1000 mile review of Aprilia RS660 (my first motorcycle)

I discuss why i choose the Aprilia RS600 as my first motorcycle and give my thoughts and review after the first 1,000 miles.

[@CELL7GAMING]

Thanks, been looking at the RS660 for over a year now and just finished my MSF last weekend. I share your sentiment of the used market and having a new bike with a warranty. Thanks for the vid👍🏾

[@EricLeePiano]

a full exhaust will make you fall in love with the 270 crank even more ❤ and a tail tidy to accentuate the sleek lines!

[@jteds711]

Solid opinion piece man. Looking to get this as my first bike soon. Thanks for the info, cheers!

[@The_Man_Welding]

Cheers!

[@MichaelJones-vb3lk]

Thanks for the informative video. Hoping to get the RS 457 next year

[@The_Man_Welding]

That would be awesome!

[@samanthagregoryurich4167]

I did the same thing but training in Sweden is much longer and more comprehensive, and also, I had a little motocross experience. Anyway I'm so glad I got the RS 660 instead of starting on a bike that I didn't really want. Yes it's a lot of bike for a beginner, but believe it or not, it's the rider who decides how fast it goes. Nearly every time I go out, I warm up with different exercises in a parking lot. After a few weeks, I'm starting to feel at home on it. About the rear brake, I was surprised how weak it was even when pushing enough for the ABS to engage. My guess is that the engineers had two things in mind: it's a light bike so easy to skid so it really need to be much stronger than the point where ABS kicks in, and during hard breaking all the weight is on the front wheel so it won't be able to contribute all that much anyway. Regardless, it's fine for relaxed city driving and has good feel so it's easy to add control for slow maneuvers. My two minor complaints would be that the clutch lever distance isn't adjustable and the steering lock barely engages (< 1 mm) into the triple clamp.

[@Wes05]

I have a Aprilia rs125 now, imma get the rs660 to when I get my license. Dream bike!

[@erickpaulino6017]

💯💯💯 on everything!!! Great video bro, ride safe🙏🏽

[@The_Man_Welding]

@@erickpaulino6017 appreciate it 👊🏼

[@RidingandWrenching]

Great review. I am a Harley rider, but I'm thinking about getting a different type of bike. Your video helped me learn more about the Aprilia brand. Thanks!

[@The_Man_Welding]

Thank you for watching!

[@aviator-kn8zq]

You're a rockstar for going for a 600 straight on, love it

[@alexv5581]

This isn't your traditional supersport. An r6 or zx6r destroys the rs660. To me the rs660 is somewhere in between a ninja 650 and zx6r.

[@andymushlarky7819]

Nice review, and balanced thought process, stay safe and enjoy.

[@The_Man_Welding]

Thank you!

[@benjaminrushton5888]

Was my first bike to had a aprilia rs125 many years ago but finally done my test and got the rs 660 and no regrets🏍💨..👌

[@The_Man_Welding]

hell yeah!!

[@troypower]

Nice video! I myself would follow in your footsteps. I want to take a road course, get my license, and get an RS 660. Lots of great information, thank you!

[@The_Man_Welding]

Awesome! Thanks for watching 👊🏼

[@surflife247]

My rs660 tribute BRAND NEW is waiting at motoplex in Daytona waiting on me. Tuesday I’ll be pulling away. I have not had a bike since I was 17 (gsxr 750) and I’m 40 now with 2 kids. It’s been long enough that it’s going to be like a first time rider and I did the same you did. A rsv4 can act like a 350 if you drive it that way. It’s the most beautiful bike on the market and I feel I’ll grow into it. I’m glad you love it I’m soooooo freaking excited!

[@The_Man_Welding]

Yes sir!!! Enjoy that bike 👊🏼

[@kingvtec100]

My first big bike motorcycle was a aprilia RSVR millie & over the years I've had many big bikes & now got my self a rs660

[@RobertHiggins-gv5jc]

Thanks for the video I really appreciate it and first thing I must say is stay safe witch I think you are on track with that... I do agree with new riders that you should see if that bike fits you and you can respect it foremost... because most of the time your gonna out grow it very fast now you gotta find a buyer...you did it right now you can Bond with your bike and in joy it for a few years... and Yes that is one reason for watching your video I'm thinking about buying one also I love Aprilia they are spot on on their bikes.. probably one of the best handling bikes you can find for track and road....and they are sexy as hell my girl is already jealous but she is looking also at Aprilia..... keep posting video's they don't have anything like your video online..... thanks again for your video I'm gonna look for one more to watch before I Head out to make some Cash...

[@The_Man_Welding]

Appreciate your feedback!!!

[@tbn.z900]

thankfully in germany its not a problem to test drive, because getting a license here is very hard compared to the US and very expensive. so if you want to buy a bike here and they see your license, they know you can handle the bike 😆great choice with the rs660, im getting mine in january/february and im hyped af. cant wait to drive it on the autobahn hahah

[@Bold_as_a_Lion]

Please ride with leathers my brother. God Bless.

[@russellcrane7871]

Good to know I'm not the only one who bought an RS660 as their first bike. At least you got to test ride yours! Like you I love it and I have a dealer close by where I am in the UK. I believe there is also a dealer in the Tampa area too as that's my next stop 😉 Enjoy your bike and stay safe.

[@The_Man_Welding]

Cheers 🤙🏼

[@holyfreakinguacamole]

Yep, there are a couple around here! Taking my course next week and hope to pick up my first bike (the 660) soon after. (Btw - I've been here for nearly 30 years but was born in the UK!)

[@markmeidra7759]

Bro I with you on your reasons for buying this proper bike!!!!!

[@The_Man_Welding]

Hell yeah

[@stuartstogdill2406]

Yep... used bike market is total bullshit the past few years. Might as well get a new bike and have a warranty for a few years. Who cares if you "drop" it... that is what insurance is for.

[@djsovain]

🤧💯💯💯💯

[@Eli_From_LA]

good choice, this is my dream bike.

[@The_Man_Welding]

It’s amazing

[@TE99810]

Beauty! I have exactly same one since this summer. The only issue is crazy vibrations starting from 6k revs.

[@The_Man_Welding]

interesting, ill keep an eye out for that

[@oscarmerlos2189]

I live in Port Charlotte FL, I got my Rs660 from them too still have it. Have fun.

[@doctorgap]

I just picked one of these up for my girl, she loves it

[@alexv5581]

You spent over 10k on a girl ?? Bro you got issues.

[@benjaminbrunner7882]

My first bike to and it’s been heaven can’t lie

[@The_Man_Welding]

Yes sir. Love it!!

[@palmtrees89]

Your story sounds very similar to mine. I was looking for a motorcycle to upgrade from my cbr500r that I been riding for the past 11 years. Great bike going to work. .I wanted a major upgrade and was comparing the HORSEPOWER to price. Suzuki 8r, Ninja ZX6r, and then the Aprilia RS 660. The Aprilia dealership was close to my job. .and they gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I did my research for about 4 months, seen all 3 bikes up close and personal. .talked to the appropriate salesman. Almost got the Suzuki 8r. .but the Aprilia's horsepower for SAME price beat it. The aprilia may be an Italian bike. .but I'm Portuguese. .and I'm sticker decal'n it to have a Portuguese theme. Portuguese flag, christian cross, etc. btw. .my aprilia has the exact color scheme as yours. Great choice. .not too flashy. .but the style does stand out. I get more guys admiring it as opposed to women. .what's up with that. lol

[@ryanr2986]

Dad just got this bike and it’s what I’m learning on. If you respect the bike imo it’s fine to learn on especially with all the tech.

[@The_Man_Welding]

It’s been a great first bike for me

[@sunshowerpainting1]

You did well. Very well indeed......

[@alexsantana7986]

I’m in the same boat as u, I’m big and tall and its perfect for me,just broke 400miles so far… love rs600

[@The_Man_Welding]

I’m almost to 5000 on the odometer 🤘🏼

[@chrismorrison1955]

Very smart buy

[@JefferyDavanzo]

2 quick comments: - rear brake may need some bleeding or just change flush and change the fluid - if you change the stock exhaust it voids the warranty so wait for 2 or 4 years before hand.

[@jalapeno.tabasco]

yeah after 2 used bikes and dealing with those issues, i'm alright with ponying up a few extra $$ to get a brand new bike so i can break it in properly and do all the maintenance properly

[@kylegatewood4947]

I bought a ‘22 RS 660 a few months ago and like it so far.

[@dutch_martyr]

just curious, what did you pay out the door if you dont mind?

[@kylegatewood4947]

I bought mine in MD, had just over 2100 miles on it and I paid $11,300 total.

[@dutch_martyr]

@@kylegatewood4947 ty. Just curious because I found one (2022 acid yellow RS660) with only 900 miles, one owner for 7,600 cash. But there's some minor faring damage; it was laid down at very low speed. But drives perfectly

[@kylegatewood4947]

You’re welcome. As long as you don’t see or notice any other problems or issues, buy it.

[@nesta8273]

You need 2 buckets when cleaning your bike. One to get most of the dirt from the sponge and another for clean water. Rinse the sponge out is dirty nucket first after use and then in the bucket with cleaner water before use again.

[@fluffytagann1731]

I'm glad to hear you mention the rear brake feeling soft. My personal experience is coming from an R1 and currently own an RSV4. But I am looking at the RS660 as a supplemental bike for longer cruises. Night and day difference between the rear brake on the RSV4 and the R1. As you said, front brake is phenomenal as opposed to the R1 which is known to fade badly under heavy and consistent application. Question for you.... noticed the mirror mount for the camera. I do the same, but do you notice a significant shake on the stalk compared to the other side without the mount? Thanks for the video and the input. Ride safe.

[@The_Man_Welding]

Thank you for the comment. Honestly the mirror is more usable when I have the camera mounted to it. That’s the one major thing I forgot to add when making this video, the mirrors shake so much even at moderate speed that they’re basically useless. It’s a big disappointment.

[@rajeshbedi]

you kept it stock, thats what i love the most

[@captainkim7297]

I`ve got one as well. Not sure if you know since it`s your first bike, there is quick-shifter up/down, meaning you don`t need to use the clutch at all except from N to 1st. Anyways, it`s a great bike, i use it when I go to the twisties, I use my ZH2 for longer rides.

[@The_Man_Welding]

I mention the quick shifter in the video👍 it’s nice and I use it often.

[@calvin2516]

Stock exhaust is the best looking exhaust IMO. Being a welder, im surprised you haven't considered gutting it.

[@The_Man_Welding]

I agree stock looks great. Maybe in the future ill make a project out of welding up something custom. That would be cool!

[@aviator-kn8zq]

@@The_Man_Welding get the Mivv low slung

[@tbn.z900]

the best looking exaust is probably the mivv delta race black

[@itsmeericb]

I have a modified stock exhaust on mine from Motobox. Retains the stock underslung look and sounds like something is there.

[@aminebenafla]

I had a MT07 for couple of miles which I liked the torque delivery but the wind is just too much how you can compare to it ? This bike is a really good looking bike

[@The_Man_Welding]

Ive never ridden a naked bike but i will say the windshield on the RS660 helps but it is small. Ive seen some nice looking aftermarket windshields that are larger and probably more effective against the wind. but overall the wind hasn't been a huge issue as ive gotten more comfortable riding a motorcycle.

[@MarkSmith-rs660]

Get yourself a swingarm guard for break side

[@mattsmith9661]

Fantastic bike and i have the full akraprovic exhaust on which transforms the bike however mate bit of a advice,how dumb can you be heading out on a 100hp bike with little experience wearing hardly any protective equipment! Wise up big’n.

[@overthehillrider]

Beautiful bike I got the 2022 stars and stripes edition, squeaky rear brakes, leaking oil, loose, quick shifter linkage, but other than that I still love this bike the build quality is subpar for the price of the bike. I noticed a few gaps here and there that’s unacceptable for exotic bike like this. But still I’m I love with the torque!!! I raced the BMW S 1000 RR the other day he eat my dust for the first 100 mph then he flew past me 120 mph screaming engine. He wouldn’t acknowledge me at the red light because he knew I beat his ass.

[@The_Man_Welding]

That’s unfortunate you’re having all those issues. That’s a great story about racing that BMW though 🤣💨

[@bobby3914]

Hard to believe s1000r has 100hp more 😆

[@overthehillrider]

@@bobby3914 I took off normal but he thought I was racing him so I heard him rev the engine, so I gunned it and it took him until 120mph to pass me, still I hurt his feelings … not even a nod back or eye contact… nice bike but couldn’t ride. Probably another immature lil beetch that uses emojis and trolls others comments cuz they have a small pecker

[@jordanevans8426]

How tall are you? I’m looking at getting one of these and I’m pretty short.

[@The_Man_Welding]

I’m 5’9” and I definitely think someone a few inches shorter wouldn’t have much trouble. I can alllmost flat foot it at red lights but not quite.

[@salzafar2030]

Hi, I love your bike. do you mind sharing the out the door price. I want to know how much the dealers charge for prep and freight etc.. Thank you

[@The_Man_Welding]

OTD was right about 13.5k that was tax tag title freight and I bought a pair of alpine star gloves, lifetime battery warranty, and they threw in a Bell helmet for free 👊🏼

[@salzafar2030]

Thanks 👍

[@2oot151]

Anybody do any light touring on this bike? I know the tuono would be a little better suited for that, but the rs’s looks just call to me…

[@The_Man_Welding]

Ive taken the bike on multiple 250 mile trips. It's perfectly fine though there is basically no storage and by the end of the trip Im definitely ready to get off the bike.

[@rodrigovaccari7547]

Front brake is more than twice as strong as rear brake. Thats how bikes are. I was taught to use the rear for most purposes, but learned rear + a little bit of front seems golden.

[@The_Man_Welding]

Almost have 5000 miles on the bike now. I use both front and rear brakes for most applications as to not condition myself to favor either one too heavily.

[@itslev4404]

I’ve genuinely used my rear brake 3 times in 10 years. And I track ride. It is not needed.

[@xinyuxue868]

My first bike was the cbr650r, I wish I could've had 660 as my first bike but it's on the expensive side because it's an Aprilia. Its electronics are extremely overkill, but that's good news for new riders. One thing though, all 650 class is not a 600 class. 650 is a mid weight sport. It can't be compared with any of the 600 classes. The Daytona 675 for example, has 25 cc more than a 650 and 76cc more than an R6, but it's still a 600 class.

[@The_Man_Welding]

True, I knew that but still clumped them into the same category when making this video. You are correct. CBR650R is a cool bike though! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@ercavalierenero3294]

First bike: "A bike I want to grow into". don't be the classic🦑, at least buy a jacket (I recommend bike pants and shoes too) and enjoy your rides!

[@Pentonius]

Hey how tall are you? I’m 6’1”, just wondering for size.

[@The_Man_Welding]

I’m 5’9 on a good day

[@Champion2Manager]

I’ve got the same bike, I’m just worried about the maintenance part of owning such an exotic bike. Only time will tell if I made the right decision. 😅

[@keltecdan]

I’m worried about long term reliability. I’ve heard a lot of bad things about this bike which leads me away from getting one.

[@richardjones8684]

Hi guys. Aprilia seem to have worked out the kinks on the early model. I have a 2023 tribute model and it’s running great.. as you say time will tell but a lot of new bikes from a range of manufacturers have teething issues .

[@rodstawaa]

Rear brake on these style of bikes is always weak. It’s used for corner control and hill starts, not actually shedding speed. Them dealer prices are a ripp 😢

[@The_Man_Welding]

Yeah bro pretty steep 😬

[@SacrificiaLamb.The.Gixxerator]

How much did you pay out the door?

[@The_Man_Welding]

it was around $13,500 with a lifetime battery warranty, some gloves, tax tag and title.

[@FelipeSalum]

no complains about the mirrors shaking and being useless to use after 5000 rpm? :)

[@Kingof831]

I have to either pull the clutch in to use mirrors or just turn my head around

[@geedub2019]

Looking to do the same and the algorithm has brought me here 👍

[@shibapatrol801]

Generally speaking, starting on lower CC motorcycle is beneficial for the rider's confidence and ability in the long run as it allows the rider to push the bike and experience the limits with larger margin of error. As you said yourself, second-hand market for motorcycles are still very high. You should have bought a smaller cc bike to learn on for year or two and upgraded. Since bikes like the Ninja400 are always in demand, you could have bought new, used it for a year and still recoup most of your money 🤷‍♂ Judging by the video, it appears you have already dropped the bike (broken lever) that's something that could have been avoided by practicing on lower cc bike.

[@The_Man_Welding]

Yes I did drop the bike, a little scratch and broken lever. No big deal to me. I love the bike and I'm definitely happy I choose the RS660 over a smaller displacement bike!

[@frankbroker726]

I am a seasoned Harley rider....60 years old though... I want something cool... Worried about reliability being 3 hours away from dealer

[@The_Man_Welding]

Understandable. Let me know what you end up getting!

[@josephrenteria9667]

race tune, sc project exhaust :)

[@The_Man_Welding]

Don’t tempt me!!!

[@IlIlIlllIlIlIllli]

3:12 that is crazy 😅😂 i wish i had aprilia dealership lol

[@bobbyraj345]

Really want an rs660 but here in India it is about 15989 dollars without taxes

[@The_Man_Welding]

That’s rough! I hope you get one some day!!

[@bobbyraj345]

@@The_Man_Welding planning Aprilia recently launched rs457 with production in India hope some day rs 660 or rsv4 will be manufactured in India

[@SIRA063]

closest dealership for me has only 400s and 1000s

[@The_Man_Welding]

Bummer, better go with the 1000 😉

[@user-ki2cx1pg7v]

Sensible stuff. Over here we’ve got bike tests coming out of our ass! It’s ridiculous.

[@TE99810]

with after market exhaust you might lose warranty.

[@The_Man_Welding]

yeah as much as I'd like one i think im just going to keep the bike stock to focus my finances elsewhere.

[@Drifthaze]

why can't you do your own oil changes

[@The_Man_Welding]

I can, but to my understanding in order to maintain warranty they have to be preformed by an authorized service center.

[@Drifthaze]

oh ok my bad I am thinking about the Rs 660 for my first bike. For some of the same reasons you talked about. @@The_Man_Welding

[@The_Man_Welding]

@@Drifthaze i have no regrets getting it as my first bike!

[@elithegreat6463]

I’m never quite sure of why people need to fully wet down their bike to clean it.. unless you get caught in a real shitty rainstorm, with road splatter there’s no need to get water into every nook and cranny of the bike so it can sit there and cause corrosion 🤷🏻‍♂️👎

[@The_Man_Welding]

If you check out one of my other videos I actually crashed my bike into some swamp water so it was really muddy and gunked up in there. Otherwise, i see what you're saying.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@The_Man_Welding You get a pass then for Swamp water 👍😀💦

[@VisorDown660]

Hause of trikes and bikes ACTUALLY let you ride it before buying?! I bought my rs660 extrema their a they to the END would not let me ride anything but sit on it! I’ve been riding for 10 plus years. Nothing against them just my experience

[@The_Man_Welding]

@@VisorDown660 wow man that’s crazy. Yes they actually let me test drive the bike before I bought it, and I had no riding experience at all. You in Ft. Myers?

[@VisorDown660]

@@The_Man_Welding yes, I’m in the fort myers area! I’d love to link up for a ride, I just rolled 1300 miles on mine! Haven’t had a pleasure of riding with another RS660!

[@ovDarkness]

Wait... Are you trying to say that in the US they are letting you on the streets without proper course and even a fucking exam? You need at the very least several weeks of training and passing government exam to be running any vehicle save from a 50cm scooter, that can do 45km/h. No wonder the guys at the shop were hesitant. You run your courses and exams on a an MT07 or SV650 where I live.

[@The_Man_Welding]

I took the 3 day MSF course prior to purchasing this bike. That was my only motorcycle experience ever. The test drive was literally my first time riding on the street. USA Baby 😎

[@ovDarkness]

@The_Man_Welding I'm planning to buy a Tuono 660 Factory for my first, but except of a mandatory course (20 hours of rides in traffic with the instructor, afteryou prove you've mastered the manouvering) , and an exam (you have two parts: traffic laws and practical) I also plan to take some track courses before I dare to drive a motorcycle. I wonder how it's even legal to drive a motorcycle after a 3 day course. What does your motorcycle driving license exam look like?

[@Josh-cw8by]

Nice vehicles and I like your thought process. Get a decent jacket though. You don't want hamburger meat arms from some dumb ass cutting you off.

[@VOX-TRO]

Too bad it's priced like 3x more expensive in poorer countries like mine 😂

[@The_Man_Welding]

that defintiely sucks!

[@anthonypeters1797]

You know the 400 goes 120 mph

[@The_Man_Welding]

Which 400? But yeah o know generally 400cc bikes max around 112-125. Most I’ve gotten out of this RS660 is 155 on the Speedo. So realisticly somewhere in the 140’s

[@Kingof831]

It's not a 600. It's a 660