The Aprilia Tuono 457 & KTM 390 Duke Are The Best Sub-500cc Sportsbikes
The sub-500cc sports bike market is reaching new heights. The two flagbearers of ultimate enthusiast machines within that sector are the recently launched Aprilia Tuono 457 and KTM 390 Duke. Let’s take a look at how whether the Tuono stands a chance against the established 390 Duke.
Styling
Styling is personal, but when it comes to both of the contenders, not many people would consider them classically beautiful. The Tuono’s aggressive but small headlight seems to carry too many elements, and many have suggested Aprilia shouldn’t have changed the light housing coming from the RS457.
The 390 Duke front headlight is aggressive and has two large collar-like extensions that give it a menacing presence. However, when compared to the KTM, the Tuono has a cleaner and subtle design.
Engine Comparison
The Tuono 457 is powered by a 457cc Parallel Twin engine that produces 47.6 HP and 43.5 Nm of torque and sends power via a 6-speed Transmission. It weighs 159 kg and has a 12.7 litre fuel tank. Additionally, it comes wrapped in 110/17, 17-inch tyres in the front and 150/70, 17-inch tyres at the back.
The 390 Duke is powered by the LC4C 399cc single-cylinder engine that produces 46 HP and 39 Nm of torque and sends power via a 6-speed Transmission. The Duke weighs 168 kg and has a bigger 13 litre fuel tank. It comes wrapped in 110/70, 17-inch tyres in the front and 150/60, 17-inch tyres in the rear.
Suspension & Braking Comparison
The Tuono 457 has a 41 mm preload adjustable suspension with an upside-down fork at the front and a Mono Shock Suspension with Preload adjustability at the rear. The braking duties are handled by 320 mm discs at the front and 220 mm discs at the rear. The Tuono has an Aluminium Frame. Additionally, it has a seat height of 800 mm.
The KTM 390 Duke has a fully adjustable suspension featuring Upside Down Forks at the front and a Mono Shock Setup at the rear with Preload adjustability. The braking duties are handled by 320 mm discs at the front and 220 mm discs at the rear. The 390 Duke has a Split-Steel Trellis Frame and has the same seat height as the Tuono 457.
Pricing Comparison
It is important to note that the Tuono only offers a preload-adjustable front suspension without a standard quickshifter for almost Rs. 1 lakh more (ex-showroom) when compared to the 390 Duke. The Tuono 457 is priced at Rs. 3.95 lakhs (ex-showroom) and the 390 Duke is priced at Rs. 2.94 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Outlook
The comparison clearly shows that both bikes offer an incredible amount of performance for the price. However, the Tuono 457 is sold at a premium due to the twin-cylinder engine but without some options such as a quickshifter. The 390 Duke, on the other hand, offers a lot of features as a standard and incredibly enthusiastic experience. It is important to remember that the single-cylinder engine might seem to be a little unrefined when compared to the Tuono 457.
