From dad's 2011 Hero Glamour to "Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition"
Long post incoming 🏍️,
All this started when the RS457 launched. Everyone was losing their mind over this bike, but the early feedback was rough. I was also looking at the Duke 390. Though honestly, if my first bike was going to be a KTM, it was going to be the ADV 390 S/R. Mumbai roads being Mumbai roads, an ADV is basically a survival tool at this point.
About a year later most of the issues of RS457 had been sorted out, service network had improved, and then in 2025 Aprilia dropped the Tuono 457. That was the moment for me. The RS is a proper committed sports bike, no arguments — but the Tuono felt like it was built specifically for someone like me. Same engine, better posture.
May 2026 — Let's Goo!! Test ride time.
I was coming off a 2011 Hero Glamour 125. So the RS457 engine felt like someone handed me a rocket. Absolutely loved the power delivery, loved the sound, loved everything about it... except the posture. Within about a minute of riding I was already uncomfortable. Heartbreaking, because everything else about that bike was perfect.
Then tested the ADV 390. Genuinely a great motorcycle, no complaints about capability. But my pillion immediately said there were a lot more vibrations compared to the RS — which, fair, single vs parallel twin, that's just physics. Personally I also just don't like the rear end of the ADV 390. And also I stalled it repeatedly. Never stalled the RS once. Skill issue? Probably. Still made me think.
So the Tuono was the obvious answer — parallel twin, upright posture, best of both. Except no showroom in the city had one.
Waited two weeks. Finally got a call, went in, and they let me ride it in a small area outside the showroom (not on road, so take that ride impression with a pinch of salt). I fell in love with that bike idk HOW ???. I was seconds away from booking it right there before I forced myself to take a deep breath and actually think it through — Tuono vs ADV 390. Heart vs brain. Because in Mumbai, everyone will tell you an ADV is the go to bike.
Heart said "please pick me" - AND I DID!!
First week of June 2026 — went in to book it. And found out Aprilia had stopped production of the Tuono 457 in Puma Grey, with an updated model coming in July. Went home sad and happy at the same time.
Last week of June — started seeing posts about the updated model. Called every showroom nearby. All of them said the same thing: book first to see it in person, or wait until someone else books so you can take a look. Peak Indian dealership experience.
Second week of July — got the call. Bike's at the showroom, come see it. Went to have a look (Just have a look i said), and it was Mamba Black. Instantly changed my mind. Booked it the same day, 9th July 2026.
Was so hyped that I bought a helmet and gloves before the bike was even delivered :')
Delivered on 21st July 2026. There was a 4-5 day delay but honestly after waiting this long, what's a week.
And here it is From dad's 2011 Hero Glamour to "Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition". The bike I have been waiting for, finally in my parking spot ❤️.
Apparently mine was the second Tuono 457 Special Edition in Mumbai.
Open to any tips from existing 457 owners — running-in advice, first service stuff, accessories worth getting, anything....
Posted a bit late, was busy enjoying parallel twin madness hehe...
Could plan a weekend ride with other bikers in Mumbai 👊