FAIRING ORDERS

Two parallel-twins wrapped in shapely aerodynamics. And the eternal question of speed

- Kartik Ware

First, a spirited roar on a combination of elements that felt distinctly Italian. The sound from the engine, the tautness of the suspension and the seat, the riding position's slightly aggressive demands; all those sensations painted a vivid il tricolore in my mind.

Then, a frenzied scream on more physically considerate components, typically Japanese. Every lever and every action possessed the feel that comes as standard equipment with the tuning-fork badge from the land of the rising sun. Later, the thought speed is relative, feel is subjective; relativity and subjectivity both need external factors for any interpretation, and neither is absolute. And if two motorcycles as different in feel as the Aprilia RS 457 and the Yamaha YZF-R3 engage in a fast-road dogfight, what is it that really matters?

On a motorcycle, feel is everything. On a fast motorcycle, FEEL IS EVERYTHING. So, while I clocked more than 160 kph on each bike, the difference was stark. The RS 457's effortlessness to get past that mark was what surprised me the most. It was that great American aphorism at work - there's no replacement for displacement. The Aprilia's cubic capacity is exactly what it says on the label, and it's quite the blessing, whether it's outright speed or everyday flexibility. In fifth gear, closing in on the redline, there was still plenty of scope for velocity left; Aprilia's US website claims a top speed of 193 kph! Between the displacement and the 270° crank, the RS 457 felt more like a V-motor than a parallel-twin, too. And put together with its glorious sound, the Aprilia felt rather special and unlike any Indian-made bike so far.