RS 457 - 6000 KM ownership Review | Don't buy before watching this video #rs457

Summary

In this detailed review, the owner shares their 6,000 km experience with the RS 457, highlighting its impressive engine performance, handling, and off-road capabilities. The 457cc engine delivers excellent torque, making city commuting and off-roading a breeze. The bike’s aggressive seating, solid build quality, and responsive braking system are discussed, along with some minor issues like ABS calibration and lighting. After testing the bike in various conditions, including long highway rides and off-road trails, the owner confidently recommends the RS 457 as a well-built, high-performance motorcycle for enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The RS 457 has been owned for 3 months and has clocked 5,781 km, including city riding, weekend rides, and a 1,700 km long ride.
• 😀 The RS 457 is the first of its kind in the world, and the owner was the first to receive the bike in India.
• 😀 The bike's engine produces 43.5 Nm of torque, making it well-suited for city riding and able to crawl in higher gears even in traffic.
• 😀 The seating position is aggressive, making it ideal for enthusiasts but uncomfortable for long tours; seat comfort is manageable for short trips.
• 😀 Despite its 457cc engine and potential heat generation, the bike has effective heat management, with hot air directed away from the rider.
• 😀 The suspension is track-tuned, providing a bumpy ride on city roads but excelling on highways for a smoother experience.
• 😀 Build quality is impressive, with no rattles or loose components even after 6,000 km and some serious off-roading.
• 😀 The stock tires, TVS Protor Extremes, handle highway speeds well and provide excellent traction, maintaining stability even at 194 km/h.
• 😀 The bike uses Brembo Double H grade brake pads, not organic ones, ensuring reliable braking performance, though ABS calibration may cause slight intervention during panic braking.
• 😀 The bike is capable of off-roading with a ground clearance of 160 mm, handling challenging terrain without issues, thanks to its low-end torque and performance.
• 😀 The quick shifter, installed as an accessory, works flawlessly for both upshifts and downshifts, enhancing riding confidence and adding a fun experience to the bike's performance.
• 😀 Despite some limitations with the headlights for long-distance night riding, the bike excels in overall performance and handling, especially on twisty roads and high speeds.

Q & A

How long has the rider been owning the RS 457, and how many kilometers has the bike done?

The rider has been owning the RS 457 for 3 months and has clocked 5,781 kilometers so far.

What makes the RS 457 unique in India and worldwide?

The RS 457 is the first bike of its kind in India and the world, as it was delivered to the rider on the 3rd of April after being launched in December.

How does the engine of the RS 457 perform in city riding conditions?

The 457cc engine offers excellent torque, allowing the bike to crawl in third gear and easily handle city traffic without needing to downshift.

Is the RS 457 comfortable for daily city riding?

While the RS 457's seating position is slightly aggressive, it's manageable for daily riding. The rider, who commutes 75-80 km daily, did not experience any major discomfort.

How does the RS 457 handle heat management during city riding?

The RS 457 has effective heat management, with the hot air being blown away from the rider, unlike the Duke 390, which had poor heat dissipation.

What is the suspension setup on the RS 457 like for city and highway use?

The RS 457's suspension is track-tuned, making it a bit bumpy on bad city roads but an absolute highlight when riding on highways, where it excels in performance.

How reliable is the build quality of the RS 457?

Despite being manufactured in India, the RS 457's build quality is excellent. The bike did not rattle or lose any parts even after riding on rough off-road conditions for 6,000 km.

What is the performance of the stock tires on the RS 457?

The stock TVS Protor Extreme tires perform excellently, offering great traction even at high speeds, as demonstrated when the rider reached 194 km/h without any issues.

Is the RS 457's braking system effective?

The braking system on the RS 457, which uses Brembo Double H grade brake pads, performs well. However, the rider did note that ABS intervention could increase braking distances, which can be mitigated by turning off rear ABS.

How does the RS 457 perform off-road, especially with regards to ground clearance?

The RS 457 handles off-road conditions exceptionally well, with 160 mm of ground clearance allowing the bike to tackle challenging terrains without any issues, unlike other bikes like the Ninja 300.

Is the lighting on the RS 457 adequate for night riding?

The RS 457's headlights are adequate for city riding, but they may not provide enough illumination for long-distance highway riding. The lack of options for auxiliary lights could be a challenge for night riders.

What improvements did the rider make to the RS 457 for long-distance touring?

For better off-road protection, the rider installed an aftermarket rear tire hugger to prevent mud and slush from dirtying the bike's rear. The rider also mentioned the importance of enthusiasm for sports bikes, given the hard seat.

Is the quick shifter a valuable addition to the RS 457?

Yes, the quick shifter, which was installed as an accessory, enhances the riding experience by allowing smooth, clutchless upshifts and downshifts, adding a lot of fun and confidence during rides.