Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs others

Other motorcycles included in this comparison include the Yamaha R3, TVS Apache RR 310 and BMW G 310 RR.

BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Aprilia RS 457

What you'll like:

• Mini-superbike looks with spot-on proportions and exciting colour schemes that grab attention
• Powerful 457cc twin-cylinder motor that produces a segment-best 47 BHP & 43.5 Nm is effortlessly fast and has a wide torque band with good rideability
• Easy-going nature with sport touring ergonomics, light clutch and positive gearshifts
• Excellent handling with a communicative and forgiving chassis, well-tuned and adjustable suspension setup and grippy tyres
• Touring potential with a 13L fuel tank, optional high windscreen, optional USB charging and provisions for strapping luggage
• Exudes quality - excellent paint finish, best-in-class 5" colour TFT instrumentation, aluminium dual-beam chassis and triple clamp upper plate, etc.
• Made in India. Pricing has been well-received and undercuts equivalent twin-cylinder rivals significantly

What you won't:

• Looks can be polarizing for a mature customer. No hint of subtlety with either the design or colour schemes
• Lacks the top-end rush of some rivals. Torque band is very wide and useable, but drops closer to redline
• Brakes could have better initial bite. Rear brake especially feels spongy, at least for track usage
• Lack of IMU/Cornering ABS. Few good-to-have features like USB charging, bi-directional quickshifter, TPMS, adjustable clutch and brake levers, etc. are offered only as accessories
• Aprilia's tiny dealer and service network is a concern

Review Link

KTM RC390

Launch Discussion

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Launch Discussion

Yamaha R3

Review Link

TVS Apache RR310

Ownership Review Link

BMW G 310 RR

Launch Discussion

Here's what BHPian VW2010 had to say about the matter:

The best bike would be the Ninja 400 at RC390 price. Now we know that is not happening so as a proper chapri bike owner I am choosing RC390. The smiles it gives every time you ride it are so infectious that I am never selling my RC390. The parts are cheap and getting the bike up and running even after a fall is not heavy on the pocket and it's a rocket. I have the shortest sprocket and it jumps at every opportunity. Love my RC390.

Here's what BHPian AtheK had to say about the matter:

Nice comparison thread, but completely moot without getting a chance to ride the RS457. On paper, RS457 is a clear winner and maybe in reality also, but would be good to test ride and see what works the best for you.

The single-cylinder bikes would be vibey compared to likes of R3, Ninja 400 and RS457 so probably a good comparison will be to keep it between the twins and maximum throw the RC390 in the mix.

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say about the matter:

Voted for Others

RE 650 twins

Yes, this is a 650cc bike but the price is quite similar to the other bikes mentioned.

This 650cc engine is a gem, have a sweet whistle-like exhaust note and it is so smooth to ride.

I own an RR310 but if I am in the market today, I would buy an RE 650 twin even though I am happy with my RR 310, as my age is going up, my taste in bikes is changing.

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