This Affordable Entry-Level Moto’s Stunning Makeover Boosts More Than Just Its Looks

Aprilia simultaneously made its approachable sport bike more head-turning and rider-friendly, without breaking the bank.

Close-up of a black Aprilia Racing motorcycle fuel tank against a red background.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published April 14, 2026

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

When it comes to products you actually use, as opposed to frame or display on a mantle, the word “replica” can be a turnoff.

After all, it implies that an item looks like the real thing but isn’t, and does its best when little more is expected.

Black Aprilia sport motorcycle with red and purple racing decals on a track surface. — The GP Replica is the rare entry-level motorcycle in high-level European racing circuit clothing.

Perhaps they have a different definition in Italy, because while the new Aprilia RS 457 GP Replica isn’t necessarily going to win any races, it can absolutely deliver (relatively) cheap thrills.

The bike just so happens to top its base model predecessor on the aesthetic front, too.

457 magnum

The name is perhaps a disservice, because in reality, all it’s saying is that Aprilia’s well-received entry-level sport bike, the RS 457, got a MotoGP-inspired makeover.

Toward that end, it boasts a bevy of race-inspired graphics, plus a bit more attitude with a blacked-out frame, swingarm and triple clamp, as well as an all-business single-seat cowl.

Front wheel of a black Aprilia motorcycle with red rim stripes and disc brake visible. — Adjustable suspension and ByBre brakes backed by dual-channel ABS improve both the comfort and safety of the ride.

Beyond the looks are a couple of key performance upgrades that both aggressive riders and noobs will appreciate: a quick shifter and an adjustable brake lever.

Considering this bike does cost $600 more than the base model, those tangible rider-friendly improvements make a big difference.

Top view of a black Aprilia Racing motorcycle dashboard and fuel tank with digital display and handlebars. — The 5-inch full-color TFT display offers access to key data plus ride modes, traction control and more.

They augment traits that make the 457 pretty approachable to begin with, including a seat height of 31.5 inches and a curb weight of 386 pounds, which help keep it nimble and manageable at low speeds.

The bike also offers adjustable suspension, ByBre brakes backed by dual-channel ABS, a ride-by-wire throttle, three ride modes and adjustable traction control, all features that boost the full-service appeal for riders of any experience level, really.

Close-up of a black Aprilia motorcycle engine with red suspension spring and sponsor logos including Castrol and Piaggio Group. — The 457cc engine punches above it weight class, both figuratively and literally.

Like its base model brother, the GP Replica’s beating heart is a 457cc parallel-twin engine making 47 horsepower at 9,400 rpm and max torque of 32 ft-lbs at 6,700 rpm.

These numbers won’t blow anyone away, but considering the previously mentioned poundage, you are getting a power-to-weight ratio that will provide plenty of joy dipping in and out of traffic and ripping two-lane twisties.

Rear section of a black Aprilia motorcycle showing the rear tire, disc brake, red suspension spring, and tail light with decals. — While the single-seat cowl broadcasts this bike’s solo ride intentions, the GP Replica does have passenger pegs to accommodate the occasional pillion.

The bike is both more powerful and lighter than Triumph’s absolutely delightful Thruxton 400, for example.

The only question now is … does Aprilia get, like, bonus kickbacks from all these sticker sponsors? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Availability and pricing

The Aprilia RS 457 GP Replica is available now, starting at $7,499.

Black Aprilia sport motorcycle with red and purple racing stripes and sponsor logos on a white background.

Aprilia RS 457 GP Replica

Starts at $7,499

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.