twisty stuff is fun and at freeway speeds you don’t feel like you are wringing its neck.

We also rode at Beckley Park International Raceway – a neat little go-kart track just behind the clubhouse turn of the Geelong Horse Racing venue. With a load of first and second gear corners, with a hard-braking first-gear hairpin, we got a great opportunity to ask the most of the 457’s engine. Just as it was on the road, the power delivery is user friendly with loads of strong low rpm torque the highlight of the package.

Here at the track is where the host of electronic goodies, led by the mode selectors, stood out. The three different riding modes – Eco, Sport and Rain – give a pronounced difference in power delivery via the ride-by-wire throttle. The ABS has two settings – both wheels, or front only – allowing riders who can to slide the rear end into corners. While a bi-directional quickshifter is optional, most riders won’t need one.

Traction control is standard fitment on the RS 457 and while I never used it on the track, I got to feel it work doing u-turns on a dirty country back road for the obligatory bike launch photoshoot. Being part of a Bosch system – just like the ABS – it’ll no doubt work well on wet and slippery roads. Like the riding modes, the traction control is switched simply from the switchgear and can be done on the fly. What mode and settings you have is displayed on the big 5-inch TFT dash that looks like it’s straight off a superbike.

You can tell a lot of refinement has gone into getting the handling characteristics of the RS 457 just right. With preload adjustment at both ends, rolling on 110 and 150-section tyres (just like the RS250 did) and with rake, trail and wheelbase dimensions similar to the rest of the class, the twin-spar aluminium alloy frame is the biggest point of difference. The marketing blurb says Aprilia has used its experience gained through this chassis design in racing to get the RS 457 handling as it is, and it’s hard to argue with.

On the track the RS 457 is nimble, compliant and controlled under hard cornering and braking. Acceleration doesn’t challenge the relatively basic suspension’s compliance nor the standard fitment rubber. On the more bumpy and unpredictable conditions on the road, the suspension is just as good, and light and precise handling did not give a hint of instability, with a more comprehensive ride needed to make that a given.

The riding position is spacious. Riders of all shapes and sizes – especially those over six-foot – found it roomy in the saddle, the reach to the handlebars not cramped and the footpegs not crampingly high nor so low that they cause ground clearance issues. Pillion comfort may not be as welcoming, but the reach from the back saddle to the footpegs is adult-sized. All in all, the ride triangle is a balance of comfort and sportiness and one that best suits the intended usage of most RS 457s.

Check out our other Aprilia reviews and content here…

The brakes look every part like top of the line sportsbike kit. A radial mounted four-piston caliper up front looks MotoGP and while it doesn’t say Brembo, it is made by their small motorcycle division ByBre – By Brembo. Braking power is exceptional both front and rear and mated with the switchable Bosch ABS a safe and high-performing package on the road and the track. There is span adjustment available on the brake lever, but not on the clutch which is cable-actuated and light as a feather.

The racer-inspired styling cues don’t stop with the radial-mounted front brake either. The exhaust exiting the bellypan, sleek top triple-clamp design, indicators integrated within the headlight unit, a double-skin look to the fairing, GP-inspired aerodynamic features and the tiny rear tail unit all mimic the big boy racer as it was intended to. Throw in an extra $400 for the MotoGP-inspired Replica colour scheme and you really have a true race replica.

Conclusion

Best thing of all about the RS 457 is that this new machine isn’t all show and no go. With a concerted effort on creating a learner-legal machine that muscles its way to the top of the new entry-level sportsbike pack with the most power and best power-to-weight ratio allowed, Aprilia has also built a machine with the handling and engine performance that will keep experienced riders coming back for more. Check out the Rs 457 in your local Aprilia shop now, and test ride one while you are there…

2024 Aprilia RS457 Tech Talk
Engine

The Aprilia RS 457 is powered by two-cylinder, 457cc, 270-degree, liquid-cooled engine with Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. The engine, that shares a lot of its architecture with the RSV4 superbike, has 35kW of peak power at 9400rpm and peak torque of 44Nm at 6700rpm with 82 per cent of that figure on hand from 3000rpm. Teamed with a wet weight of 175kg, the power-to-weight ratio of the RS is hard to beat in the LAMS class.

Unlike the mid-sized RS 660, the 457 engine differs in that a coolant by-pass circuit and blow-by circuit are fully integrated into the engine, with no external piping like the bigger machine has. The gearbox features roller cages like the V4 engines, instead of bushings, to reduce friction while the gearbox lubrication system is integrated into the shifting dropout shafts.

Reciprocating friction is reduced in the engine by using a cylinder offset 6.5mm from the crankshaft, roller bearings instead of bushings for the water pump and countershaft, and piston pins and timing cups with DLC coating. Fracture-split conrods are used with circular bushings and a servo clutch reduces effort at the lever along with a slipper function.

Big service intervals are another attractive point on the twin-cylinder engine while as a function of Euro 5 + emissions compliance, the RSV457 engine shuts down one cylinder on deceleration to both conserve fuel and reduce noise somewhat.

Chassis

The new twin-cylinder RS 457 engine is mounted in a dual-beam cast aluminium frame with the crankcase functioning as a load-bearing element, similarly to the way it is on the RS 660. Up front, the 41mm upside-down forks are preload adjustable, with 120mm of travel, while at the rear, the monoshock is adjustable for preload and has 130mm of travel. The swingarm is made in steel.

The braking system is made by ByBre – a Brembo brand specifically dedicated to small-to-medium displacement motorcycles and scooters – and features a 320mm front disc with a radial-mounted four-piston caliper at the front and a single piston caliper on 220mm disc at the rear. The braking system is aided by a two-channel ABS system with switchable modes – for either both wheels or front wheel only. The 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels mount to a 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres.

Electronics

The RS 457 is bustling with a range of tech goodies you don’t see standard on bikes in this class. The LED headlight echoes cues of the Aprilia sportsbike family while the front indicators are integrated into the headlight’s light signature. The dashboard is no less than a 5.0-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) colour instrument cluster, while the switchgear on the handlebars are elegantly backlit.

The Ride-by-Wire throttle system – which Aprilia was the first to introduce both in MotoGP and on production motorcycles – manages the engine with three riding modes that intervene on power, torque and traction control. They are adjustable to three levels on the fly – Eco, Sport and Rain – a can also be disabled. A bi-directional quickshifter is also available as an accessory. The Bosch ABS system has two settings: ABS on both wheels for road usage and ABS front on and rear off, suggested for racetrack use only. Turning off the rear ABS is done by a long press of the riding mode button only when the bike is stationary. Smartphone connectivity (Aprilia MIA) and navigation are also available

APRILIA RS 457 GENUINE ACCESSORIES

A host of genuine accessories are available for the RS457 ranging from bike covers and USB sockets through to racing brake pads and tyre pressure monitoring system. For more information visit www.aprilia.com/au.

Passenger seat cover                                                              $155.85
Adjustable front brake lever                                               $242.20
Adjustable clutch lever                                                          $246.75
Rear brake Lever                                                                           $305.90
Gear lever                                                                                           $248.50
Brake lever protection                                                             $473.40
Aluminium plate holder                                                         $389
USB charging socket                                                                $38.50
Racing brake pads                                                                      $333.25
Rider footpegs                                                                                $364.15
Front axle protector                                                                   $138.50
Helmet lock                                                                                      $71
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)  RS457     $456
High windscreen                                                                          $125
Thermoformed side cases (with holders)              $1154.15
Tank bag                                                                                               $482.50
Lower rider comfort seat                                                      $275
Standard comfort seat                                                           $298
Passenger comfort handle                                                  $128
Outdoor bike cover                                                                    $267.70
Indoor bike cover                                                                         $458.20
Electronic anti-theft                                                                  $287.75
Electronic anti-theft assembly system                    $215.40
MIA device                                                                                         $208.20
MIA device assembly system                                           $73.75
Wheel stickers                                                                               $38.30
Side tank protection stickers                                            $163.85
Central tank protection stickers                                    $66.90
Bi-directional quickshifter                                                  $441.20

2024 Aprilia RS 457 Specifications

Aprilia.com

Price: $12,540 (Replica: $12,940) rideaway
Warranty: Two-years unlimited km
Colours: Prismatic Dark, Opalescent Light and Racing Stripes
Claimed Power: 35kW@9400rpm
Claimed Torque: 44Nm@6700rpm
Kerb Weight: 175kg
Fuel capacity: 13L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 270-degree parallel twin-cylinder, four-stroke engine with four valves per cylinder, 10.5:1 compression ratio, 69mm x 61.1mm bore x stroke, 457cc, 26mm EFI with Ride-By-Wire throttle Gearbox: Six speed, constant mesh Clutch: Multiplate in oil bath with slipper system

Chassis: Frame: Dual beam cast-aluminium frame
Rake: 24 degrees Trail: 102.4mm
Suspension: 41mm upside-down fork, preload adjustable, 120mm travel (f) steel swingarm, monoshock with adjustable preload, 130mm travel (r) Brakes: 320mm disc, four-piston radial-mounted By-Bre caliper (f), 220mm disc, single-piston By-Bre floating caliper (r) Wheels & Tyres: Aluminium-alloy wheels 3.0 x 17-inch (f) 4.5 x 17-inch (r), Tyres 110/70ZR17 (f) 150/60ZR17 (r)

Dimensions:
Seat height: 800mm
Ground clearance: N/A
Overall width: 760mm
Overall Length: 1983mm
Overall height: 1162mm
Wheelbase: 1349mm

Instruments & Electronics: LED headlight assembly. Engine maps (AEM), dual-channel ABS with anti roll-over system (two maps), traction control (ATC), three riding modes. 5-inch TFT instrument panel. Backlit handlebar controls.

2025 Aprilia RS 457 Gallery

The post Bike Review | 2024 Aprilia RS 457 Test appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

With further development of the M RR, BMW Motorrad has set a new milestone in the field of superbikes homologated for racing. The new M RR is powered by the familiar water-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine designed for racing purposes, especially the Superbike World Championship.

As before, its peak output is 156kW@14,500rpm. The chassis of the new M RR also relies on the aluminium bridge frame as its centrepiece, supplemented by an upside-down fork and central suspension strut with Full Floater Pro kinematics.

The new M 1000 RR is offered in two versions: the M RR basic variant in the basic paint finish Lightwhite non-metallic and the M RR M Competition in the basic paint finish Blackstorm metallic.

The increased potential of the new M RR results above all from the colossal advancement in the critical area of aerodynamics. In particular, a newly designed fairing made of exposed visible carbon fibre with a higher windscreen increases the top speed significantly in conjunction with optimised airflow around the rider. For the first time, this fairing also comes with a particularly light yet rigid front fairing support made of carbon fibre.

The top speed of the new M RR has increased from 306 to 314km/h compared with the previous model. In the course of aerodynamic development, the M winglets were also completely revised. They now generate significantly more aerodynamic downforce, both in an upright riding position and when banking. The rider gains even more confidence with regard to the front wheel to achieve even greater lean angles or higher cornering speeds while also benefiting from a reduced wheelie tendency.

Another central point in optimising the entire aerodynamics was the area of the front wheel. Here, for the first time in the history of BMW Motorrad, brake cooling air ducts made of visible carbon fibre are used. They are integrated into the new front mudguard, which has been optimised for improved airflow around the fork legs and brake callipers.

New M Carbon wheels stand out on the new M RR thanks to their new clear lacquer coat. New tapes in M design on the wheel rims underline the high-grade technical character and the racing claim of the new M RR. As an alternative to the M Carbon wheels, the new M RR can now also be ordered with forged wheels ex works.

A newly designed rear section makes the current M RR look even lighter, sportier and more dynamic. The short number plate holder and the ergonomically designed M Endurance seat also represent new features. Thanks to a modified wiring harness with LWS connector, the now shorter number plate holder with light units can be dismantled even faster and more easily. 

Highlights of the new BMW M RR and M RR M Competition

• M RR 4-cylinder developed for racing purposes
• Output of 156kW (212hp) at 14,500rpm and maximum torque of 113Nm at 11,000 rpm
• 2-ring forged pistons
• Fully CNC machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift
• Titanium valves, optimised camshafts and narrow and lightweight cam followers
• Longer and 85g lighter Pankl titanium connecting rods for reduced friction and weight compared with S 1000 RR
• Anti-hopping clutch without self-boosting (optimised for race starts)
• Enhanced intake system with shorter intake funnels compared with the S 1000 RR for optimised charge exchange at high engine speeds
• Lightweight exhaust system with titanium manifold, front silencer and rear silencer
• NEW: Drastically optimised aerodynamics with more downforce even at lean angles, while at the same time increasing top speed from 306 to 314km/h

• NEW: New fairing in visible carbon fibre with new fairing front carrier made of carbon fibre and new visible carbon fibre M winglets
• NEW: New visible carbon fibre front mudguard with integrated brake ducts
• NEW: M Aero Wheel Covers made from visible carbon fibre
• NEW: M Carbon wheels with new surface and M Design Tapes
• NEW: Forged wheels optionally available ex works
• NEW: Redesigned rear section
• NEW: Ergonomic M Endurance seat
• NEW: Short number plate holder
• NEW: Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for even easier removal of number plate holder with light units
• Riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race” and “Race Pro1-3” as well as the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box
• Two adjustable throttle characteristics available for optimum response
• “Engine Brake” with triple adjustability of engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode
• Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch
• Launch Control for perfect race starts and Pit Lane Limiter for keeping to the given speed precisely in the pit lane
• Hill Start Control Pro for comfortably starting off on inclines
• M Brakes: Maximum braking performance on the racetrack
• Instrument cluster with large, perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display, start-up animation with M logo and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger
• Lightweight M battery, rear USB charging socket, powerful LED light units, electronic cruise control and heated grips
• M Competition package with M GPS Laptrigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M Carbon package, natural anodised swinging arm 220g lighter than the basic variant or that of the S 1000 RR, DLC-coated M Endurance chain and pillion package including hump cover

The post 2024 BMW M 1000 RR Track Lap | MEGA 30 years SMSP day appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

CP3 Engine

Based on Yamaha’s renowned CP3 powerplant, the new 2025 YZF-R9 boasts a dedicated supersport chassis and comprehensive electronics suite, wrapped in striking next-generation R-series styling. The new 2025 YZF-R9 was conceived to redefine the supersport class by combining track-capable performance with street bike accessibility through a broad, smooth power delivery, light handling, street-friendly ergonomics and a complete package of advanced rider aids. A machine as at home on a race circuit in the hands of a seasoned track rider as it is exploring twisty roads or urban streets in the hands of a dedicated road rider.

The heart and soul of the new YZF-R9 is its characterful 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder powerplant, which receives a unique ECU tune and optimised gear ratio to provide thrilling supersport power with a broader, torquey street-friendly engine character. A carefully tuned airbox amplifies induction sound which combines with the CP3’s distinctive crossplane triple exhaust note to provide an aural resonance which further heightens the thrill of acceleration.

The versatile triple cylinder bike is not designed to take over from the more track-focused YZF-R1 but complement the four-cylinder machine…

Deltabox Frame

The advanced gravity-cast Deltabox frame is the lightest aluminium frame ever offered on a Yamaha supersport model. The frame is extensively tuned to deliver a supple, predictable feel at lower speeds and supersport rigidity for razor-sharp handling at track speeds. Along with new high-spec fully adjustable KYB suspension and nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the YZF-R9 delivers light, agile handling that inspires confidence for a wide range of riders and experience levels.

Model specific adjustable KYB suspension

New KYB suspension units are specified – including a 43mm USD front fork with base valve and a rear shock with a new low-speed valve – the first for a motorcycle. The new shock generates linear damping for precise road holding and chassis stability.

Big Brakes

Premium Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers combine with a Brembo radial master cylinder, large 320mm dual front discs, stainless steel brake lines and aggressive pad compounds to offer supersport-level braking with exceptional power and feel. YZF-R9 also offers the option to turn rear ABS off for track riding.

Advanced aerodynamics

The new YZF-R9 includes MotoGP-inspired functional winglets which add downforce for a stable, planted front-end feel while keeping drag to a bare minimum. The new bodywork is the most aerodynamic Yamaha model ever offered. A dedicated supersport riding position is optimised to achieve excellent handling and a strong sense of unity with the machine while still offering a short reach to the clip-ons, ample leg room and low seat height for more comfort in a variety of riding scenarios.

New generation TFT display

The latest generation full-colour 5in TFT display provides a wide range of vehicle data. Select between four separate street themes or a dedicated track theme. Display themes, vehicle data, connectivity functions and the YZF-R9’s electronic suite are navigated through Yamaha’s latest integrated handlebar switches. Button shape and feel have been extensively refined to provide intuitive operation.

Smartphone connectivity

Riders can link their smartphone to the new TFT display via Yamaha’s free Y-Connect app to receive message notifications, calls and listen to music (through use of an aftermarket Bluetooth® headset, not provided). Full turn-by-turn navigation is available through the Garmin® StreetCross app to make each journey easier.

Advanced electronic suite

An advanced six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is based on the proven performance of the flagship YZF-R1 superbike. Data collected from the IMU and wheel speed sensors enable a high-tech suite of rider aids including a nine-mode Traction Control System (TCS), three-mode Slide Control System (SCS), three-mode Lift Control System (LIF) and a Brake Control System (BC). Levels of intervention can be adjusted and each of these systems can also be turned off providing the ultimate versatility and control in a variety weather and surface conditions. Road riders will appreciate convenient features such as cruise control and Yamaha’s Variable Speed Limiter functions while track day enthusiasts will enjoy the Y-TRAC race settings complemented by a virtual pitboard feature that displays instructions and information from pit crew to rider in real time.

Yamaha R-Series style

With sharp, distinctive R-series styling including its signature M-shaped front duct and tail wing, combining with new generation design cues like angled LED position lighting and advanced aerodynamics including functional front winglets, the revolutionary new YZF-R9 is instantly recognisable as the next evolution of Yamaha’s iconic R-series.

Summary

When the first YZF-R1 was released in 1998 it re-invented the supersport category. The all-new YZF-R9 is placed to repeat that with its combination of street smarts and racetrack capability. The versatile triple cylinder bike is not designed to take over from the more track-focused YZF-R1 but complement the four-cylinder machine and introduce more riders to the exciting supersports category.

Colours, availability and price

The new 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, Matt Black or Intensity White/Redline, and will begin arriving to dealers from May 2025. Yamaha Motor Australia is pleased to offer the new model at $23,199 inc GST ride away. However, initial stock will be limited, and this price is a special introductory offer that ends on 31 March 2025. Deposits and forward orders placed before this date will secure the introductory price – so place your order now with your Yamaha dealer.

Yamaha YZF-R9 Official Video

The post Yamaha YZF-R9 Overview | New Model, $23,199 R/A appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....