The middle-weight sport bike class just got more exciting with the launch of the all new Aprilia RS 660.
Having recently written about the Tuono 660 revealed at last year’s EICMA event, in which Aprilia also teased us with the RS 660, news from the Italian manufacturer is that the all new RS 660 will be in dealers from November, 2020.
Performance
Powering the RS 660 is an all new parallel twin-cylinder 660cc in-line engine built in-house by Aprilia. The engine is actually derived from the front bank of the 1100cc V4 that you’ll find in the Tuono V4 and RSV4 1100 Factory.
The engine puts out a claimed 100 hp (73.5 kW) at 10,500 rpm, with torque sitting at 67 Nm peaking at 8,500 rpm.
At just 183 kg (403 lbs) wringing wet, with those performance figures, you’d expect this thing will be a bit of weapon. And that’s exactly what the early reviews are saying, with MCN’s Michael Neeves calling it, “fast, exciting, and involving”. High praise from a man of his standing.
For those on a restricted license, the good news is that the RS 660 will also be released in an A2 compliant variant – producing less power from a restricted version of the same set-up.
Ride
Fully adjustable 41 mm Kayaba upside down forks and adjustable rear suspension, and Brembo radial-mount calipers on 320 mm discs absorb the bumps and drop the anchors when required.
Like the frame, the asymmetrical swingarm, which is pivoted directly into the engine, is also made of aluminium. This helps to keep the weight down and results in a light and fast bike with an incredible power-to-weight ratio.
Electronics & Styling
The Aprilia RS 660 stands out in terms of style, with the manufacturer stating that the new RS 660 will dictate the shape of the Aprilia sports bikes to come.
Aprilia says that the, “main objective of the Aprilia Style Centre was to create dynamic, modern shapes with low surface area, although without taking the concept to extremes, to offer a sense of space and comfort to both rider and passenger, even aboard a sports bike, while at the same time, enhancing both its lightness and slenderness”. We think they’ve nailed it!
The middle-weight RS 660 is equipped with high-end electronics that you’d expect to only see on only the best super bikes.
A six-axis IMU controls the electronics, such as traction control and anti-wheelie control, as well as engine brake control, all of which are fully adjustable. There’s also cruise control and a quick-shifter (up and down) in case that wasn’t enough. Fuel control is Ride-by-Wire, and there are 5 different riding modes available for road (3) or track (2).
The electronics are rounded off by a two-way electronic transmission, Cornering ABS and a full-colour TFT, which can communicate with your smartphone via the Aprilia MIA app.
