BMW F 450 R vs Aprilia Tuono 457: Detailed Comparison

BMW has entered the sub-500cc naked bike space with the new F 450 R, and its biggest rival in India will be the Aprilia Tuono 457. Both are naked motorcycles and use parallel-twin engines, but their approaches are quite different. The BMW brings premium hardware, a wider electronic package and multiple variants, while the Aprilia focuses on a lightweight aluminium chassis, strong performance and a relatively accessible price tag. Let’s see how the upcoming BMW F 450 R stacks up against the Aprilia Tuono 457:

Price

BMW has unveiled the F 450 R internationally, but its Indian launch and pricing are yet to be confirmed. It is expected to arrive in India sometime in 2027, with an estimated starting price of around Rs 4.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Aprilia Tuono 457, meanwhile, is already on sale in India at Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in a single variant, with the recently introduced Special Edition also priced at Rs 3.99 lakh.

This gives the Aprilia a sizable price advantage over the upcoming BMW, although the final difference will depend on how BMW positions the F 450 R in India.

The BMW F 450 R is offered globally in four versions: Base, Exclusive, M Sport and M Sport with Innovation Package. The Tuono 457, on the other hand, keeps things considerably simpler with a single fully equipped variant.

Dimensions & Design

The BMW F 450 R has a noticeably longer wheelbase than the Tuono 457, which should make it better composed at higher speeds. The Aprilia's more compact dimensions, meanwhile, should make it feel more eager to change direction and easier to place through tighter corners. BMW also offers a standard seat height that is 10 mm lower than the Aprilia's, which should make it slightly more approachable for shorter riders.

The two motorcycles also take distinctly different approaches to styling. The F 450 R borrows visual inspiration from BMW's larger S 1000 R, featuring prominent tank extensions, exposed mechanical components and a compact rear section.

The Aprilia Tuono 457, meanwhile, has a more compact Italian streetfighter appearance. Its minimalist front end, sculpted tank, exposed frame and short tail give it a distinctly sporty character. 

Despite both being 175 kg (kerb) motorcycles, the BMW's longer dimensions and lower seat give it a somewhat more substantial roadster character, while the Tuono's compact proportions make it look and feel more focused on outright agility.

Ride & Handling

*Adjustable suspension available with Sport Suspension variants.

The BMW and Aprilia differ substantially in their chassis construction. The F 450 R uses a tubular steel space frame with the engine serving as a load-bearing component, while the Tuono 457 gets a twin-spar aluminium frame.

BMW also has the more sophisticated suspension setup on higher variants. Its 43mm KYB fork can offer compression and rebound adjustment, while the monoshock gets preload and rebound adjustment. The Aprilia uses a 41 mm USD fork and monoshock, with preload adjustment at both ends.

Both motorcycles use identical tyre sizes, but their braking hardware takes a slightly different route. The Tuono gets a larger 320 mm front disc with a radial ByBre four-piston calliper, whereas the BMW uses a 310 mm disc paired with a four-piston Brembo monobloc calliper. The BMW also gets the larger rear disc.

On paper, the F 450 R appears better equipped for riders who want to fine-tune the chassis, while the Tuono 457's lighter steering geometry and aluminium frame should make it an entertaining machine on twisty roads.

Features & Technology

*Not standard on the Base variant.

Both bikes come equipped with ride-by-wire, traction control, multiple riding modes, full-LED lighting and TFT displays. However, BMW takes the tech battle a step further with a larger 6.5-inch screen and its more extensive suite of rideraids.

The F 450 R gets BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Engine Drag Torque Control. Higher variants can also be equipped with Riding Modes Pro, which adds the configurable Dynamic Pro riding mode and additional sport-oriented displays.

The Tuono 457 has a simpler electronic package but still gets plenty of equipment for its segment. Its three riding modes work alongside three levels of traction control, while its dual-channel ABS features an anti-roll-over system with two maps.

Aprilia also offers a bi-directional quickshifter as an accessory, rather than fitting it as standard. BMW's Shift Assistant Pro is similarly dependent on the chosen F 450 R variant.

One major difference is BMW's optional Easy Ride Clutch, which can automatically operate the clutch during low-speed riding and starts. This gives the BMW an edge for riders who want maximum convenience.

Overall, the BMW has the more comprehensive electronic package, while the Aprilia covers the essentials without making the Tuono complicated.

Engine & Performance

The engine comparison is particularly interesting because both motorcycles produce almost identical peak outputs despite having different displacements. 

The BMW reaches peak power earlier, at 8,750rpm, compared with 9,400rpm for the Tuono. BMW also says around 80 per cent of the F 450 R's peak torque is available from just 3,000rpm, suggesting that the engine should have a strong and usable mid-range.

The Aprilia, meanwhile, has a slightly higher peak torque figure and revs further before producing maximum power. Its 457cc twin has already established itself as a lively and characterful engine. Both bikes use six-speed transmissions and wet multi-plate slipper clutches. 

With both motorcycles weighing 175 kg, outright performance could be extremely closely matched. The BMW's stronger low- and mid-range delivery could make it feel more effortless in everyday riding, while the Aprilia's willingness to rev should appeal to riders who enjoy extracting performance from the engine.

BikeDekho Says

The BMW F 450 R and Aprilia Tuono 457 are remarkably close on paper, particularly when it comes to power, torque and weight. However, the two motorcycles approach the middleweight naked segment from different directions.

Ultimately, the choice depends on what you want from a sub-500cc streetfighter. The F 450 R looks like the more premium and technologically advanced motorcycle and has multiple variants. The Tuono 457, meanwhile, offers a sharper value proposition and a more compact, sporty package without giving away much in terms of outright performance.

If BMW can keep the F 450 R's Indian pricing reasonably close to its expected Rs 4.6 lakh mark, it could make for a compelling alternative to the Tuono 457. However, the Aprilia's roughly Rs 60,000 lower asking price gives it a significant advantage before the BMW even reaches Indian showrooms.

Another bike which the BMW goes up against is the KTM 390 Duke R.