2018 EICMA: Aprilia RS 660 concept

Aprilia signalled its intentions to enter the midsize sportsbike category when it used this year’s EICMA motorcycle expo to reveal a 660cc parallel-twin sportsbike concept.

Using one bank of cylinders from the firm’s growing 1100cc V4 range, the Noale-based factory has created the lightweight and compact RS 660 which harks back to its hugely popular and successful RS250 two-stroke days.

Helping to keep its weight down is a linkage-free rear shock which instead mounts directly between the swingarm and the frame, the latter which uses the parallel-twin engine as a fully stressed member.

While the aggressive bodywork screams performance, Aprilia says the low-mounted footpegs and high-mounted handlebars make for more practical ergonomics than its overall look would suggest.

According to the Italian firm, the concept was created “in response to the demand of new generations for fun bikes which are capable of thrilling on the road as well as the occasional track day.”

Here’s hoping the RS will not only join the firm’s line-up un the future, but also spawn a new platform of lightweight 660cc machinery.