Aprilia RS 660: full specifications and pricing info

Full specifications and indicative pricing and local availability have been revealed for the all-new 2021 Aprilia RS 660 sportsbike.

First unveiled in concept form at the 2018 EICMA expo in Italy, the Aprilia RS 660 was officially launched at twin events in Italy and in the US on October 9.

Powered by a 659cc parallel-twin engine, Aprilia says the RS 660 produces a claimed maximum output of 100hp at 10,500rpm and 67Nm at 8500rpm.

And given its trim dry weight of just 169kg, compact 1370mm wheelbase, and a racy 24.1-degree rake, it looks like we're in for some scintillating performance from this svelte, sporting middleweight.

The new engine adopts a 270-degree crankshaft design and has a high 13.5:1 compression ratio, while it's wrapped within a double beam aluminium chassis.

The bike rolls on a fully adjustable 41mm inverted Kayaba fork up front and a Sachs monoshock adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping at the rear, while braking duties are down to a Brembo set-up equipped with Bosch Cornering ABS.

In fact, the Aprilia RS 660 is in no way left wanting when it comes to electronic smarts. Courtesy of its six-axis APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) inertial platform, its Cornering ABS system is complemented by an engine brake feature, traction control, wheelie control and electronic cruise control, while a ride-by-wire throttle and a choice of five ride modes will have you covered for every situation.

On the road, riders can choose from Commute, Dynamic and Individual, while track-day fiends and racers can opt for Challenge or Time Attack. Both Individual and Time Attack modes allow the rider to tailor a variety of settings to their preference.

Other high-tech features span a triple LED headlight with LED daytime running lights, colour TFT instrumentation, and Bluetooth connectivity via the Aprilia Mia smartphone app, while the model is releasing in three colours: Acid Gold, Apex Black, and Lava Red.

By now any hopes of the Aprilia RS 660 being a keenly priced middleweight for budget-conscious buyers may be fading, and for good reason. Aprilia Australia has issued 'indicative' pricing of between $18,500 and $19,000 for the Aprilia RS 660, plus on-road costs, with exact local pricing to be announced closer to the model's arrival Down Under, currently slated for March 2021.

A restricted 'A2' version for learner riders will be available in Europe, but that doesn't necessarily translate to a LAMS (learner approved motorcycle scheme) variant for Australia. "It's not confirmed yet what a LAMs version may look like or its desirability based on projected pricing," the local importer, Peter Stevens Importers, told bikesales.

The new 2021 Aprilia RS 660 will, however, plug a very large gap in the Italian brand's sportsbike portfolio. In Europe, it will sit midway between its 1100cc RSV4 and the 125cc RS 125, while here in Australia it will serve as the brand's entry-level sports model.

The 2021 Aprilia RS 660 is also expected to serve as a spearhead for a number of subsequent models too, including an even sportier RS Trofeo race version, a Tuono naked, and a Tuareg adventure bike. Watch this space.

Pre-orders for the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 opened on Monday, October 12. We'll bring you more information on the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 as it comes to hand.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, four-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin
Capacity: 659cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0mm x 63.9mm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
Engine management: Electronic fuel inection
Emissions: Euro 5

PERFORMANCE
Power: 100hp (74kW) at 10,500rpm
Torque: 67Nm at 8500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Double aluminium beam
Front suspension: Inverted 41mm Kayaba telescopic fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Sachs monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound, 130mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial-mount calipers, Cornering ABS
Rear brake: 220mm disc with Brembo twin-piston caliper, Cornering ABS
Tyres: Front 120/70ZR17, rear 180/55ZR17

ELECTRONICS
Ride-by-wire throttle, engine brake, traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, three ride modes, two track modes, Bluetooth connectivity

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 24.1 degrees
Trail: 104.6mm
Claimed dry weight: 169kg
Seat height: 820mm
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Fuel capacity: 15 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price (TBC): $A18,500 to $A19,000 plus ORC
Availability: March 2021
Colours: Acid Gold, Apex Black, Lava Red
More information: Aprilia