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In a bid to meet a wider demographics, Aprilia has unveiled its latest creation, the 2024 Aprilia RS 457.

  • The RS 457 marks a significant step forward in both technology and market appeal, reflecting Aprilia’s dedication to meeting the demands of an ever-expanding global audience.
  • Powering the RS 457 is an all-new parallel-twin 457cc engine that boast 47hp. 

At the core of the RS 457 lies a seamlessly integrated engine and a rigid aluminum frame, distinguishing it from its competitors. Taking inspiration from Aprilia’s extensive racing history, the crankcase now serves as a load-bearing component, a design element previously featured in the RS 660. This innovative approach results in a lightweight build, exceptional handling, and the exhilarating riding experience that Aprilia is renowned for.

The RS 457’s electronic features are truly remarkable, catering to a wide range of riders while staying true to Aprilia’s heritage. The Ride by Wire system, developed by Aprilia’s engineers, offers three distinct riding modes that finely tune power, torque delivery, and traction control, all adjustable across three levels.

Designed to attract a new generation of riders, the RS 457 boasts lightweight construction, user-friendly handling, and cutting-edge technological advancements. Its ergonomic design includes clip-on handlebars positioned above the upper triple clamp, achieving a harmonious blend of sportiness and rider comfort.

In terms of aesthetics, the RS 457 pays homage to the legendary RS series, known for its aggressive aerodynamics and iconic design elements. Features like the LED front headlamp and the 5-inch TFT color instrument display continue the RS family’s distinctive visual identity.

Under the hood (so to speak), the Aprilia RS 457 is powered by a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, delivering a respectable 47 horsepower. Remarkably, the motorcycle boasts a dry weight of just 350 lbs, showcasing Aprilia’s dedication to lightweight performance.

Complementing the engine is a robust aluminum frame, a hallmark of Aprilia’s design expertise honed through years of racing success. The frame, with the crankcase as a load-bearing element, ensures the low weight, dynamic performance, and sheer riding pleasure that Aprilia enthusiasts have come to expect.

The RS 457’s suspension system includes a 41 mm front fork providing 120 mm of travel and a rear monoshock with a steel swingarm offering 130 mm of wheel travel, both featuring preload adjustability. The braking system is equally impressive, featuring a 320 mm front disc with a ByBre radial-mount 4-piston caliper and a 220 mm steel rear disc paired with a ByBre caliper. Dual-channel ABS with dual map settings ensures optimal braking performance.

As an exciting optional feature, the Aprilia RS 457 offers a quickshifter (up and down), further enhancing its performance capabilities and adding to its already comprehensive electronic package.

With the introduction of the RS 457, Aprilia is poised to set new standards in technology and style for motorcyclists worldwide. This release solidifies their commitment to delivering high-performance machines backed by innovation and expertise.

KTM globally introduced the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure earlier this year which saw everyone’s favourite entry-level adventure bike getting the spoked wheels as standard.

  • 2023 KTM 390 Adventure now equipped with wire-spoked wheels as standard. 
  • the entry-level ADV continue to make 44hp and 37Nm. 
*2023 KTM 390 Adventure

 

Fast forward a few months later, India became the first country in Asia to received the updated motorcycle. 

The upgrade enhanced the bike’s aesthetic and beefed up the bike’s durability off-road. Also, the spoke sits within black-anodized aluminium rims with 19-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear.

Aside from the new rims, the 2023 390 Adventure continues to make 44hp and 37Nm of peak torque from its Bajaj-built 373cc single-cylinder DOHC engine. Additionally, the bike features two catalytic converters.

Other notable features remain available, including ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, cornering ABS and an ‘Off-Road’ riding mode. The mode allows for more rear wheel slip and reduces ABS intervention.

*2023 KTM 390 Adventure

KTM also retained the steel trellis frame for the 2023 model year, including the WP Apex suspension that offers adjustable rebound, compression and preload.

Braking is done via Brembo’s ByBre radial callipers with 320mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear. Also complementing the 2023 edition is a new colour scheme inspired by the KTM racing background.

Chinese motorcycle giant QJMotor has launched its latest entry-level motorcycle, the SRK400, in Europe.

  • QJMotor ready to compete the entry-level naked bike segment with the all-new SRK400.
  • The SRK400 features 400cc parallel-twin engine and is equipped with modern equipment including ABS. 

The naked-style motorcycle is set to please new and young European riders thanks to its sporty and aggressive design and nifty equipment.

Mechanically, the SRK400 is equipped with a 400cc parallel twin-cylinder with a liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine that makes 41.5hp @ 9,000rpm and 37Nm @ 7,000rpm. 

The power figure puts the SRK400, on average, in the entry-level segment, making it a good option for new riders seeking that extra kick. 

In addition, the SRK400 also features dual-channel ABS for added safety. 

However, similar to other QJMotor ranges of bikes, the SRK400 tips the scale at 176kg, making it the heaviest among its rival. 

That said, the bike might not offer the best handling and acceleration due to its longer and taller dimension.

Nonetheless, the standout part of the SRK400 is the price tag, coming in at just EUR5,790 (RM27.1k).

In the last five years, we have seen a significant shift from a premium motorcycle company to not only offering top-of-the-range bikes but also a more affordable model for the masses.

  • Ducati to continue positioning itself as the number one premium motorcycle brand. 
  • No plans to introduced an “affordable” Ducati. 
*BMW G 310 GS

BMW – in partnership with TVS Motor Company – introduced the G 310 R and G 310 GS to make motorcycle ownership more affordable.

Triumph is set to follow suit with an upcoming scrambler-type motorcycle built in partnership with India’s Bajaj Auto, while MV Agusta is currently developing an adventure bike called the Lucky Explorer 5.5 that borrows the same parallel-twin engine from Benelli’s TRK502. 

*Lucky Explorer 5.5

All of these are part of an initiative to expand each brand’s presence towards a bigger market. 

However, Ducati has no interest in following in the same footstep, according to the firm’s Head of Design, Andrea Ferraresi, during a recent interview with MCN.

 

“Actually, no, because we want to move the brand up more. We are already a premium brand, and we are already on the top of the premium segment.

“We want to stay there and raise a bit. 

“To do this, one of the most important things is to keep the entry price into the range at a certain level. We want to keep this price not lower than the Monster.”

“What to do with the young riders? We have the Scramblers, which have a more affordable price. 

“But there is no entry Ferrari or entry Porsche, so you start with other brands and keep in mind Ducati and then as soon as you can, you buy a Ducati,” he said.

That said, don’t expect an entry-level Ducati anytime soon. 

(source: MCN)

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  • Open to 250cc & 300cc production machines
  • Affordable entry fees (from RM250* per round)
  • Amateurs and newbies welcomed
  • AAM-sanctioned series

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2015-KTM-1050-Adventure-EICMA-02

Reports coming out of India allege that rumoured KTM 390 Adventure plus smaller 200 Adventure models will debut soon.

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