2021 Aprilia RS 660 First Ride Review | Rider Magazine

[@danielmazmanian6429]

Great review, super pumped about this bike! Checks all my points: Lightweight, Powerful but not too crazy, visually stunning, and not priced out of reach...sold!

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Daniel, Thanks for the kind words and I think a lot of people will agree with you; I certainly do. I enjoy superbike and super-naked levels of performance as the next gearhead, but the truth is, a bike like the RS 660 has all the power that a street rider could ever need. From what I experienced on the street, I'm wagering that it'll be a hoot at the track, too. Take care! - Nic

[@leroyjones769]

You broke it down just right. Please continue the nice work. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Leroy, Thanks and I'll do my best 💪 Take care! - Nic

[@woongtv-naturehealing273]

I'm glad and honored to be able to see such a wonderful bike through your video. You're so good at explaining. I will continue to subscribe to your channel. From South Korean KZbinr Wongkham.💜💙💚👍👍👍

[@guambra2001]

It seems like this is a gentleman’s sport bike. Kind of like my older Ninja 1000, great bike, a bit portly but still super fun.

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Guambra2001, You're definitely on the right track with your thinking and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 is a solid sport-touring bike, as the Ninja 1000 blurs the line between sport and sport-touring categories. In fact, I feel that the most recently updated Ninja 1000SX is one of the smartest buys in the segment - as long as you want a bike that emphasizes the "sport" in "sport-touring." The Aprilia RS 660 achieves something similar in that it offers a fairly authentic supersport riding experience, without all of the common supersport pitfalls. Take care! - Nic

[@guambra2001]

@@RiderMagazine thanks, I totally agree. You guys are awesome! Keep at it.

[@raymondosullivan1400]

Portly? Its 183kg wet weight, that's class leading light, super fun and punching above it's weight

[@verdeboyo]

Love the review. At last we see a long awaited middle weight contender. I would have this over the Yamaha R6 any day, but only if Aprilia released a Factory edition. Only thing is I already have the big brother Factory in my stable and that is king

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Gio, Thanks for the kind words! The good news is that a Factory model is on the way. It hasn't been officially announced by Aprilia yet, but the brand is not being shy about its intentions. Maybe it's time to downsize for the street and track-prep the RSV4? 😁 Take care! - Nic

[@gilmacababbad8526]

Good to know that this bike is in between the sport touring and the sports bike, thanks sir, nice review..

[@gcSpec13]

good review nic! btw your tuono article went a long way in convincing me to buy, thanks!

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey OffCambra, I appreciate the sentiment, although, I have to say that the Tuono tends to make its own argument to all that ride it, haha. Take care! - Nic

[@gcSpec13]

@@RiderMagazine one of the few bikes that the reality has met my expectation...brilliant!

[@axist2389]

Nice review. I am looking at this bike at a track bike for novice and intermediate groups.

[@hezrimustapha6906]

Excellent and unbiased review!

[@musicjnky1982]

Going to trade in my Ninja 400 for this. I'm 38 and not looking for a track bike (R6 and ZX6R). Even though those other options are cheaper, I'd rather ride all day comfortably. The ergonomics are close to my Ninja 400 and I love that Ninja.

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

Great low-key delivery, interesting commentary and objective summary - many thanks. Would you take this over the ZX-6R? 🤔

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey G, Thanks for the kind words! I enjoy the Kawasaki ZX-6R quite a bit and it's a great question with a more in-depth answer. If you're a rider that's going to be doing a lot of trackdays, racing, or trackdays exclusively, I'd say that something like the ZX-6R might be more up your alley. The reasoning behind that decision is that a supersport like the ZX-6R can actually be utilized to its fullest potential on the racetrack. The downsides to a supersport like its peaky-powerband and committed riding position simply don't apply if you're focused on track riding. The Aprilia RS 660 appeals to someone that wants to do trackdays and street riding. Perhaps this rider will hit the occasional trackday, but the reality is that they spend most weekends in the canyons and for most of us, riding to the canyons means we need to slog through some boring highway miles first. The useable torque of the RS 660 is perfect in a street setting and the ergonomics are much more comfortable on longer rides or stints in the saddle. That said, I do think there will be a lot of people converting or getting up-spec versions of the RS 660. Parallel-twins and v-twin motorcycles have a rich history in track riding and racing, namely, the SV650 and Ninja 650. Time will tell! Hope this helps! - Nic

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

@@RiderMagazine Many thanks for the reply Nic. I’d heard that the ZX-6R was for a middleweight surprisingly tractable and still v.good low and mid range, hence my question. From what you’re saying though, sounds like the RS 660 would still make the better bike for non-track use. Thanks again. G.

[@RiderMagazine]

@@user-hb6ms3mb4t Hi G, I'd agree that the ZX-6R has more low-end and mid-range power on tap than its competitors and is a little more streetable. However, the inline four-cylinder engine doesn't produce nearly the same amount of streetable torque as the RS 660's parallel-twin powerplant. Having superior low and mid-range power will always benefit someone riding on the street. Take care! - Nic

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

@@RiderMagazine Roger that. Thanks again Nic. Cheers G.

[@irondiet6831]

Well spoken -Great review!!!!

[@lukewilliams3607]

I’m really on the fence of getting this bike. Like I love the features. No other bike gets close at the price. I’m coming from a cbr300r but my friend just got a Daytona 675r and I was curious if I would keep up with him

[@lukewilliams3607]

The prices seems slightly high for the price. But I also know the features are where the price mostly comes from. I’m only 155 at 5’7” so I imagine it won’t be far behind my friend. I don’t like how it’s referred to a sport touring bike. I’ll be test riding one this Tuesday and I guess I’ll really decide that day

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Luke, You raise some great questions and hopefully you have a good test ride! At any rate, I wanted to address a couple of the points you made. As you know, you always want to "ride your own ride," so worrying about keeping up with your friend's Daytona 675R shouldn't cross your mind. The 675R might have a little more straight-line performance, but when riding on the street that's almost irrelevant, since we're all supposed to be abiding by the posted speed limits. Once you're in the twisty sections of road, things tend to boil down to the skill level of the rider more than the bike. I'd consider the RS 660 more of a sportbike and less of a sport-touring motorcycle, as it's supposed to bridge the gap between those two classes. Classifications help us identify and categorize things, but I'm of the opinion that we need to select motorcycles based on what works for us and our particular needs. If you are looking for something sporty that will be comfortable on the street and is racetrack capable, then I'd say the RS 660 is up your alley. As always, be safe out there! Hope this helps, - Nic

[@andriusstankevicius9032]

What is your height?

[@nothingtoseehere93]

Nice video but the sibilance in the video is driving me crazy. Use a de-esser!

[@surferdude642]

How comfortable would this bike be in a 250 to 350 mile day ride?

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Ted, I think you'd be fairly comfortable on a 250-350 mile ride. It also depends on the type of riding that you're doing. If it's an engaging route that focuses on twisty roads, instead of highway hauls, I think you'd be in good shape. We did about 120 during this test and I was no worse for wear. Take care! - Nic

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid & review. Great bike but I'm waiting for the Factory version next year which should be an absolute weapon!

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Rage Rider, Likewise! While not officially announced, the Factory version is being heavily implied by Aprilia. Up-spec suspension and brakes are sure to make a difference on the racetrack! Take care! - Nic

[@rlsedition]

The challenge for Aprilia will be proper pricing for a Factory version.

[@ragerider6283]

@@rlsedition Absolutely. It's closest real competitor is probably the Ducati Supersport, which is overpriced imo. However because the Aprilia is pretty unique it's essentially up against every other bike so it will definitely be a fine line between hit & miss for Aprilia with the Factory.

[@brookdow]

I reckon 660 tuono gonna be even better might be next bike

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Brook, I'd like to see how much the riding triangle changes between the two. The Tuono and RSV4 are fairly far apart in respect to the upper body and it'll be interested to see how that aspect translates on the middleweights. Take care! - Nic

[@rlsedition]

Since it appears both this RS660 and the upcoming Tuono model have reasonable ergonomics and bodywork, what is the need for the Tuono?

[@akent46]

BRING ON THE TUONO VERSION!!!

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Alex, It's on the way! Take care! - Nic

[@SuperTap007]

Want now 😎

[@IstvandrDobo-iw5xi]

Engine sound?

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Istavan, It's tough to capture the engine sound in the onboard footage, which is mostly wind noise. Although, you can hear the engine in some of the action clips of me riding by. I'll be sure to get an isolated clip in the next review. That said, the engine sound is pretty good and as you might have guessed, reminiscent of the RSV4. The 270-degree crank design, which a few different bike makers employ, almost always produces a pleasing exhaust note. Take care! - Nic

[@HydraDnB]

so the 150mph is the max speed?

[@verdeboyo]

Well if you want more mph you'll need the daddy - RSV4

[@robertprosser6856]

If only this bike had roughly 130bhp with lots of bottom end and midrange grunt!

[@RiderMagazine]

Hi Robert, The RS 660 does have lots of low and mid-range power. That's its single biggest strength when compared to inline-four cylinder motorcycles. Take care, - Nic

[@robertprosser6856]

@@RiderMagazine thanks it may surprise me if I test ride it👍

[@morley3810]

2nd gear whoolies?

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Morely, It pains me to admit that I'm terrible at wheeling. Although, several of my colleagues had no issue lofting the front wheel quite high. Take care, - Nic

[@verdeboyo]

whats a whoolie??

[@morley3810]

@@verdeboyo Like a wheelie, but Zack Courts style...

[@robertprosser6856]

Shows how porky modern bikes with their electronics are when my 2005 gsxr1000 K5 weighs 166kg dry!

[@BillyBob-qu3kc]

What is your weight?

[@RiderMagazine]

Hey Billy, I'm probably around 190 at the moment. Take care! - Nic

[@BillyBob-qu3kc]

Thanks for the follow up. I only weigh 150lbs, so, suspension should be fine. Also, very good review, thanks for the in-depth info.