Aprilia RS 660: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist

Why is the Aprilia RS 660 a bikesales BOTY finalist?

The Aprilia RS 660 stands out in 2021, being an all-new machine that targets a fairly narrow niche, namely the middleweight sportsbike segment. But, as Aprilia often does, the Italian company has added a unique twist, in that the RS 660 is also a premium, high-quality affair packed with razor-sharp tech and high-end components.

That approach has resulted in a pricey offering that delivers in spades for those who can afford it. It’s a performance-oriented middleweight pocket rocket, with that intangible Italian allure that will have lucky owners wondering whether they should ride the wheels off it, or simply admire it at a standstill...

Pricing aside, anyone used to traditional head-down, bum-up sportsbike ergonomics will revel in the Aprilia’s accommodating ride position, while the Aprilia RS 660 will thrill with its exquisite handling and surprisingly spirited performance.

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We’re talking peak outputs of 100hp (74kW) and 67Nm from the Aprilia RS 660’s 659cc parallel-twin in a 169kg (dry) package, with a chunky midrange that feeds into a storming top end.

This compact little weapon is incredibly nimble yet also supremely stable, with neutral steering and a quality suspension and brake package that goads you to push harder and faster. Yet you can do so with complete confidence, thanks to its superb chassis and suspension, and a suite of fancy safety tech that encompasses road and track modes and allows a high degree of customisation.

Capped off with full LED lighting, TFT instrumentation, and sublime styling that is inherently Aprilia, the Aprilia RS 660 delivers a wonderfully engaging, evocative ride that is thoroughly addictive.

Who will the Aprilia RS 660 appeal to?

Suitable for relative newcomers through to experienced veterans, the Aprilia RS 660 will attract discerning sportsbike buyers looking for a premium machine, as well as those who value handling and manageability over outright arm-wrenching performance.

This is a real rider’s motorcycle – the more you work it, the greater the reward. You can’t be lazy with this bike, relying on bulk horsepower like you can with a litre-class machine. Instead, you have to get busy with that gearbox and throttle to wring the best performance from it, which all amps up the fun factor.

But while heady pricing will limit the Aprilia RS 660’s potential market, its more modest performance envelope (compared to big-bore alternatives) will broaden its appeal among those who can afford it.

It’s available in a LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) format too, for those who want to make a bold statement from the outset of their motorcycling career.

How much does the Aprilia RS 660 cost?

It’s the Aprilia RS 660’s price that, for many, will be the sticking point. At $20,530 ride away (or $20,030 ride away for the LAMS version), you can either view it as cheap for a premium sportsbike, or expensive for a middleweight twin.

Given you can step up in performance with several higher-capacity rivals for around the same money (or less), you’ll need to be firmly committed to the middleweight sportsbike formula to wear the cost.

Still, pricing is a highly subjective matter; what’s an insult for some is a bargain for others. Viewed in isolation, the Aprilia RS 660 is a superb example of modern motorcycle engineering, and an Italian thoroughbred that pursues the unadulterated joys of sports riding with laser-like focus.

What have we already said about the Aprilia RS 660?

Back in late May, bikesales tester (and Isle of Man TT legend) Cameron Donald put the Aprilia RS 660 through its paces in rural Victoria. And despite some wet and wintry conditions, Cam was impressed with this new entrant to the middleweight sportsbike scene.

“Aprilia has steered away from the highly-strung 600cc inline four-cylinder race replicas of the past for a bike that offers less on paper but so much more on the road,” he said.

“I would never have imagined a 100hp sportsbike could leave me so satisfied, but sometimes less is more.”

Aprilia RS 660 at a glance:
Price: $20,530 ride away
Engine: 659cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel-twin
Output: 100hp (74kW)/67Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 169kg (dry)
Seat height: 820mm
Fuel capacity: 15 litres