New lightweight Tuono from Aprila
The 2024 Milan show was a big one for Aprilia: the Noale-based company showed off a full range of updates to its bikes for 2025, alongside a brand new Aprilia Tuono 457 light roadster.
The new mini-Tuono (Italian for Thunder) joins a long list of wild supernakeds from Aprilia, going back to the early 2000s when the first 999cc V-twin model was released.
This new Tuono is a bit less wild of course: it’s an entry-level A2-friendly machine, making 47.6bhp@9,400rpm from the parallel twin DOHC 8v liquid-cooled engine, in a premium chassis, with aluminium frame (the only one in the sector according to Aprilia) and a super light dry mass of 159kg.
The engine is the same basic unit as that on the RS457 launched last year, and is a high-end unit.
Aprilia’s worked hard on the design to ensure reliability and efficiency: the cylinders are offset by around 6.5 mm from the crankshaft, reducing friction during the piston thrust; the countershaft and the water pump work on roller bearings instead of bushings, and the gudgeon pins have had a DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) surface treatment.
Finally, the gearbox uses roller cages instead of bushings – the same as on Aprilia’s V4 engines – and in addition, it boasts a new patented lubrication solution, with a system integrated into the axles of the shift forks.
The camshafts, driven by chain, are hollow and use calibrated cups – which help to reduce inertia – in order to operate the valves. The oil-bath multi-disc clutch is power-assisted, and has an anti-hopping system.
Compared to the RS 457, the final drive train of the Tuono 457 is shorter by an extra tooth, giving sharper low-down drive at the expense of top speed.
Aprilia is very proud of its chassis, rightly so, since the frame is a proper fabricated aluminium job rather than a cheaper steel unit. The design was optimised using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), along with road development sessions, and the layout is aimed at maximum lightness.
The main frame is forged from two lateral aluminium beams, bolted onto the steering head and at the rear; the engine functions as a load-bearing element, which is claimed to give a compact, light and rigid structure.
The frame is matched with sporty suspension: an USD fork with 41 mm stems and 120 mm travel has preload adjustment, and the rear shock absorber (with 130 mm travel), which supports the asymmetrical steel swingarm, is adjustable too. The braking system features a radial ByBre caliper with a 320mm disc at the front and 220mm rear disc.
That’s matched to a Bosch two-channel ABS system with dual-mapping, switchable to run on both wheels or only on the front. Meanwhile, 17-inch cast wheels wear sporty 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyre sizes.
Some smaller bikes don’t bother so much with full electronics, but Aprilia’s gone above and beyond here. The firm says its setup is the most comprehensive in this category, aimed at enhancing riding fun and giving maximum safety.
A Ride by Wire engine management system – which Aprilia introduced first, both in MotoGP with the RS Cube, and on a road bike with the 2008 Shiver – boasts three Riding Modes (ECO, SPORT and RAIN) that adjust power and torque as well as the traction control, which can be set to three levels or disengaged.
The Aprilia Riding Modes are also designed to make life in the saddle easier: the rider simply selects the mode best suited to their riding style or situation. The ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) system can always be adjusted, regardless of the Riding Mode selected, including whilst riding.
And the ABS can be disengaged from the rear wheel when the bike is stationary, by pressing and holding the Riding Mode button, in order to maximise the sporty ride when on the track. There’s also an optional Aprilia up/down Quick Shifter.
The Tuono 457 equipment also includes a posh TFT 5” colour instrument panel as standard, as well as intuitive back-lit switchgear.
No final info on price or availability as yet – more when we get it! www.aprilia.com