Aprilia Tuono 457 vs. KTM 390 Duke: A Clash of Sub-500cc Sportsbikes
The sub-500cc sports bike market is experiencing exciting developments with the introduction of two standout models: the Aprilia Tuono 457 and the KTM 390 Duke. These bikes are at the forefront of this segment, and it’s interesting to see how they measure up against each other.
When it comes to design, personal preference plays a big role. Not everyone may find these bikes classically attractive. The Aprilia Tuono features a small, aggressive headlight that some people feel has too many design elements. They suggest that the headlight was better in its original form from the RS457 model. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Duke has an assertive headlight with distinctive collar-like extensions that provide it with a bold presence. In contrast to the Duke, the Tuono presents a more streamlined and subtle appearance.
Under the hood, the Tuono 457 is equipped with a 457cc parallel twin engine that generates 47.6 horsepower and 43.5 Nm of torque. It utilizes a 6-speed transmission and weighs in at 159 kg. The bike features a fuel tank capacity of 12.7 liters and comes with 17-inch tires, 110/70 in the front and 150/70 in the rear. In comparison, the KTM 390 Duke runs on a 399cc single-cylinder LC4C engine producing 46 horsepower and 39 Nm of torque, also with a 6-speed transmission. The Duke is slightly heavier at 168 kg and has a larger fuel tank, holding 13 liters. It also sports similar 17-inch tire sizes with 110/70 in the front and 150/60 in the rear.
Looking at the suspension and braking systems, the Tuono 457 features a 41 mm preload-adjustable suspension with upside-down forks at the front and a rear mono-shock with preload adjustability. For stopping power, it has 320 mm discs at the front and 220 mm discs at the rear, all built on an aluminum frame. Its seat height is 800 mm. The 390 Duke also has a fully adjustable suspension system with upside-down forks in the front and a rear mono-shock, sharing similar braking capabilities with 320 mm front and 220 mm rear discs. This model utilizes a split-steel trellis frame and has a seat height that matches the Tuono at 800 mm.
When it comes to pricing, the Aprilia Tuono 457 is available at approximately Rs. 3.95 lakhs (ex-showroom), which is almost Rs. 1 lakh more than the KTM 390 Duke, priced at around Rs. 2.94 lakhs (ex-showroom). Interestingly, the Tuono comes with a preload-adjustable front suspension but lacks a standard quickshifter, which some may find disappointing at that price point.
Overall, both bikes offer great performance relative to their cost. The Tuono 457 is priced higher, mainly due to its twin-cylinder engine despite missing some features like a quickshifter. In contrast, the 390 Duke provides a wide array of features as standard and offers a thrilling riding experience. However, the single-cylinder engine in the Duke might feel a bit less polished compared to the more powerful engine in the Tuono 457.
In summary, both the Aprilia Tuono 457 and the KTM 390 Duke present compelling choices for riders seeking powerful and spirited sub-500cc sports bikes. Deciding between them will likely come down to individual preferences in style, performance, and pricing.
