Aprilia RS 660: Five fast facts

Aprilia officially launched its 2021 Aprilia RS 660 on Friday, October 9, via twin events in Italy and in California, USA. The imminent middleweight is a unique model that doesn't lend itself easily to comparisons, so we've put together a brief summary of what it's like and where it fits into the wider market…

The new Aprilia RS 660 is sporty, while stopping short of the laser-like sports focus of the four-cylinder supersport category (think Yamaha YZF-R6, Honda CBR600RR etc). Aprilia says it's, "designed for everyday fun on the road and for weekend sport and leisure riding", but its specs point toward a light and nimble machine that should be a blast at any track day.

Weighing in at 169kg dry, the Aprilia RS 660 is powered by a 659cc parallel-twin said to produce 100hp at 10,500rpm and 67Nm at 8500rpm. It's fully faired, equipped with powerful four-piston, radial-mount Brembo front brake calipers, and has a steep 24.1-degree rake and a compact 1370mm wheelbase. And while the suspension package is manual, not electronic, it offers a high level of adjustment – preload plus rebound and compression damping on the 41mm inverted Kayaba fork and preload and rebound damping on the rear Sachs monoshock. And it rolls on sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tyres.

The Aprilia RS 660 comes equipped with a host of high-tech features, especially when it comes to rider assistance aids. The APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) suite includes multi-level Cornering ABS and traction control, and five ride modes. The five modes comprises three for the street (Commute, Dynamic, Individual) and two for the track (Challenge and Time Attack), with Individual and Time Attack both allowing for custom settings.

Then there's an engine brake feature, wheelie control, bi-directional quickshifter and electronic cruise control, plus colour TFT instrumentation and full LED lighting. Bluetooth connectivity via the Aprilia Mia smartphone app is a factory option.

Related reading:
Aprilia RS 660: Full specifications and pricing info
2019 EICMA: Aprilia RS 660
2018 EICMA: Aprilia RS 660 concept

In terms of competition, the Aprilia RS 660 really has few rivals – certainly it has no direct current rivals as far as fully faired, middleweight, parallel-twin, top-dollar sportsbikes go.

The full-power Kawasaki Ninja 650 is also a faired parallel-twin but it's heavier (192kg wet) and less powerful (68hp at 8000rpm), while down just a fraction on torque (66Nm at 6500rpm). It also can't match the Aprilia RS 660 for tech, and is priced far lower at $10,699 plus ORC.

Also in the ballpark, albeit with an in-line four-cylinder powerplant, is Honda's CBR650R ($10,990 plus ORC). It's closer to the Aprilia than the Kawasaki for output, with 95hp at 12,000rpm and 64Nm at 8500rpm, but it's heavier, at 207kg wet, again has less tech and has more conservative steering geometry.

Also in the mix, although a naked bike with a 765cc in-line triple, is Triumph's Street Triple RS. It's a step up in performance, producing 121hp/79Nm from a package weighing 166kg dry, but it's a closer match on pricing at $19,800 ride away.

Given its specification and features, Aprilia has clearly positioned the RS 660 as a premium model and is priced to suit. While firm Australian pricing will be announced closer to its local release, Australian Aprilia distributor Peter Stevens Importers has given 'indicative' pricing for the Aprilia RS 660 of between $18,500 and $19,000, plus on-road costs. It is yet to announce if the Aprilia RS 660 will be complemented by a LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) variant.

That pricing will see the Aprilia RS 660 up against more powerful Euro models like Ducati's SuperSport ($18,000 ride away) and SuperSport S ($20,250 ride away), and even the new Panigale V2 ($22,900 ride away).

So, all that remains is for the Aprilia RS 660 to get here. While the model's production has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, at the time of writing it's on track to reach Australian showrooms in late March 2021. Aprilia is now taking pre-orders for the model; see your nearest Aprilia dealership for more information.