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Head to head

Honda CBR500R vs Aprilia RS 457

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Honda CBR500R and Aprilia RS 457 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Aprilia RS 457 undercuts the Honda CBR500R by about $600, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Aprilia RS 457 leads on power with 48 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Honda CBR500R
7.6

Honda

Honda CBR500R
Aprilia RS 457
Our pick
8.3

Aprilia

Aprilia RS 457

The verdict

The Aprilia RS 457 is our pick of this group on the numbers, scoring 8.3/10.

Best for new riders

Aprilia RS 457

A2-legal, 48 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Aprilia RS 457

48 hp and 0.27 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Aprilia RS 457

Our 8.3/10 at $6,799, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Aprilia RS 457

175 kg with an 800 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Aprilia RS 457

Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.

Price & rating
Price$7,399$6,799
KickTheStand score7.6 / 108.3 / 10
Performance
Engine471cc twin457cc twin
Power47 hp48 hp
Torque43 Nm43.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.24 hp/kg0.27 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm SFF-BP USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionPro-Link monoshockMonoshock
Front brakesDual 296mm discsSingle 320mm disc, ByBre radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 240mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight192 kg175 kg
Seat height785 mm800 mm
Fuel capacity17.1 L13 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forcommuting, sport, touring, learningsport, track, commuting, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Honda CBR500R vs Aprilia RS 457: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Honda CBR500R or the Aprilia RS 457?

The Aprilia RS 457 makes the most power at 48 hp and 43.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Honda CBR500R or the Aprilia RS 457?

The Aprilia RS 457 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $6,799.

Which is lighter, the Honda CBR500R or the Aprilia RS 457?

The Aprilia RS 457 is the lightest at 175 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Honda CBR500R or the Aprilia RS 457?

For a new rider we'd point to the Aprilia RS 457: A2-legal, 48 hp and 175 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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