Text: Ole-Andreas Isdahl
Photo: Aprilia
The A2 class gets the ultimate fun bike – but will it come to Norway?
Over time, Aprilia has delivered bikes with high power, brilliant ergonomics and festive handling. Simply pure fun. The Tuono model is definitely part of this fun, which is now being extended to the A2 segment with the “Generation 457”. From the first images, it’s easy to see that the legacy of the Tuono family is being brought into what is perhaps the fastest growing class, the A2 class. It doesn’t have to be a bad idea, and it’s important for both recruiting new riders to the A class and building up skills that we have good models that create interest and, not least, motivation to ride bikes in this particular class.
The 457 generation comes in two versions, like the largest in the family, which operates with an RSV4 and a Tuono version. In this case, there is a fairing version (RS) and a naked version (Tuono), both of which should appeal to the Norwegian rider group. As always, Aprilia goes to great lengths with the use of very well-dimensioned main components such as adjustable dampers (spring preload), a good frame and swingarm, radial-mounted BYBRE (ByBrembo) brakes, LED lighting and a hefty 5-inch TFT instrument that appeals to a new generation of riders. Aprilia also delivers on my very own fetish – an almost unusually wide and very cool handlebar that makes it fun and not least very comfortable to ride these machines.
The 457 cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 48 hp and is expected to be spirited enough to create plenty of riding pleasure and fun. Aprilia is skilled and always at the forefront of new rider support and electronics and the Tuono will therefore come with a modern ECU that delivers good engine management and a throttle response that is smooth and not least sufficiently obvious to put a smile on the rider’s face. And of course, quick shifts and blips that ensure maximum fun-factor.
The Tuono 457 has been given a sexy and attractive design that will certainly be able to compete with the others in this particular class. Bold, clear and distinctive lines, just like a Tuono should be. The design is well-integrated and adapted to the bike’s functionality in that the tank has the same clear protrusions to the knees that we find on the larger models. This makes it even more fun to ride fast with good control of what’s between your legs. Clearly characterized by the TUONO heritage, this is a tough challenger that can be used for everything from fun and games, to commuting and everyday use. I love this segment because of its low weight, which in this case is only 175 kg (wet). Aprilia builds motorcycles with a passion and dedication that only the Italians have mastered, so this should be very good in terms of handling. At the time of writing, we don’t know if the model will be coming to Norway, but anything else would simply be idiotic. So we’re counting on it to solve you. We don’t know much about the price either, but we’re hoping that it will land at plus/minus NOK 100,000. If it’s more expensive than this, it will struggle to compete in this class. So we shall see.
