2019 EICMA: Aprilia RS660
Usable power, light weight and superbike-spec electronicsTwelve months after Aprilia delighted EICMA show goers with a 660cc parallel-twin sports bike concept, it has used this year’s event to unveil the production version RS660.
With all the hallmarks of an RSV4 superbike, the all-new middleweight contender is powered by a DOHC parallel-twin engine – the front two cylinders straight out of the V4 superbike, in fact – which is said to be good for 98hp.
It’s used as a stressed member of the aluminium chassis to keep the overall weight down, which is quoted at 169kg (dry), while the striking asymmetrical swingarm pivots directly off the engine.
Rewriting the rules for the middleweight category, Aprilia has thrown a six-axis IMU to actuate a full suite of superbike-spec electronics, including cornering ABS and traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, five riding modes, engine braking and wheelie control – even cruise control.
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2019 EICMA coverage
Of course, it’s all operated via a full-colour TFT dash with connectivity to your smartphone.
And the prospect of what’s essentially a modern-day, Euro 5-compliant RS250 doesn’t have you bristling with anticipation, the firm also used this year’s event to unveil an upright, naked Tuono concept.
Details are slim, but the firm is quoting 94hp (compare that to Yamaha’s 74hp MT-07) and it even looks like there’s a very good chance of a learner-legal version, also. Watch this space.
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