The Aprilia RS 457 is about as close as you’ll come to a big-bike feel at a somewhat digestible price.
Aprilia is a master at designing its suspension and chassis, and the RS 457 is no exception. We already know it’s a superb handler on the track, but thankfully it’s not too hardcore on the street. Commuting with the Aprilia was decent and it'll go over most broken patches comfortably so long as you keep the speed low. Hit higher speeds over bad roads and the suspension, firm seat and leaned forward ergonomics will punish your backbone.
Though the riding position is a tad more aggressive than its rivals, it's still not nearly as uncomfortable as a Yamaha R15 would feel. I wish the RS 457 was this ultimate road machine but the truth is unlike its relaxed Japanese rivals, the RS 457 is a lot more committed to performance. Get used to its fiery nature and it's a gift that keeps giving.
The seats aren't plush but not nearly as bad as a Gen 1 KTM RC 390. It seems the RS 457 was born and bred to carve corners, but it is also adequately comfortable to commute to and from your favorite weekend road.
Its ergonomics and sporty focus have a special sense of occasion. Compared to the Japanese, the Aprilia is definitely more aggressive in its intent. Have its rivals gone too soft or has the RS 457 gone too hard? Only time will tell. That being said, despite its sporty and agile nature, chassis composure is very good and the bike remains in phased even when hitting undulations at triple-digit speeds.