Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory 2023 Review

The Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory is an example of the understated brilliance of which the Noale, Italy-based firm is capable. It doesn’t set out to wow riders with blood-boiling adrenaline – instead, it draws you in with pragmatic, pleasing performance.   

As a middleweight, it isn’t the fastest nor the most powerful naked bike. And while it looks neat, to my mind it isn’t even the most visually striking motorcycle. But it quietly ticks every box it needs to, with a solid engine, lightweight handling, practical electronics, and quality components.

With a ride-away price tag of $22,690, the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory isn’t necessarily cheap, but it does offer a reasonable level of equipment and specification.

The Factory version will effectively replace the current Tuono 660 (priced at $21,490 ride away) and will sit alongside the LAMS-approved version (priced at $20,490 ride away). It also joins the RS 660 ($22,690 ride away) and the Tuareg 660 ($22,530 ride away) in Aprilia’s 660cc parallel-twin range.

For the extra outlay, the Tuono 660 Factory comes with a unique colour scheme, a fully-adjustable KYB fork and Sachs shock, a lithium battery, a six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit), a full suite of electronics, up-and-down quickshifter, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tyres, and a more-powerful engine.

Despite all the value in equipment and electronics, the real drawcard of the Tuono 660 Factory is the 659cc parallel-twin engine. It is hardly a licence-burner, but it offers solid performance and beautiful consistency, and never disappoints.

In Factory guise, the donk produces more horsepower, with an increase to 100hp (73.6kW) at 10,500rpm, while torque remains unchanged at 67Nm at 8500rpm. However, a shorter final drive does help improve acceleration.

To be honest, with only a 5hp (3.7kW) increase, most riders will not notice the difference in power, but the bike does have a sprightliness to it that is very welcome. It takes off quickly and pulls solidly through the rev range. It is really only at the top end that it loses its urgency.

The Factory version is also lighter than the standard model, with a claimed reduction of roughly 2kg to 181kg wet. Once again, most people will not notice that difference, but there is no denying that the Tuono 660 Factory is a lightweight and agile machine. Ducking and weaving through traffic is a breeze, while it holds its line very well through corners.

The comprehensive electronic upgrade is also very welcome, with the addition of a six-axis IMU allowing for lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, among other things. There is plenty of customisation in the ride modes, while cruise control, LED lighting, and the quickshifter all work a charm too. It isn’t a perfect system, however.

As I just hinted, the flipside to all the electronic goodness is that the rather small TFT display and its menu system are a little too clunky. Trying to navigate through all the settings (especially when trying customise parameters) can be frustrating at best.

It’s not a dealbreaker, and its comprehensive nature is appreciated, but it might occasionally have you muttering swear words under your breath. And the worst part is that it doesn’t have to be that way. The Tuareg 660 uses a different menu setup that is easy to operate and understand. It surprises me that Aprilia hasn’t rolled out a similar system across its other models.

But that is a small issue in the scheme of things. Elsewhere, there isn’t a whole lot to complain about. I did find the suspension was on the harsh side where big bumps and potholes were concerned, but it must be noted that I am a heavier-than-average rider. And both the fork and shock are fully adjustable, so you should be able to dial them in to suit your needs.

My other issue with the Tuono 660 Factory is that I didn’t find it particularly inspiring. Sure, it’s capable, it’s fun, and it’s well-equipped, but it didn’t grab me in a way that gives me an unbearable urge to go riding. Of course, this is a purely subjective view, but emotion does play a role in whether a bike is compatible with your own preferences.

It goes back to my first comment about the bike being “understated”, because the Tuono 660 Factory is understated in both its performance and its looks. It still does the job (and does it very well), but it left me wanting a little more wow-factor. Styling, too, is subjective, but I think that for an Italian bike at this price point, the Tuono 660 Factory just doesn't have the sexy Italian appeal that I expected. Once again, just my opinion.

While I wanted a bit more sizzle from the Tuono 660 Factory, that doesn’t change the fact this bike is still a really solid motorcycle. The engine is very capable and its light weight and agility add up to one very nimble package.

Riding the Factory is still a satisfying experience. And while it’s not the most exciting naked going in my opinion, it is very well equipped and hard to beat as an everyday whip.

The only real barrier is the price tag. If it was, say, $2000 cheaper, I’d be more enthusiastic. But dropping nearly $23,000 seems like too much when there are other options that are cheaper and better. The Yamaha MT-09, for example, is more powerful (it is a 900 triple, after all) and well-equipped, but it will also save you roughly $6000 over a Tuono 660 Factory. Where capacity is concerned, this Latin middleweight streetfighter really is in a class of its own – the only other model that perhaps comes close is the Triumph Street Triple 765 (priced from $18,090 ride away, or $25,290 ride away in Moto2 edition form).

But if you want a quality Italian machine that seeks to woo you rather than wow you, the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory does have a lot to offer. It might be understated but it is solid, and if budget is no barrier, the Tuono 660 Factory won’t disappoint.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, four-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin
Capacity: 659cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0mm x 63.93mm
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, 110mm 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

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 181kg
Seat height: 820mm
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Fuel capacity: 15L

OTHER STUFF
Price: $22,690 ride away
Colours: Factory Dark