Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390
Two supersport bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.
0 to 100 km/h
Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.
Points by category
Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated
Engine and performance
out of 25Handling and chassis
out of 20Value
out of 20Practicality
out of 15Technology
out of 10Reliability and ownership
out of 10Specs side by side
| Spec | ApriliaRS 457 | KTMRC 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC | Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC |
| Displacement | 457 cc | 373.2 cc |
| Power | 47.6 hp at 9,400 rpm | 44 hp at 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm | 37 Nm at 7,000 rpm |
| Power to weight | 0.27 hp/kg | 0.26 hp/kg |
| Chassis | ||
| Wet weight | 175 kg | 172 kg |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted fork, 120 mm | WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 120 mm |
| Front adjustability | Preload only | Compression and rebound |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, 130 mm | WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm |
| Rear adjustability | Preload only | Preload and rebound |
| Front brake | 320 mm, radial 4-piston | 320 mm, radial 4-piston |
| ABS | Switchable ABS | Cornering ABS |
| Dimensions | ||
| Seat height | 800 mm | 835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1360 mm | 1355 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 13 L | 13.7 L |
| Claimed consumption | 3.8 L/100 km | 3.4 L/100 km |
| Fuel range | 342 km | 403 km |
| Ownership | ||
| Price | €7,050 | €6,899 |
| Service interval | 10,000 km | 10,000 km |
| Valve check | 20,000 km | 20,000 km |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Equipment | ||
| Dash | TFT | TFT |
| Ride modes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional | Optional |
| Cruise control | Not available | Not available |
| Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Verdict
The KTM RC 390 wins this comparison narrowly, 56.7 points to 55.2.
The gap of 1.5 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the RC 390 takes 12.5 points out of the RS 457. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.
On the road the RS 457 is the quicker machine: 47.6 hp and 43.5 Nm moving 175 kg, against 44 hp and 37 Nm moving 172 kg for the RC 390. That is 0.27 hp per kilo playing 0.26.
The RC 390 costs €6,899, which leaves €151 in your pocket against the RS 457 at €7,050. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the RC 390 and 10,000 km on the RS 457.
Better for city and commuting
KTM RC 390
A 835 mm seat, 403 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.
Better for weekend twisties
Aprilia RS 457
47.6 hp pushing 175 kg with 41 mm inverted fork up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.
Better for longer trips
KTM RC 390
403 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.
Frequently asked
- Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 457 or the KTM RC 390?
- The Aprilia RS 457. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (47.6 hp, 175 kg wet) against 0.26 hp per kilo for the KTM RC 390 (44 hp, 172 kg).
- Is the Aprilia RS 457 cheaper than the KTM RC 390?
- The KTM RC 390 is cheaper at €6,899 list, €151 less than the Aprilia RS 457 at €7,050.
- Which is better for shorter riders?
- The Aprilia RS 457. Its 800 mm seat is 35 mm lower than the KTM RC 390, and at 175 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
- Which has better technology, the RS 457 or the RC 390?
- The KTM RC 390, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Aprilia RS 457 counters with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
- Which goes further on a tank?
- The KTM RC 390: 403 km from its 13.7 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 342 km for the Aprilia RS 457.
- Which bike wins overall?
- The KTM RC 390, scoring 56.7 of 100 against 55.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.