Aprilia RS 660 from Piaggio & C. SpA - middleweight twin with road-friendly punch

Reviewed: ad hoc news B2B & Pro desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-27, 20:02. Details in the imprint.

Aprilia RS 660 riders talk about brushing a knee over a smooth Alpine hairpin while the parallel twin hums at mid-revs and the TFT dash glows in the corner of their eye. This middleweight from Aprilia aims to feel sharp, but liveable, on real roads.

Engine and chassis balance

The Aprilia RS 660 uses a 659 cc parallel-twin engine that delivers roughly 100 hp, clearly positioning it above typical A2-entry machines but below full-fat superbikes. That gives riders brisk acceleration without the intimidation of a 200 hp liter bike.

The bike’s aluminum twin-spar frame and relatively light wet weight around 183 kg help it change direction quickly, especially noticeable when you tip it into a roundabout or a tight backroad S-bend on worn tarmac. Feedback from the front end feels tidy rather than harsh.

Electronics from the big league

Aprilia lifts much of the RS 660’s electronics strategy from its RSV4 superbike family, including multi-level traction control, adjustable engine-brake management, and several ride modes tailored for street and track. For many riders the integrated quickshifter stands out in daily use.

Testers such as MotoGP alumnus Max Biaggi have highlighted how the electronics let you lean on the chassis sooner when exiting a bend, rather than worrying about an abrupt slide. That sort of reassurance matters when you are still learning lean angles on twisty roads.

Ergonomics and daily usability

Sit on an Aprilia RS 660 in a dealership and the first surprise is the relatively relaxed triangle of bars, pegs and seat. The clip-ons are not as extreme as track-only machines, which helps shoulders and wrists on longer motorway stints.

The seat padding feels firm but not punishing, and shorter riders report that the narrow waist makes it easier to get a boot down at the lights. Wind protection from the fairing is decent at legal speeds, though taller riders may notice some helmet buffeting above that.

Pricing and positioning

In many European markets the RS 660 sits roughly in the 11,000 to 12,000 euro price band depending on trim and local taxes, placing it closer to premium Japanese middleweights than to entry-level 650 twins. That aligns with Aprilia’s sport-focused image.

Product manager Paolo Bonora has previously framed the RS 660 as a road-first sportbike, arguing that most customers ride on public streets and only occasionally sample track days. The pricing and feature spread reflect that rather than chasing headline horsepower figures.

Where it delights and annoys

Owners often praise the crisp throttle response and the way the bike feels light when you flick it from one lean angle to the other. On a damp city morning the smooth fueling in the lower rev range can make filtering through traffic less stressful.

Less charming are reports of heat soak around the right leg in slow urban riding and a somewhat busy ride over broken pavement if you leave the suspension in a firmer setting. Some riders also wish for a slightly thicker pillion seat for occasional two-up trips.

Context and share reference

Piaggio & C. SpA uses Aprilia as its sporty spearhead beside commuter-focused Piaggio scooters and heritage Moto Guzzi models, giving the group a wider spread across rider segments. Piaggio & C. SpA shares (ISIN DE000PIAG239) trade primarily on Borsa Italiana in euros.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.