Aprilia Tuono 457 2026 — Specifications

Subtly, the name Tuono has established itself in motorcycle jargon since the beginning of the 600s, precisely in 2002! Initially declined in 1000 (now 1100), and more recently in 660, Aprilia’s roadster is now fully accessible to riders with A2 licenses in a 457 cm³ version. The appeal lies in an unrestrained relationship, as the engine was specifically developed for A2 license holders. Living without restrictions means experiencing all sensations, including at high RPM. The young riders’ nirvana?

The design of the Tuono 457 is entirely new, and while Aprilia claims to have started from a blank sheet of paper, we won’t readily accept the brand’s statement. For those of us who are older (like myself), it’s impossible not to recognize the spirit of the Tuono 1000 MK2, released in 606. Of course, the lines are more modern, more technological, but it wasn’t without inspiration that the designers released the lines of the 457. This one features a reduced headstock, well supported in style by the radiator fairings that bring a lot of dynamism to the motorcycle.

The rear light group is also entirely LED, while the engine with a stressed-member function is intentionally left exposed, as is the double-beam aluminum frame. The exhaust is discreet and doesn’t mar the style with an under-engine placement. The seat, which sits at 800 mm from the ground, is slimmed down on the sides to help the rider place their feet on the ground.

The Tuono 457’s equipment also includes a 5” TFT color dashboard, as well as backlit controls. The Aprilia MIA system is another accessory that further extends the functionality of the instrumentation: this multimedia platform allows the rider to connect their smartphone to the motorcycle. The system offers a connection protocol that minimizes smartphone battery consumption and includes both an infotainment system for managing voice assistant, calls, and music via the intuitive handlebar controls, and a navigation function, which allows the rider to view directions by pictogram directly on the dashboard after defining the destination of the trip on the associated smartphone. The Aprilia MIA app also allows you to memorize the routes taken and analyze the data acquired directly on the app, thanks to the geo-referenced telemetry function.

The Tuono 457 is built around a 457 cm³ twin-cylinder engine. This isn’t original, as it has already been seen on the latest sporty RS 457. It is a parallel twin-cylinder engine, water-cooled, with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It delivers a maximum power of 35 kW (47.6 hp) at 9,400 rpm - the maximum possible for a motorcycle that can be ridden with an A2 license - and a torque of 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm, of which 82% are already available at 3,000 rpm. This small twin-cylinder therefore has plenty of power, and the sensations at the handlebars should be quite pleasant.

The motorcycle from Noale, to be a sensational machine, also has a second asset with a truly featherweight on the scale. The Tuono 457 weighs only 159 kg (dry weight). The engine also has a stressed-member function, with the swingarm anchoring to it.

Aprilia has particularly worked on this engine, citing, for example, that the cooling circuit is integrated into the engine to eliminate external hoses. Various solutions have been used to minimize internal friction: the cylinders are offset by approximately 6.5 mm from the crankshaft, which reduces friction during piston push, the countershaft and water pump operate on bearings, and the piston axes undergo a DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) surface treatment. Finally, the gearbox uses roller bearings instead of bushings (bearings) - the same as on Aprilia’s V4 engines - and furthermore, it benefits from a new patented lubrication solution, with an integrated system.

The oil-bath multi-disc clutch is assisted and has an anti-dribble system. Unlike the RS 457, the Tuono 457’s final transmission is shorter due to the adoption of a sprocket with an extra tooth, which makes the Tuono a little more responsive when you apply the throttle via the Ride-by-Wire multimap electronic accelerator.

Thanks to its Ride by Wire throttle, which Aprilia first introduced both in MotoGP with the futuristic RS Cube, and in mass production with the Shiver, the Tuono 457 has three riding modes that adjust power, torque, and traction control level. The latter also benefits from an independent adjustment on three levels or can be completely deactivated.

The three riding modes are: ECO: the engine power is delivered progressively, while the traction control intervention level is set to medium (level 2). SPORT: the engine power is delivered without restraint and traction control is less intrusive (level 1). RAIN: a riding mode designed to be used in low-grip conditions and on wet asphalt. The engine power is very gentle, while traction control is set to maximum (level 3).

The Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) can always be adjusted, regardless of the selected riding mode, including while riding, using the practical UP and DOWN buttons on the left-hand control block. In all riding modes, ABS is set to the maximum level and is engaged on both wheels. ABS can be disengaged from the rear wheel when the motorcycle is stationary by pressing and holding the Riding Mode button, in order to maximize sporty riding on the track, for example.

As an option, you can also equip the Tuono 457 with the Aprilia Quick Shift, which therefore works both up and down.

If sometimes, on this “new market” of 450 / 500 cm³, manufacturers tend to hide ordinary steel-frame components under the fairings, Aprilia defends its image of quality and re-creates the same pleasure as on its 125 / 250 cm³ models from the 1990s. The chassis is composed of two beautiful aluminum side beams - we would almost regret that this frame is not polished. The swingarm does not receive the same treatment and must settle for steel; with a rather basic rear section. But we will pay attention to that when retensioning the chain. Because on a break or a moment between friends, the Italian delivers. Nothing to hide in the café terraces, quite the contrary, friends will be impressed. The engine functions as a stressed member - a solution inspired by the 660 Road range engine - which creates a compact, lightweight, and rigid structure. This solution offers the best power-to-weight ratio in the category.

Regarding suspension, we find a 41 mm fork with a 120 mm stroke. Again, it’s big and beautiful; the CF Moto 450 NK, not known for being shy, had to settle for a 37 mm fork. The fork has a preload adjustment, and the rear shock absorber (with a 130 mm stroke) is also adjustable.

The braking system is equipped with ByBre calipers (the front of which has a radial mount) that operate with a 320 mm disc at the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear. The brake lever on the handlebar is adjustable. The system is assisted by a Bosch two-channel ABS system, available either on both wheels or only on the front. The 17-inch rims are equipped with 110/70 tires at the front and 150/60 tires at the rear. A reasonable dimension tire mount to avoid erasing all the qualities of a lightweight and rigid chassis.

Aprilia has long dominated the small-displacement market with its two-stroke sportbikes. The manufacturer from Noale is once again making a strong impression with its 457 productions, which immediately rank in the category of machines that will make young people dream. Faced with CF Moto, which is very aggressive in this market but whose image is still being built, Aprilia can be proud of its successful presence in Grand Prix racing for decades. The Japanese competition like the Z500 doesn’t play in the same league, but the aura of some models can also rely on the image of their older sisters. By descending around €6,500, Aprilia strategically positions its roadster.

Vincent Beaucousin - Photos manufacturer