Aprilia has introduced the Tuono 457, a streetfighter variant of the RS 457, at an introductory price of Rs 3.95 lakh. But how does it measure up against its key rivals—the Yamaha MT-03 and the KTM 390 Duke? Let’s break down the specifications to see how this latest contender fares in the segment.
Engine and Performance
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Power-to-Weight Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | 457cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled | 47.6hp @ 9,400rpm | 43.5Nm @ 6,700rpm | 6-Speed | 272hp/tonne |
| Yamaha MT-03 | 321cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled | 42hp @ 10,750rpm | 29.5Nm @ 9,000rpm | 6-Speed | 251.49hp/tonne |
| KTM 390 Duke | 399cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled | 46hp @ 8,500rpm | 39Nm @ 6,500rpm | 6-Speed | 273.80hp/tonne |
The Tuono 457 leads in both power and torque figures, while the KTM 390 Duke closely follows despite having a single-cylinder engine. The Yamaha MT-03, though featuring a parallel-twin setup like the Tuono, falls short in terms of output. Additionally, both the Aprilia and KTM offer a slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter, whereas the MT-03 lacks these features.
Weight and Dimensions
| Model | Kerb Weight | Seat Height | Wheelbase | Fuel Capacity | Ground Clearance |
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | 175kg | 800mm | NA | 12.7L | NA |
| Yamaha MT-03 | 167kg | 780mm | 1,380mm | 14L | 160mm |
| KTM 390 Duke | 168kg | 800mm/820mm (adjustable) | NA | 15L | 183mm |
The KTM 390 Duke offers the highest fuel capacity and an adjustable seat height, making it more versatile. Despite having a twin-cylinder engine, the Yamaha MT-03 is the lightest in the comparison. However, the Tuono 457 carries the most weight, which could impact agility.
Suspension and Braking
| Model | Front Suspension | Rear Suspension | Front Brake | Rear Brake | Tyres (F/R) |
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | USD Fork | Monoshock | 320mm Disc | 220mm Disc | 110/70 R17 – 150/60 R17 |
| Yamaha MT-03 | USD Fork | Monoshock | 300mm Disc | 220mm Disc | 110/70 R17 – 140/70 R17 |
| KTM 390 Duke | Fully Adjustable USD Fork | Fully Adjustable Monoshock | 320mm Disc | 240mm Disc | 110/70 R17 – 150/60 R17 |
While all three bikes come equipped with USD forks and monoshocks, the KTM 390 Duke stands out with fully adjustable suspension, giving riders the ability to fine-tune their setup. The Aprilia and KTM both feature a wider 150-section rear tyre for better grip, whereas the Yamaha opts for a narrower 140-section rear tyre, which suits its lower power output.
Pricing
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) |
| Aprilia Tuono 457 | Rs 3.95 lakh |
| Yamaha MT-03 | Rs 3.50 lakh |
| KTM 390 Duke | Rs 2.95 lakh |
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is the most expensive of the trio, sharing its premium cycle parts with the RS 457 while being Rs 25,000 cheaper than its faired counterpart. Despite its higher price, it offers the strongest engine in the segment. The Yamaha MT-03, though recently receiving a price cut, still lags behind in performance. Meanwhile, the KTM 390 Duke presents itself as a strong value proposition, offering impressive power, adjustable suspension, and the lowest price tag.
Final Verdict
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is a compelling option for those who seek a powerful, twin-cylinder streetfighter with premium hardware. However, the KTM 390 Duke delivers nearly comparable performance at a significantly lower price while offering advanced features like adjustable suspension. The Yamaha MT-03 remains the weakest on paper but benefits from Japanese reliability and a lightweight chassis.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether riders prefer the high-performance European charm of the Aprilia, the aggressive and feature-packed KTM, or the smooth and dependable Yamaha. Which one would you pick?
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