With the Tuono 457, Aprilia broke the tradition of creating a faired sports bike for the streets. While this Tuono is still an RS essentially, it looks more like a contemporary streetfighter with complete naked styling. There is no half-fairing to boot that would make it appear like the RS 457 (and a typical Tuono for that matter).

Since its original launch in February 2025, I have mostly been quite indifferent about this motorcycle. I thought that I would be hugely excited and intrigued about it instantly because technically speaking, it has a lot going for it that would lead to a rush of adrenaline in a motorcycle enthusiast like me.

But that didn't really happen.

Something was off about it. Even with the substantial and fantastically-looking aluminium frame that makes the Tuono 457 absolutely unique against any of its competitors, it didn't excite me much visually. And surely the only sub-500cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank should make me blind towards everything else in the segment? Nope. Didn't happen either.

I'll be honest here though. My feelings had a lot to do with finding it hard to put trust in Aprilia.

With virtually zero visibility in the Indian two-wheeler market (their scooters are rarely seen on the road), Aprilia's supposedly big entry in our domestic motorcycle market with the RS 457 (and later with the Tuono 457) didn't really instil much confidence in me, with the usual and the most obvious doubt over their after-sales support. And hence, the RS 457 and the Tuono 457, regardless of their segment-defining specs, didn't really made me think about them much. I would always find an excuse to disregard them.

But then a company would never build an entire motorcycle in my country if it weren't really serious about being here! Selling a bike as a CBU or a CKD is massively different from building it here itself, thereby, keeping the price in check.

Indeed, it seems Aprilia is quite serious about the Indian motorcycle market. Funny I never thought like this with respect to their scooters! Heh. And this factor has slowly brought about a change in the way I think about the two Aprilias.

And now, the 2026 Tuono 457 Special Edition is here and though it is more or less the same as it has been, there are a few key updates to it that has finally made me pay attention to it more than ever. And it is happening naturally!

There's something about subtle visual changes that make a huge impact to how a thing is perceived. That tiny winshield above the headlight unit seems to integrat so perfectly with the front that it looks like it was always meant to be there. Now I can't see the motorcycle without it.

Beyond this, there are vital changes that are thoughtful and shall create a more enjoyable motorcycle to ride for long hours on the saddle. The rider seat, especially, has been redesigned with better cushioning and shape for improved comfort over long distances.

The suspension at both ends has been re-tuned for a more plush ride in the city and over uneven roads while remaining compliant enough for riding spiritedly. The handlebar, while still flat, has been elevated for a more upright riding position and less stress during long rides.

As for the engine, I don't think it needs any updates as such other than fixing any manufacturing related issues that might have been there. I don't know if there were any. But that's nothing new for an all-new engine in general. I do feel these updates indicate Aprilia's intention of creating a dependable street bike that people may want to keep with them.

But the thing about the 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition is that now it looks like a complete motorcycle to me. It is almost funny that the changes done to make this update are nothing revolutionary, but they are sensible, practicle, and useful. And to me, somehow, they create a motorcycle that is now something worth paying attention to.