Mid-range power with a racing edge - why the Aprilia RS 660 still stirs emotions

Reviewed: ad hoc news Software & Services desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-19, 01:54. Details in the imprint.

The Aprilia RS 660 greets you with a low, purposeful nose, sharp LED eyes and a tail that looks like it has been lifted straight from a race paddock. Swing a leg over, and the bike feels compact, light and a little bit mischievous from the first second.

Engine with character, not excess

At the heart of the Aprilia RS 660 sits a 659 cc parallel twin that delivers around 100 hp and 67 Nm, tuned to pull cleanly from the midrange and spin eagerly toward the redline. According to Aprilia, the dry weight is just 169 kg, which keeps the power-to-weight ratio lively.

The soundtrack is surprisingly raw for a Euro 5 bike, especially when the revs climb and the intake howl mixes with the exhaust note. In daily use, the engine feels flexible rather than intimidating, which makes tight backroads more inviting than exhausting.

Electronics that feel like a safety net

Aprilia equips the RS 660 with a full electronics suite including ride-by-wire, multiple riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control and engine-brake control, all managed by a six-axis IMU. A quickshifter and autoblipper are available to keep your left hand relaxed on spirited rides.

The color TFT display is bright and tidy, with a layout that stays readable even in strong sunshine. The menus are typically Italian - slightly quirky, but once you have saved your preferred mode, you rarely need to dig deep again.

Chassis tuned for real roads

The aluminium frame uses the engine as a stressed member, keeping the bike narrow at the waist and helping it feel light when you flick it from one corner to the next. Suspension is fully adjustable at the front and offers preload and rebound adjustment at the rear, giving room to tailor the ride.

On bumpy secondary roads, the RS 660 sits on the firmer side but stays controlled; you feel the surface, yet the bike does not crash over sharp edges. Brakes with dual front discs and radial calipers provide strong bite and a progressive lever, though aggressive track riders may want even more race-focused pads.

Ergonomics between comfort and commitment

The riding position lands between supersport crouch and naked-bike upright, with clip-ons that sit slightly higher and pegs that are sporty but not brutal. For an average-height rider the seat feels narrow and firm, more supportive than plush on longer stints.

Wind protection from the small fairing and screen is better than it looks; at motorway speeds, most of the pressure leaves your chest if you tuck in slightly. Taller riders may notice more wind noise around the helmet, but the core of the body stays relatively sheltered.

Design and details with Italian flair

Visually, the RS 660 leans heavily on Aprilia's RSV4 superbike DNA, with layered bodywork, winglet-like fairing edges and a distinctive triple-headlight signature. Bright livery options accentuate the sculpted tank and tail, making the bike stand out in any parking lot.

Fit and finish are generally convincing, though some owners grumble about minor niggles such as sticky switchgear or thin paint on exposed metal parts. The upside is a sense of occasion every time you open the garage, which many rivals simply do not offer at this displacement.

Pricing, rivals and where it fits

In many European markets, the Aprilia RS 660 undercuts some full-fat supersport machines while costing more than simpler, non-electronic middleweights. That reflects the generous electronics package and sophisticated chassis, but it still demands a conscious budget decision from younger riders.

Its closest rivals include bikes like Yamaha's R7 and Kawasaki's Ninja 650, which offer similar displacement but less advanced rider aids. Compared with those, the RS 660 feels more exotic and agile, though also more focused and slightly less forgiving when pushed hard.

Piaggio context and stock reference

For Piaggio & C. SpA, the Aprilia RS 660 serves as a technological and emotional halo above the group's scooters and everyday commuters, showcasing engineering that can trickle down to other models. Shares of Piaggio & C. SpA (DE000PIAG239) trade in Frankfurt as a way for investors to participate in this broader brand portfolio.

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.