The pricing for the new Aprilia RS 457 has been announced for the US market but the bike being built in Baramati, here’s what we think it would cost once it’s launched
US Pricing Insight
The official pricing for the Aprilia RS 457 in the US market has been disclosed. For the Prismatic Dark and Opalescent Light color schemes, the starting point is set at $6799 (Rs 5.66 lakh), while the Racing Stripes version commands a slightly higher price of $6899 (Rs 5.75 lakh). At first glance, these figures might seem steep, especially for a sub-500cc parallel-twin motorcycle.
The Indian Connection
What sets the RS 457 apart is its place of origin. This motorcycle is proudly built in India, specifically at Aprilia’s Baramati plant near Pune. The significance lies in the fact that the domestic market can expect a considerably lower price tag compared to the US.
KTM RC 390 Comparison
The KTM RC 390, crafted by Bajaj in Chakan near Pune, is a direct competitor to the RS 457. Despite its ex-showroom price of Rs 3.18 lakh in India, the same machine commands $6474 (Rs 5.39 lakh) in the US. This stark contrast reveals a pricing strategy that caters to the global market while keeping the domestic market highly competitive. The Aprilia, slightly pricier than the KTM, boasts additional features such as more displacement, an extra cylinder, and the undeniable exotic badge.
The Price Point Projection
Considering the success story of the RC 390, it’s safe to assume that the RS 457 will follow a similar trajectory in terms of pricing in the Indian market. While a premium over the RC 390 is expected, signs point towards a reasonable margin. Enthusiasts can likely expect the RS 457 to hit the roads with a price tag hovering around the Rs 3.5 lakh mark (ex-showroom).