Aprilia Tuono 457: In Conversation with John Abraham: Aprilia's Passionate Face in India

At the launch of the Aprilia Tuono 457, our editor-in-chief, Bunny Punia had the privilege of engaging in a one-on-one conversation with John Abraham, the Bollywood superstar, passionate motorcyclist and brand ambassador for Aprilia India. Known for his authentic love for bikes, John brought a genuine rider's perspective to the discussion, offering insights beyond brand promotion. Here's how our rapid-fire session unfolded, packed with thoughts from the man who truly lives the biker lifestyle. Before moving ahead, join our elite 91Wheels WhatsApp Community for more such exclusive interactions with industry experts, officials and motor enthusiasts.

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First Impressions: A Machine Built for Thrill

When asked for a one-word reaction to the new Aprilia Tuono 457, John instantly responded with, "Brave". But he quickly expanded his thoughts, describing the bike as "Fab, fun, agile and bratty." These words perfectly capture the Tuono's edgy character which is an aggressive naked sportbike built for riders who crave adrenaline and style in equal measure.

RS or Tuono: A Tough Choice

John admitted his personal preference for the RS lineup but acknowledged that the Tuono is an entirely different beast. "It's taking Aprilia into a different space," he said. According to him, the true magic of the Tuono reveals itself when you get on the saddle and feel its power and agility firsthand.

If Aprilia Named a Bike After John?

When asked which bike could carry his name, John's answer was swift: the RSV4 1100. A true testament to his love for high-performance machines, John shared that he already owns the RSV4 1100 Factory and has plans to add another to his stable this year. His first RSV4 is in Midnight Black, and while the colour of the upcoming bike remains undecided his enthusiasm for this superbike is crystal clear.

Sports Bikes vs. Adventure Motorcycles

While John appreciates the versatility of adventure bikes by mentioning his experience with the Tiger Rally Pro 1200, his heart belongs to sports bikes. "I'm obsessed with lap times right now," he admitted, highlighting his competitive edge. The Tuono 457's built-in lap timer seems perfectly suited for someone like John, who's constantly chasing performance benchmarks.

Embracing Technology for Safer Riding

Despite being old-school at heart, John recognizes the importance of rider aids in today's high-performance motorcycles. Drawing from a conversation he once had with MotoGP legend Casey Stoner, he acknowledged that while purists might scoff at electronic assists, they undeniably make motorcycling safer, especially for newer riders. His advice for budding motorcyclists? "Get to know the electronics, wear a helmet and make sure it's strapped properly."

Dream Competitions for John

If given the chance, John would love to race against Marc Marquez, famously known for his jaw-dropping turns at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. John marvelled at Marquez's ability to scrape his shoulder against the track, calling it an "unreal" sight.

Seasonal Preferences and Electric Motorcycles

For John, winter is the ideal riding season- especially November through January when Mumbai's cooler temperatures offer a more comfortable ride. On the subject of electric motorcycles, he remains a petrolhead for now, stating, "Never say never, but I'm not there yet." The roar of an engine and the signature crackle of an exhaust still hold a special place in his heart, especially with his RSV4 1100 fitted with a MotoGP-spec SC-Project exhaust.

What's Next for Aprilia in India?

John hinted at his hopes for Aprilia's next big move in India. With the RS covering the sportbike segment and the Tuono representing the naked streetfighter class, he believes it's time for Aprilia to venture into the touring or adventure motorcycle space. He commended Diego Graffi, the CEO and Managing Director of Piaggio India for his visionary leadership and strategic roadmap that's helping Aprilia carve a stronger presence in the Indian market.

A True Passion for Motorcycling

What stood out throughout our interaction was John's genuine passion for bikes- this isn't just brand promotion for him. From discussing lap times to sharing personal experiences with his superbikes, it's clear that motorcycles are deeply woven into his identity. His involvement with Aprilia extends beyond endorsements; it's a shared passion that fuels both the brand and the man behind its Indian image.

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