Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Aprilia RS 457 undercuts the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R by about $4,500, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R leads on power with 127 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.
Our pickAprilia
Aprilia RS 457
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RThe verdict
The Aprilia RS 457 edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Aprilia RS 457
A2-legal, 48 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
127 hp and 0.64 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Aprilia RS 457
Our 8.3/10 at $6,799, the most bike per dollar.
Aprilia RS 457
175 kg with an 800 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Aprilia RS 457
Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.
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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Aprilia RS 457 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R makes the most power at 127 hp and 70.8 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The Aprilia RS 457 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $6,799.
Which is lighter, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
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 Aprilia RS 457 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
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.
