Aprilia RS 660 2023 — Specifications

When the middleweight sportbike market emptied of its protagonists, when the Honda CBR 600 RR, Triumph Daytona, and other Suzuki GSX-R models were put away, Aprilia chose a different path. Not the radical racetrack route, nor the democratic roadster approach, but a territory that had been abandoned for years: the road sportbike, one that delivers thrills without requiring you to be a competition rider to get something out of it.

The Aprilia RS 660 weighs in at 169 kilograms dry in a segment where direct competition simply doesn’t exist. The Yamaha R7 is technically serious, but its power levels are limited, failing to compare. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the Honda CBR650R play in a different league, more focused on versatility than pure sport. And the Panigale V2, at the other end of the spectrum, is only for experienced riders capable of handling its 155 horsepower. The Aprilia RS 660 therefore occupies a strategic gap with a clear logic: 100 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, 67 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm, all within a package that the MT-07 and its 75 horsepower would envy. These Aprilia RS 660 horsepower figures are all the more remarkable as the 659 cc parallel-twin engine was designed from the ground up, with a 270-degree crankshaft that gives it the pulsating character of a V-twin rather than the cold roundness of a classic parallel-twin.

Aprilia architected this engine, drawing inspiration from the RSV4 1100 V4, inheriting its genetics without adopting the manners of a superbike. It revs quickly, responds crisply, and propels the bike to a top speed of 235 km/h without ever giving the impression of exceeding the rider's capabilities. The double-beam aluminum frame integrates the engine as a structural element, and an asymmetrical aluminum swingarm is directly attached to it. The 41 mm Kayaba inverted fork, adjustable for preload and rebound, works with Brembo radial four-piston calipers clamping down on two 320 mm discs. Cornering ABS is standard. For aftermarket Aprilia RS 660 exhaust enthusiasts, a Akrapovic line is among the official options, and the Aprilia RS 660 accessories catalog is full of ideas, from the Aprilia RS 660 seat cowl to racing graphics including a Loris Reggiani replica, in homage to Aprilia’s first Grand Prix winner.

The onboard electronics far exceed what one expects from a motorcycle priced at 11,599 euros for a new Aprilia RS 660. A six-axis inertial unit manages traction control, wheelie control, an adjustable engine brake, and a bidirectional quickshifter. Five maps cover most uses, from daily rides to Time Attack mode for those who want to push the machine on the track. The color TFT screen offers two distinct displays, road or track. For those asking about the Aprilia RS 660 A2, the engine is available in a version compatible with the A2 license, opening the public to a category often underserved by this level of sophistication. In terms of Aprilia RS 660 reliability, feedback from the field since launch has been generally positive, with no major recurring problems reported on the 2022 and 2023 models.

What the RS 660 achieves is a reconciliation between sporting pleasure and real-world use. The low-rise handlebars positioned above the fork crown are its most concrete symbol: it’s sporty, not a head-down rider. For the motorcyclist who seeks an engaging machine for everyday use but capable of revealing its true nature on a winding road, this Italian weighing 183 kilograms full of fuel probably represents the best balance of engagement and accessibility on the current market. Those hesitating between the new Aprilia RS 660 price and an early-year Aprilia RS 660 used will find in both cases a consistent, well-bred motorcycle, whose Aprilia RS 660 technical specifications remain flattering even a few seasons after its release.