Aprilia has doubled down on the cool bike launches this week, confirming both the RS 660 Extrema, and the RS 457 (a learner approved offering) are headed down under. The former is set to arrive locally in October, and will be priced from $24,990 ride away.
To be offered in strictly limited numbers and named in honour of the 125 Extrema from the early 90s, the RS 660 version is lightweight (tipping the scales at 166kg dry), and sets a new class record for its power to weight ratio (100HP).
This milestone is achieved through a lighter street-legal exhaust system by SC Project, with the carbon silencer positioned on the right side (and no longer beneath the engine). It also comes with the black anodised aluminium silencer bracket.
This has allowed for the removal of the passenger foot pegs, while a carbon front mudguard and the new belly pan again reduce weight. The RS 660 Extrema’s high-performance intent is also emphasised by the single-seat tail fairing.
The pillion seat still comes with the bike. In addition to the standard electronics on the RS 660 (which includes adjustable traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake and map, and wheelie control), the Extrema features a custom quick shift in upside-down configuration.
This means that the gearbox can be configured completely autonomously, without replacing any bike component, in street or race version – which is ideal for track days. It is available in a dedicated white and red livery.
At the same time as things get wild on the RS 660 Extrema, the bike maker is set to jump into the highly competitive 400 sports segment with the announcement of their RS 457. The learner approved model is set to arrive here later this month.
The RS 457 is a historic step for Aprilia, with its twin-cylinder sports bike opening the brand up to a new audience, while delivering an easy but fun, technologically and stylistically ground breaking motorcycle.
The success of the RS 660 has been repeated with the Aprilia RS 457, which began as a completely new project, and is aimed squarely at younger or new riders, or those who want to start riding faired bikes.
The RS 457’s strengths are its lightness, with the highest possible power-to-weight ratio for a motorcycle you can ride with a LAMS license, ease of handling, and technological equipment.
The RS 457 is designed to accompany motorcyclists as they progress on road and track. The ergonomics feature clip-on handlebars mounted above the upper steering plate, a road sports solution that provides the best compromise between sportiness and riding comfort.
It also sports an underbelly silencer, with a 2-in-1 exhaust, a full LED headlight with integrated indicators, and a dashboard that uses an elegant and practical 5.0-inch TFT colour instrument cluster. The handlebar controls are also backlit.
The Aprilia RS 457 is powered by a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, with double camshaft timing and four valves per cylinder, delivering 35kW of power. It also weighs in at 159kg dry.
The new engine is paired with a stiff frame. The aluminium frame makes this bike unique in its segment, while the crankcase functions as a load-bearing element, a solution borrowed from the RS 660, which ensures low weight, dynamic qualities and riding pleasure.
The 41mm fork features 120mm travel and preload adjustability. Ditto for the mono-shock, which is adjustable in preload for 130mm wheel travel. The braking system features a 320mm front disc with a ByBre radial-mount four-piston calliper.
At the rear, the ByBre calliper brake features a 220mm steel disc. All this is assisted by a two-channel ABS system with dual use, on both wheels or only on the front. The 17-inch alloy wheels mount 110/70 tyres at the front and 150/60 at the rear.
The Aprilia RS 457 also features a ride-by-wire system, which manages the engine with three riding modes that alter power, torque delivery and traction control. The latter is adjustable to three levels and can also be disabled. A quick shifter comes as an accessory.
For further information on either the RS 660 Extrema or the RS 457 learner bike, contact your local Aprilia dealer.
