For nearly a decade, the KTM RC 390 has reigned supreme as India’s go-to track-ready sportbike — the benchmark for performance and affordability. But now, there’s a serious contender in town: the Aprilia RS 457. With its twin-cylinder powerplant, race-spec chassis, and European pedigree, it aims to dethrone the long-standing Austrian champion.
We took both machines to the CoASTT High Performance Centre in Coimbatore, one of India’s most technically demanding tracks, to see which of these two machines truly rules the circuit. This isn’t about comfort, mileage, or practicality — this is about pure speed, handling, and lap-time dominance.
Design and Visual Presence
Aprilia RS 457 – Mini Superbike DNA
The Aprilia RS 457 looks every bit like its bigger siblings — the RS 660 and RSV4. From its sharp twin-pod LED headlamps to the aerodynamic fairing and sculpted tank, it feels like a machine built with racing blood in its veins. The riding position is aggressive but not punishing, and the overall stance screams “track weapon.”
Up close, it feels like a proper big-bike, with premium materials, clean panel gaps, and excellent paint quality. Even its digital TFT display looks high-end, offering multiple riding modes, traction control levels, and switchable ABS settings.
KTM RC 390 – Edgy and Familiar
The RC 390, meanwhile, retains KTM’s sharp, angular design philosophy. The current-generation version looks more mature than before, with better ergonomics and improved cooling. Its steel trellis frame gives it a muscular yet lightweight appeal.
Visually, the KTM looks slimmer and racier. However, it lacks the imposing “mini-superbike” aura that the Aprilia carries. What the RC gains, though, is practicality — its ergonomics are more forgiving, and it provides a bit more space for taller riders.
Verdict (Design):
The Aprilia RS 457 takes the win for sheer visual appeal and premium big-bike presence.
Engine and Performance
| Specification | Aprilia RS 457 | KTM RC 390 |
| Engine Type | 457cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled | 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 47.6 hp @ 9,400 rpm | 43.5 hp @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 43.5 Nm @ 6,700 rpm | 38 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed (bi-directional quickshifter standard) |
| Kerb Weight | 175 kg | 172 kg |
Twin vs Single: The Power Battle
The difference in engine character is night and day. The Aprilia RS 457’s parallel-twin setup gives it a wide, meaty torque band. It’s strong in the mid-range and forgiving if you’re not in the perfect gear — a huge advantage on flowing circuits like CoASTT. You can hold a higher gear through corners without losing drive, making it easier to maintain rhythm.
In contrast, the KTM RC 390 demands precision. Its single-cylinder motor loves to rev and rewards aggressive riding. Drop below 6,000 rpm, and it protests, but keep it in the sweet spot, and it feels alive. It’s a raw, mechanical experience — the kind of bike that demands focus and skill to extract its potential.
Real-World Track Feel
The Aprilia’s twin delivers smoother power, less vibration, and quicker lap consistency. The RC 390 may have slightly less outright torque, but it’s thrilling and visceral — the kind of bike that teaches you to ride better.
That said, lap after lap, the Aprilia RS 457 consistently feels faster and more forgiving. Its stronger mid-range and stability out of corners make it the clear winner on the stopwatch.
Verdict (Performance):
The Aprilia RS 457 wins for its refined twin-cylinder power delivery and relentless mid-range torque.
Chassis and Handling
| Component | Aprilia RS 457 | KTM RC 390 |
| Frame | Aluminium perimeter frame | Steel trellis frame |
| Swingarm | Steel | Aluminium cast |
| Suspension | 41mm USD forks, preload-adjustable rear | 43mm WP Apex USD forks, monoshock |
| Brakes | ByBre 320mm disc (front), 220mm (rear) | ByBre 320mm disc (front), 230mm (rear) |
| Tyres | TVS Eurogrip Protorq Extreme | Metzeler Sportec M5 |
Aprilia’s Superbike-Grade Stability
The RS 457 introduces a first for locally manufactured sportbikes — an aluminium perimeter frame, similar to those found in litre-class machines. The result is a chassis that feels incredibly rigid and balanced. You feel planted mid-corner, and the bike communicates every inch of grip and lean.
It’s the kind of bike that inspires confidence — even for intermediate riders. The suspension setup, while firm, manages a great balance between track precision and feedback.
KTM’s Agile Corner-Carver
The RC 390, on the other hand, feels lighter and more flickable. The trellis frame allows for quick changes in direction, and the WP Apex suspension provides superb damping. However, when pushed to the absolute limit, the single-cylinder bike lacks the composure of the Aprilia. The lighter front end can get nervous during hard braking, and you need to actively manage body position.
Verdict (Handling):
For racetrack confidence and stability — Aprilia RS 457 takes the crown.
For agility and corner-entry aggression — the KTM RC 390 still shines.
Ergonomics and Rider Experience
The KTM RC 390 has always been surprisingly accommodating. The new generation features a slightly raised clip-on position, a more comfortable seat, and more room to move around the tank. For taller riders, this makes a world of difference on long track days.
The Aprilia RS 457 feels tighter in comparison, though not cramped. Its wider tank provides excellent grip at full lean, and the riding triangle feels truly race-inspired. The clip-ons are low, and the footpegs are high — perfect for cornering clearance but less forgiving on wrists and knees.
Verdict (Ergonomics):
The RC 390 wins for comfort and rider space.
The RS 457 feels more purposeful for track use.
Electronics and Features
| Feature | Aprilia RS 457 | KTM RC 390 |
| ABS | Dual-channel, switchable | Dual-channel, cornering ABS |
| Traction Control | 3 levels (switchable) | 3 levels (lean-sensitive) |
| Riding Modes | 3 modes | 2 modes |
| Quickshifter | Optional | Standard |
| Display | 5-inch TFT | 5-inch TFT |
| Connectivity | Yes (App-enabled) | Yes |
Both bikes are among the most feature-rich in their class. However, the Aprilia’s electronics feel more polished, with less intrusive traction control and a smoother throttle response. KTM’s electronics are effective but can be slightly aggressive when intervention kicks in.
The Aprilia’s only downside? The quickshifter is an optional accessory, while the RC includes it as standard.
Verdict (Features):
Tie — Aprilia for refinement, KTM for standard equipment.
Braking Performance
Both use ByBre disc brakes, but the RS 457’s setup offers a sharper initial bite and better modulation. KTM’s system provides consistent stopping power but feels slightly softer at the lever.
Under repeated hard braking, the Aprilia’s pads tend to heat up faster, but its superior chassis composure compensates beautifully.
Verdict (Braking):
Slight edge to the Aprilia RS 457 for track performance.
Price and Value
| Model | Ex-Showroom Price (India) |
| Aprilia RS 457 | ₹4.10 lakh |
| KTM RC 390 | ₹3.38 lakh |
The KTM RC 390 remains significantly more affordable, undercutting the Aprilia by nearly ₹70,000. But the RS 457 offers twin-cylinder power, premium build quality, and advanced electronics that justify its higher price tag.
