The 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition has been unveiled, with the Italian manufacturer insisting that there’s more to it than just a new set of graphics. The updates aim to make the bike friendlier on the road while retaining its sporty character, and it comes with a price tag of around Rs 4 lakh, only slightly dearer than the previous model.
Visual Updates
The biggest visual change is the new front-end treatment, which draws inspiration from the 2006 Tuono 1000R. The bike also features fresh graphics and decals, and the flyscreen and adjustable front brake lever now come as standard.
The changes may not be drastic, but they do give the bike a slightly different look. The new front-end treatment is certainly eye-catching, and the added features are a welcome touch.
Suspension and Ergonomics
The more significant changes, however, are the ones that can’t be seen. The suspension has been revised, with new damping, rebound, and rear spring rates making it more road-friendly. The handlebar is now 10mm higher, and the rider’s seat has approximately 10mm more padding, making the riding position less aggressive.
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The seat height remains at 810mm, and the slightly more upright ergonomics take some weight off the wrists. The bike still feels like an Aprilia, but it’s now more comfortable for longer rides.
The suspension revisions are noticeable on imperfect roads, with the bike managing sharp bumps with less hostility. The chassis still feels sporty, but it’s now more forgiving.
Performance
The Tuono 457 remains a confident handler, and the revised riding position doesn’t dilute the connection between the rider and the chassis. The bike still enjoys being pointed towards corners, and the substantial-looking tank gives it a bigger-bike feel.
The Eurogrip Protorq Extreme HF tyres provide plenty of grip, and the electronics package remains largely unchanged. The five-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, and three riding modes are all still present; the bi-directional quickshifter remains an optional extra.
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Verdict
Aprilia hasn’t reinvented the Tuono for 2026, but it has addressed some of its sharper edges while leaving the engine and chassis combination largely untouched. The updates are welcome, and the bike feels a little more comfortable and rounded.
However, the Special Edition badge might be a bit misleading. At around Rs 4 lakh, it’s only marginally more expensive than the previous model, and the updates, while welcome, aren’t drastic. The machine still delivers as promised, but the special edition tag might be a bit of a stretch.
The Tuono 457 has always felt special enough, and this 2026 version is no exception. It’s a compelling motorcycle that’s now a little easier to live with, and that’s what makes it so appealing.
