EICMA: 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema and ELECTRICa project

Aprilia used the EICMA Motorcycle Show to unveil a higher-spec version of its midsize RS 660 sportsbike called the RS 660 Extrema, as well as a concept scooter that signals the firm’s future electric intentions.

Mostly cosmetic, the difference between the current bike and the newly unveiled Extrema edition is a carbon-fibre front guard and belly pan, while the underslung exhaust has been replaced with road-legal system from SC Project complete with a conventionally mounted carbon-fibre silencer.

The changes add up to a weight reduction of 17kg to a claimed 166kg (wet), which Aprilia says “raises the bar to new heights” in terms of the bike’s power-to-weight ratio.

Aprilia Australia has confirmed the RS 660 Extrema will reach Australian dealerships in late 2023, with pricing to be confirmed closer to the model's local arrival.

Related Reading:
Aprilia Tuareg 660: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Aprilia RS 660: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist

The Italian firm also whipped the covers off a sleek-looking electric-powered project, rather unimaginatively called ELECTRICa.

Said to be aimed at the future generation of Aprilia riders, the company says the know-how harnessed to create the concept was sourced from parent company Piaggio, which the company says has been working on electric propulsion since as early as 1975.

Exact specifications are unknown, but the Noale-based factory cites a low seat height, handlebar-mounted levers for both the front and rear brakes, a keyless ignition, active electronic rider aids and, despite being Aprilia’s most futuristic model to date, LCD instrumentation.

Looking every bit a supermoto, the battery and motor are mounted conventionally within the twin-spar frame, with power transmitted to the rear wheel via a chain final drive.

Despite the lack of indicators or a numberplate hanger, the bike looks relatively close to production form, with the inclusion of ABS, lights and practical additions such as handguards and removable rubber inserts in the footpegs.

There’s sticky rubber fitted to 17-inch wheels and the lightweight nature of the machine makes good sense in terms of maximising battery range.

There’s no official confirmation as yet as to whether Aprilia Australia will import the RS 660 Extrema to our market, of if the ELECTRICa project could become a production offering in the future.