What is it?
There seems to be some real confusion on the old internet to what this new Aprilia RS 660 is.
At first glance to the uninitiated this has the hallmarks of the 600cc race replica bikes. Angular eye catching lines from tip to tail on the body work. Noticeable use of aluminum for the frame and swing arm. The tank scription proudly displaying Aprilia Racing.
Powering the bike however is not 4 pistons of fury of your typical Yamaha R6 or Kawasaki ZX-6R contain. No, instead Aprilia have developed a parallel twin, a configuration akin to the engines of the Yamaha MT-07 or Kawasaki Ninja 650.
This new 659cc twin is rated to produce 100bhp [73.5kW] @ 10,500rpm and 49ft-lb [67Nm] @ 8500rpm.
Interestingly, it’s actually significantly more powerful than the Yamaha MT-07 twin at 74bhp @9000rpm by the simple virtue of making it’s power and torque at higher revolutions. It’s actual torque figure is the same at ~50ft-lb, just 2000rpm lower at 6500rpm.
So where exactly does this engine fit in the grand scheme? Realistically, it’s looking closer to what was powering the old Triumph 675 Street Triple (not the Daytona though). If you knock off the more peaky nature of the Triple by about 1000rpm I would think it should give you some idea of what we’re dealing with here for power and nature.
In layman’s terms, this is a hopped up Twin nearing a Triple. Not such a race replica at the very heart but none the less sporty still.
Another big hint here is the how the clip-ons distinctly rise from the triple clamp. A recent review from Cycle World praised it’s ergonomics for being more than acceptable for longer rides. It appears that it won’t aggravate wrists and backs and force tuck nearly as much a race replica but it appears to be a more leaned in sporty position than what you’d find on a Ninja 650 or CBR650R.
Now the kicker: Price. Aprilia has not released the MSRP but there’s a certain US dealer that has it estimated the MSRP at $12,500.
So what’s the answer?
Well we’re subject to our own opinions. For me personally this falls in a strange spot, perhaps to its own benefit.
I don’t believe this is quite comparable to the high strung 600 race replicas that are up about 20bhp, I think based on what I’ve read and seen it’s a more usable street bike in terms of engine and ergonomics and not as track focused though presumably competent.
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I don’t believe this is comparable to the 650 class. It’s likely to have a significantly higher price to even the CBR650R at $9,700. It seems probable in being more sporty than any bikes in that segment considering the weight, power, and ergo.
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If I had to kind of nail down this bike, I would almost say it’s getting on what the Ducati SuperSport does. That kind of racy looking bike with decent aggressive ergonomics and a sporty but not psychotic engine. Compared with the $13,100 SuperSport I think it might be a tad more rambunctious with less weight and high revving smaller twin.
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That’s my thoughts anyways... I’d have to get my gloves on one to be sure.
Pre-Orders start October 12
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