Reviews

2021 Aprilia RS 660 MC Commute Review

We ride Aprilia’s real-world friendly middleweight sportbike in the RS 660.

Updated: October 27, 2020

Not every sportbike rider wants a 190-some horsepower superbike. So for 2021, Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia expands its sport motorcycle line-up with a smaller and more affordable version in the RS 660 ($11,299). Powered by a RSV4-derived, but more compact, 659cc parallel-twin, the 660 is aimed at riders that want a real-world sport machine that splits the difference between practicality and fun.

Aprilia looks to entice riders with its high-tech and feature-rich RS 660 middleweight.Kevin Wing

Editor’s Note: Get up to speed on the technical specifications in the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 Preview First Look and 2020 Aprilia RS 660 First Look Preview articles.

Aprilia recently hosted its official North American press introduction for the 660 in Santa Barbara, California. In addition to a forthcoming review we recorded a special edition MC Commute where we describe what it’s like to ride the RS in a POV-style format. Swing a leg over the RS, virtually.

Gear Box

Helmet: Arai Defiant-X

Jacket: REV’IT! Hudson

Gloves: REVI’IT! Chevron 2

Pant: REV’IT! Vendome 2 RF

Boots: TCX X-Cube EVO Air

2021 Aprilia RS 660 Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE	$11,299
ENGINE	659cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8-valve
BORE x STROKE	81.0 x 63.93 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	13.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
FRAME	Double-beam aluminum frame w/ detachable rear seat
FRONT SUSPENSION	41mm Kayaba inverted fork, adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload; 4.7 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Kayaba shock, rebound damping and spring preload adjustment; 5.1 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Brembo radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 320mm discs
REAR BRAKE	1-piston caliper, single disc
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Aluminum alloy; 3.5 x 17-in. / 5.5 x 17-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Pirelli Diablo Rosso II; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
RAKE/TRAIL	24.1°/4.1 in.
WHEELBASE	53.9 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	32.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	3.96 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	403 lb.
WARRANTY	2 year, unlimited mileage
AVAILABILITY	December 2020
CONTACT	aprilia.com

The RS 660 impresses with its exceptional chassis and above average suspension components. It is a motorcycle that offers sporty handling manners, yet is comfortable over rough pavement, too.Kevin Wing

A color TFT display graces the RS 660. The display is rich in features but it could be larger, as some of the surface area is consumed by the large plastic background.Kevin Wing

The RS 660 arrives in the US in three colorways. Aprilia stands by its motorcycles with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.Kevin Wing