KTM RC 390 vs Aprilia RS 457
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
KTM RC 390 and Aprilia RS 457 are both sports bikes and turn up together on most shortlists. The RS 457 costs ₹1,00,493 more than the RC 390, so the question is whether what it adds is worth roughly 30% extra.
The RC 390 takes 3 of the 5 categories we score, so this is close and comes down to what you weight. Our overall ratings are 7.5/10 for the RC 390 and 6.5/10 for the RS 457.
Category by category
Price
RC 390
The RC 390 starts ₹1,00,493 lower (₹3,32,938 against ₹4,33,431), about ₹3,190 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
RC 390
RC 390 claims 29 kmpl against 24 kmpl. That is roughly ₹6,069 a year in fuel at 30 km a day.
Performance
RS 457
RS 457 has the better power-to-weight ratio: 268 against 249 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
RC 390
RC 390 adds dual-channel abs that the RS 457 does not have on any variant.
Warranty
RS 457
RS 457 comes with 3 years of standard warranty against 2 on the RC 390.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the RC 390 if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- dual-channel ABS is non-negotiable for you
- you live where KTM's bigger service network matters
Buy the RS 457 if
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- a longer standard warranty gives you peace of mind
- your priority is spirited riding
- your priority is weekend rides
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | RC 390 | RS 457 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹3,32,938 | ₹4,33,431 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹3,82,996 | ₹4,92,836 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,58,450 | ₹1,88,795 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹18,384 | ₹23,656 |
| Five-year total | ₹5,89,830 | ₹7,35,287 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | KTMRC 390 | ApriliaRS 457 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹3,32,938 | ₹4,33,431 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹10,560 | ₹13,750 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 373.3 cc | 457 cc |
| Engine type | 1 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves | 2 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves |
| Power | 42.9 bhp | 46.9 bhp |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 43.5 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 29 kmpl | 24 kmpl |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Transmission | 6 Speed | 6 Speed |
| Electric | ||
| Top speed | 160 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 172 kg | 175 kg |
| Fuel tank | 13.7 L | 13 L |
| Seat height | 835 mm | 800 mm |
| Ground clearance | 153 mm | — |
| Wheelbase | 1355 mm | — |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | Disc, 320 mm, 2 piston caliper | Disc, 320 mm, 4-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Disc, 230 mm, 1 piston caliper | Disc, 220 mm, 1-piston caliper |
| ABS / CBS | Dual Channel ABS | Switchable ABS |
| Front suspension | WP APEX USD forks, 43 mm diameter | 41mm upside-down fork, adjustable preload, 120mm travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX Monoshock, 10 step adjustable | Monoshock, adjustable preload, 130 mm wheel travel |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 110/70-17 | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tyre | 150/60-17 | 150/60-17 |
RC 390 vs RS 457: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the RC 390 or the RS 457?
- The RC 390 is cheaper by ₹1,00,493 at the base variant (₹3,32,938 against ₹4,33,431 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the RC 390 or the RS 457?
- The RC 390 claims 29 kmpl against 24 kmpl. Real-world figures for both will be lower.
- What is the on-road price difference between the RC 390 and RS 457 in Delhi?
- About ₹1,09,840: roughly ₹3,82,996 for the RC 390 and ₹4,92,836 for the RS 457, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
- Which costs less to own over five years?
- Our estimate for five years at 30 km a day in Delhi is ₹5,89,830 for the RC 390 and ₹7,35,287 for the RS 457, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The RC 390 comes out ₹1,45,457 ahead.
