After a year of waiting, we’re finally seeing the final production version of the Aprilia RS660. And no, it doesn’t have active aerodynamics, as many hoped. However, it’s got about everything else a person could ask for.
Let’s get one thing straight first: this is not a true 600-class supersport. The RS660 is basically built around the front half of an RSV4 engine (with 270-degree firing order), and it really is built around it; the engine is a major part of the chassis. That liquid-cooled parallel twin makes about 100 hp. Not an R6 slayer, but again, this thing isn’t built to compete with an I4. It’s aimed at street use, and it certainly has performance far above anything else in the 650 twins class when you compare its aerodynamics, low weight, high-end suspension and electronics package.
Aprilia claims the RS660 has a 169 kg dry weight, thanks to a lot of clever engineering. Looking at the bike, you can see the swingarm bolts directly to the engine case, with no shock linkage. The frame is a twin-spar aluminum design.
Riding position is more upright than most supersports, with the handlebars situated atop the forks.
The fairing is a two-part design. It’s supposed to move heat away from the rider, as well as provide some measure of downlift at speed. It doesn’t actively change shape as many had hoped it would.
Aprilia ships the RS660 with the APRC electronics package, which includes cornering ABS, cruise control, engine brake control, wheelie control, and traction control. An up/down quickshifter is also standard, and there are five different engine maps to select from. Of course, a ride-by-wire throttle is standard, and a six-axis IMU powers the electronics. There’s also a five-inch Bluetooth-compatible TFT screen, with two different display options.
Front brakes are provided by Brembo, with beefy 320 mm discs and M4.32 radial-mount calipers. The front forks are from Kayaba; no word on the rear shock, or the rear brake.
LED lighting is standard, including cornering lights.
We don’t know pricing or availability for the RS660 yet. We do know Aprilia is also working on a 660 Tuono, a naked bike. While not quite as bonkers as the RS660, it’s expected to make similar horsepower, with a similar electronics package.
Yes it is nice, I like the fact that it is built for the street, not some virtual track that never happens.
Nice! And since Aprilia tends to be more sensible with their pricing than Ducati, this — and the new baby Tuono — could be very impressive values.