Aprilia Tuono 457 vs Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: how the Rs 4 lakh bikes compare
The Tuono 457 Special Edition leads on weight, features and handling, while the Continental GT 650 offers more torque and a retro cafe racer feel.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition offers a modern look, light weight and racing-inspired technology. The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is known for its retro styling, strong torque and cafe racer looks. The two bikes are priced at roughly the same level, which makes the comparison an interesting one for riders.
On price, the ex-showroom cost of the Tuono 457 Special Edition is Rs 3.99 lakh. The Continental GT 650 starts at Rs 3.53 lakh, and its top chrome variant goes up to Rs 3.82 lakh.
On warranty, the Tuono gets a standard four-year or 48,000 km warranty, along with two years of roadside assistance. The GT 650 comes with a three-year or 40,000 km warranty and one year of roadside assistance.
The two bikes take very different approaches to design. The Tuono 457 looks like a compact, muscular and aggressive streetfighter. Its kerb weight is 175 kg, against 214 kg for the Continental GT 650, making the Tuono about 39 kg lighter. It may therefore feel comparatively easier to handle in city traffic.
The riding posture also differs. The Continental GT 650 has a forward-leaning cafe racer posture, while the Tuono 457 has a comparatively upright and comfortable one. The Tuono has a 41 mm USD fork, a monoshock and preload adjustment. With its light weight, 17-inch wheels and wide tyres, it proves more agile in corners.
On features, the Aprilia Tuono 457 is clearly ahead. It has a 5-inch full-colour TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, call and SMS alerts, riding modes, traction control and ride-by-wire. Its dual-channel ABS allows the rear ABS to be switched off. The Continental GT 650 has an analogue instrument cluster that matches its retro design, and a comparatively simple electronics setup.
The Tuono 457 has a 457 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 47.6 PS of power and 43.5 Nm of torque. The Continental GT 650 has a 648 cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 47.4 PS and 52.3 Nm. Power is nearly equal, but the GT 650 has more torque, so the Royal Enfield looks appealing for those who want strong pull at low RPM.
On which bike to pick, the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition may suit those who like a modern streetfighter look, light weight, sporty handling, more electronics and aggressive riding. Those who want retro design, strong torque, a cafe racer feel and comparatively easier ownership will find the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 the better choice. Overall, the Tuono 457 leans towards speed and technology, while the GT 650 offers a classic experience of style and torque.
