2021 Aprilia RS 660

Its well-balanced performance, rideability, and sophisticated electronics package make it an enticing middleweight for rookie and experienced riders alike.

When the concept Aprilia RS 660 was revealed at EICMA 2018, the Noale manufacturer caught the sportbike world’s attention and now that concept has come to fruition. The 659cc parallel twin is cradled in a lightweight aluminum frame with aerodynamic double fairings. It appeals to many skill levels and riding purposes with its nimbleness, engine performance, and racing-derived electronics package. Additionally, Aprilia has usable accessories available to tailor the bike to the track-focused or the road warrior.

The Aprilia RS 660 is new for 2021.

Eye-catching colorways include Apex Black, Lava Red, and the especially noticeable Acid Gold. Interested buyers are looking at an MSRP of $11,299 for Apex Black and Lava Red and $200 more for Acid Gold.

The 659cc parallel-twin engine provides generous torque for an easy life cruising through traffic and strong acceleration for getting up to speeds well over 100 mph. Its versatile engine is appropriate for day-to-day and trackday riding and is claimed to produce 100 hp, a class-leading figure in its category. “The engine is generous, with torque over a wide range of revs, responding smartly from 4,000 all the way past 10,500, though never in an overly aggressive way,” Bruno dePrato stated in his First Ride aboard the new machine. “The RS 660 doesn’t need extreme engine tuning to deliver strong performance, thanks to the excellent power-to-weight balance of the whole package.”

The RS 660 is praised for its light handling, quickly negotiating side-to-side ess turns with ease, while remaining very neutral with excellent weight distribution. The best part? A strong connection to the front tire’s contact patch bolsters confidence at any speed, resulting in pinpoint precision through the corners. Could this be the result of the effect of the stabilizing double fairing?

A pair of twin four-piston Brembo calipers clamping to 320mm discs up front quickly bring the relatively lightweight (a claimed 404 pounds) RS 660 to a quick halt, complementing the motorcycle’s agile handling. A single two-piston Brembo caliper and 220mm disc handle rear braking.

No CW-recorded numbers are currently available. Claimed fuel consumption is 47.8 mpg.

In a ride aboard the 660, test rider Bruno dePrato praised the ergonomics saying, “The rider triangle is laid out well, so getting perfectly settled and in control of the Aprilia RS 660 is instinctive and user-friendly.” Its claimed 32.3-inch seat height provides an easy reach to the ground even for below-average-height riders.

Aprilia’s suite of race-inspired electronics includes five ride modes, quickshifter, a range of engine maps, ABS, and traction, wheelie, engine-braking, and cruise control. Cornering lights, automatic high beams, and self-canceling turn indicators are additional features of the LED lighting package. Information is displayed on a full TFT screen.

Like all Aprilia models, the RS 660 comes with a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

Aprilia’s premium quality, sophisticated electronics, high performance, and easy-to-ride manner sets the RS 660 above the competition, arguably putting it in a realm of its own.