Aprilia just added another track-inspired toy to its stable, and it’s a good one. Meet the RS 457 GP, the latest entry in the brand’s growing MotoGP-themed lineup. The RS125 and SR GT already got the same treatment, and now the RS 457 joins the family after being unveiled at EICMA. It’s basically the same bike we already know and love, but now it’s dressed up to look like it rolled straight out of a Grand Prix paddock.
Let’s not overthink it. The “GP” badge mostly means it looks meaner now. The fairings wear a new livery that mirrors the factory RS-GP race bike, complete with sponsor-style decals and bold red and silver accents. The base color is black, the lines are sharper, and the whole thing looks ready to fight someone on sight. It’s Aprilia’s way of celebrating ten years in MotoGP, and honestly, they nailed the vibe.
Under the flashy skin, it’s still the same RS 457 that made everyone grin like idiots when it first launched. I actually got to ride the regular RS 457 on track not too long ago, and it was one of the most enjoyable little sportbikes I’ve ever swung a leg over. It’s fast enough to keep things spicy, light enough to feel effortless, and balanced in a way that makes you trust it instantly. You don’t fight this bike, you flow with it. Every corner becomes a playground.
Power still comes from the same 457cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with 46.9 horsepower at 9,400 rpm and 32 pound-feet of torque at 6,700 rpm. The numbers might not sound wild, but this thing moves. The engine’s paired with a six-speed gearbox, and now, for the GP edition, a quickshifter comes standard. It’s a small addition that changes everything. Snapping through gears at full throttle feels proper, and it finally gives the RS 457 that track-ready feel it always deserved.
Braking gets a mild upgrade too, thanks to higher-friction pads that should deliver more bite and better consistency on the track. Up front, there’s a single 320 millimeter disc with a four-piston caliper, and at the rear, a 220 millimeter disc. Dual-channel ABS is standard, and you can even disable the rear if you want to play around with slides. Suspension duties are handled by a 41 millimeter upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock, both tuned for sporty road riding and occasional track fun.
The frame is classic Aprilia. It uses a die-cast aluminum frame that’s stiff and light, directly inspired by the RS660 and RSV4. The ergonomics are aggressive enough for the track but still tolerable for daily rides. The TFT display remains sharp and easy to read, and the full LED lighting setup looks premium. There are three ride modes that alter throttle response and traction control, so you can fine-tune how wild or chill the bike feels depending on the weather or your mood.
This GP version doesn’t touch the performance hardware much, but it doesn’t need to. The RS 457 was already a near-perfect blend of control and excitement. What the new edition adds is swagger. That MotoGP livery instantly elevates the bike from “solid entry-level sportbike” to “mini superbike.” It’s the kind of thing that makes people stare at traffic lights and ask if it’s actually a race bike.
Aprilia says this new version is part of their celebration of ten years in MotoGP, with the RS-GP currently being piloted by Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Bezzecchi has been having a killer season with multiple wins, while Martin has had a rougher year dealing with injuries. The timing couldn’t be better for Aprilia to cash in on some of that racing momentum.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the US yet, but expect it to sit just above the base RS 457, which should land in the mid-seven-grand range. For that price, you’re getting a bike that looks like a factory racer, sounds like a legitimate sportbike, and rides like a dream.
So yeah, the RS 457 GP might just be the most photogenic way to live your MotoGP fantasy without selling a kidney. And if it rides anything like the one I tested, it’ll make you feel like a hero even if you’re just running late for work.
Source: Aprilia
