Aprilia have created a new kind of sportsbike with its new RS660! | MCN Reviews

It ticks all the sportsbike boxes by being fast, exciting and feeling like a mini RSV4 superbike in the corners. It’s crammed with tech and looks just like a cutting-edge race rep should, but crucially it’s easy to live with. Read our full review here: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
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[@roelfkromhout]

Excellent explanation of why this bike is such a big deal. Hoping it does really well for Aprilia.

[@regisbagas784]

This appeals to us younger riders who likes travel the extra mile without having the disadvantages of riding a sport bike and sacrificing looks! Well done Neevesy for the banging review!

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

I agree. This, I would consider. An r6? Hell no. I’ve sat on one and i could barely get my feet on the pegs xD

[@mvee5944]

Appeals to us older riders too

[@carrickdubya4765]

@@mvee5944 And us much older riders who don't ride anymore and just like to admire it - it's a beauty!

[@bikasht8354]

That's a beautiful middleweight..

[@Queenshizuka0]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4ewh6Zpfd19fck

[@steve-wu7jp]

Been waiting for the expert to drop his review :)

[@42crazyguy]

Glad to see a return to more road oriented sportbikes like the YZF600R and ZZR600 of yesteryear.

[@devinwagers3134]

Love my thundercat! Wish they would make bikes like it again.

[@iehen]

and the lovely Kawasaki ZXR400 :)

[@Real_MisterSir]

Agreed. It has some great 600 F4i vibes going - but seemingly in a much more agile package.

[@KenjiMapes]

Indeed Wish Yamaha still had an offering like the YFZ or FZR in & around 600-650 whether its an I4 or PTwin. Honda has the CBR650R and CB650R which have been updated and are in the comfortable sportbike segment. Likewise Kawasaki has their 650 Ptwins in the Ninja 650 & Z650. I think Yamaha has a hole in their lineup. As I got older I got sick of my CBR600RR’s harsh position and am more of a chill rider. I am seeking comfort while maintaining capability. I have no need for a 750 or liter bike. This Aprilia is a work of art but like Triumphs and Ducati’s it’s pricey and out of reach for many buyers. To be fair though there are a lot of amazing bikes and they have blurred a lot of the lines between the bike types. Many “casual” bikes have gotten sportier and livelier and vice versa.

[@DoctorStrange01]

@@KenjiMapes I'll take a guess and say that if RS 660 sells well, other companies might start to smell $$$ in this "new" class and build something to compete with Aprilia. Considering how good the reviews are and how many people seem to be interested in this bike, it's a very possible scenario. I doubt, that other brands will just let Aprilia fill that spot and do nothing about it. Supersport sales are pretty bad, so making something in between a typical sport tourer and a supersport seems to be a good idea, as we can see with RS 660.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

I’ve been waiting for a bike just like this for longer than I can remember! A great honest review which has only made me want it more! Thank you sir. 👍😎

[@_rubberbandit3697]

Best review of this bike by far. Well done Neevesy!

[@SuperbikeDiscovery]

I just love this channel. Guys of MCN are the best in reviews.

[@spooner9440]

As always, a comprehensive description and review.. always a thumbs!

[@KingCast65]

Neevsy great to see ya m8! Loved your work for the past 15 years since I returned to bikes after a 9 year hiatus.

[@f1hotrod527]

So its what the 600's used to be in the 90's and early 2000's, crazy performance but with a little practicality and a little of the edge taken off.

[@DoctorStrange01]

Yep. Just perfect, sporty, but comfy bike for everyday use without ass pain (like, real physical pain).

[@mrnicktoyou]

Realistically, 100hp on a motorbike is ridiculously fast. You will never need more than that on the road.

[@ikbendusan]

there's a difference between want and need

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@ikbendusan still, for many people the want and need are both covered with 100 hp for most street use. There's also a matter of how the power is delivered, where something like the RS660 can offer most of its potential at actual real road speeds and riding/traffic flow, whereas the more dedicated supersports need long stretches of clear road in order to actually allow you to use their power advantage high up in the revs. That's why the 650 class is already so popular, because they offer real world performance that's always accessible in urban environments - and now the RS660 bumps up that real world engagement into the sportsbike category. In many ways the RS660 is to the 650 class, what superbikes are to 600 supersports.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

100hp is ridiculously fast, if the motorcycle doesn't weigh more than a dirtbike.

[@NudaMan]

@@exothermal.sprocket I mean the bike is 400 pounds wet 🥲, I rode one at my job/dealership and the fact that it’s so light the wind was blowing me left and right on the test ride and that’s a con for me but everything is is pro pro pro lol

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Stability is affected by overall weight. But that's not everything. You could put a 300 pound man on a Grom and stability would still be an issue. A lot of it has to do with aerodynamics, center of gravity, steering geometry, front-to-rear weight bias, engine flywheel effect (crank, flywheel, transmission), how heavy the bike's wheels are.

[@jostinjoebaby3424]

Was seriously waiting for your review. Great bike.

[@drink4711]

happy return to the middle-weights! lovely balance

[@patw9175]

What an absolute beauty. Love the mismatched wheels too.

[@australoitaliano]

Great looking real world bike. I really don't understand those comments complaining that a parallel twin isn't like a inline 4. The point of a bike like this is exactly not to be an inline 4. It's just another option (a better one in my opinion).

[@bruceleong9534]

Sensible and exciting. More than enough power for the road. Enough for the track. Just not enough for the pub 😉

[@Real_MisterSir]

I'd say it's perfect for the pub, since it easily allows you to judge wether your company is worth spending time with or not ;) I ain't offering a round on me, to people who act like spec sheet warriors when they're off of their bikes

[@poomrapeesannok7441]

Not enough for anything if you are a decent rider . If you need comfortable you should not be on a sport bike . Same if you don't do 150 mph plus on a regular . What is this thing for ? People who want to look cool but don't want more than 85 hp to the rubber. I guess bikers are getting more sissy as well . Tc on 100 hp . Talk about gimmicky . Give us an 800 cc 18,000 rpm redline 190 hp monster . Revs baby . And no tc . That's what I want

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@poomrapeesannok7441 We get it Karen only your taste counts. Let me go get the manager, I have a feeling you're gonna ask for him sooner or later

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Poomrapee Sannok Goddamn....I wish I could be as hardcore as you. You must be a such a cool guy! I bet you’ve got tons of friends & they all admire what a crazy motorcycle rider you are. Chicks probably love you as well. Imagine, equating your manhood with the amount of horsepower in your bike... what. a. tosser.

[@cobenblack1876]

Always interesting when someone who clearly has no experience decided to try and convince people who do that they know what they’re talking about. When you get your 125 mate, you let us know and we’ll give you pointers.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Yes! Please make bikes like this that makes sense for the road.

[@peterblue1100]

Great review as usual & useful I love that green !

[@turkishexpress]

Those parallel twins sound so good too.

[@Firestorm637]

Excellent review as always.

[@ncsteeltoe]

I've been wanting someone to build this for years. Even my 750 is too much for any road in the country and first gear is a felony anywhere lol.

[@cornellkirk8946]

Jesus what country do you live in? I’m in the U.K. have an aprilia 1000 and it’s ideal. Can hit 150mph on all the back roads and it loves it, nice twisty roads round here it’s perfect

[@CyberGasty]

This is a good package, but for the sales Tuono 660 will be a killer.

[@2470mmcom]

Thank you for review!

[@robertdavis4761]

Your reviews are the best!!!

[@vancouverdrafting604]

Love your reviews! Keep it up.

[@cpinch73]

Absolutely love your reviews 👍

[@DF-ss5ep]

I must commend you on your selling skills. I've had this bike for a couple of months now, and all the information is truthful. I'm a new rider, and to me the acceleration is mind blowing. On the highway, I can feel it wouldn't take that much to reach its top power, but I won't be needing it for a long time anyway.

[@Angel-rg9dh]

Oh, good things can happen in 2020!

[@ragerider6283]

Really nice bike. Also great vid & best review I"ve seen for this bike by a mile, really comprehensive. Very tempting! Saw rumours that Euro 5 is killing off the Shiver & Dorsoduro soon so 660 Tuono's got the Shiver replacement covered & I reckon we can expect a Dorso 660 at some point too which would be awesome!

[@f1hotrod527]

Cool bike. Looks like a full on sports bike. The styling looks better in this video than at the bike shows.

[@JamchesterBoozle]

This is a stroke of genius form Aprilia...….thinking about swapping my 675 R for this. Love torque, all the way :)

[@lt1eg6]

First time I swapped from a the Daytona (Long gearing got old) to an SV, then I went for a GSXR back to the SV. Torque all the way. This bike should be a delight.

[@tarukmongto]

You don't deserve a 675R. You had better swap it as you're obviously not capable of piloting it even close to its potential. I have a ninja because it's faster and I have nuts. But the 675r is the best handling bike I've ridden. Please give it to somebody more deserving. Enjoy your parallel twin.

[@shiftyshamsk]

Sold my Mille for a 675. Regretted it, bought another Mille. You can't beat torque.

[@JamchesterBoozle]

@@tarukmongto 😂😂 Hey man, don't be so sensitive lol. I love my street triple! But, I'd like something with more torque - apologise if this has ruined your day. 😂😂 And.....how dare you buy a ninja who gave you permission to do that?? If only everyone had your nuts Matt lol

[@JamchesterBoozle]

@Casey R. I don't care about the Ninja I was talking about the Aprilia, then someone come in talking about how I didn't deserve my street triple lol....ok

[@stubailey9433]

Always loved the 600cc class. Fun bikes.

[@jamsxr]

Good review. Well done Aprilia!

[@RetroRidingEveryday]

Very nice review!

[@FrankFurther]

Looks bloody gorgeous. Love the yellow and red.

[@Farsightful]

i have watched this review so many times... this is my dream motorcycle.

[@markbradley7505]

Love your videos lad

[@pistolpete6321]

And it has a fuel gauge, yippee, well done Aprilia! Great review!

[@th33b33]

Thanks for the advice 👍 I want a V2 but I think this will fit the bill. I have a Monster 796 currently

[@dimitris_nt]

Great motorcycle!!! Beautifully made and with good price. The top road sportsbike!!!

[@gnarshread]

If the amount of Aprilia's I've been seeing at track days lately us anything to go by this little package will be pretty popular.

[@redshiftit8303]

I've got a 2017 R6 and this look like my next buy!

[@brucekendall52]

Thks guys.Always good to hear your view point.JHB-SA.

[@james5553]

Love my ape and this new one looks great !

[@Kdubbzism]

I used to ride a Honda CBR600F4i, 2001 with similar horsepower. Super comfortable and was not intimidating as my first bike, This seems like that bike but for 2021, 20 years later and from a more premium brand. Would absolutely LOVE this bike.

[@Ahogg1992]

Things are looking good for the new rsv4 and tuono

[@KiwiMoto72]

I bought one as my 2nd track bike alongside my V4S Pani. I am excited to throw clips on's, rear sets, and Ohlins on her. Game on!

[@piggymito]

Can't wait to see the tuono version, that'll be a LOT of fun!

[@notafanatic]

I wish more manufacturers would bring back the 4 pot 750cc class pumping out around 150bhp for sensible money. It's the perfect balance between power / torque / top-end for the road. Basically a GSXR-750.

[@purebloodheretic4682]

👍Agreed, the Zx7r & Gsxr-750s were Awesome, Quick Enough! imho

[@kirkdunn1379]

Agreed, 140-150 hp is the sweetspot....can still scratch an itch while being reasonable.....200 hp is insane Drag racing on a freeway is drag racing...... Do kinda wish Aprilia mad like 800cc version with 120-130 hp Triumph would be a great street bike as well I have the 890 R but the wind is brutal, that's where Aprilia shines...not too aggressive but has a fairing....

[@belikof747]

Really interesting comments on this bike. So happy it is that good. Coming from an MT-07 which is a lot of fun, I had three choices : Triumph Street Triple R or RS, BMW S1000R which are way more powerful. I prefer to know my bike well before buying a new one and I better start by this RS660 before big power roadster. You got a new suscriber 🤘

[@johnswanson6994]

“200 hp is a waste of time on the road”. Truer words Neevsey, truer words!

[@gm16v149]

Maybe so but you can still use 200 HP for track days and ride on the road as well.

[@johnswanson6994]

@gm16v149 True that, but how many track day riders are capable enough to truly get the full potential out of a 205 hp motorcycle? Maybe 2-3%? It’s still way too much for 95% of riders. Isn’t it really about being a poseur?

[@gm16v149]

@@johnswanson6994 Depends on the track. You most definitely can use 200+ HP at Phillip Island near where I live. I hire a BMW S1000RR for there but my 110 HP Kawasaki Z900RS is just perfect for the street. It’s all a matter of choice of course. Personally the Aprilia wouldn’t be for me though it’s a nice bike.

[@soorajy4181]

Finally a 5 min + video from neevesy.....!❤

[@TahirPassionGP]

Nice mini sport tourer from Aprilia !

[@bobelable]

Morning Mike lovejoy here the face book warrior lol you've given this bike a really good review and for me to think it's good is pretty good ,your spot on with the 200 hp thing on the rd I ride a m1000rr on the rd and as you say its only fun when your riding it at jail sentence speed so I think this little bike would be a cracker xx

[@ssmith954]

Excellent review, thanks! Could not agree more -- I think this race for 200hp+ bikes have kind of killed the market, in that they're totally impractical for the road, expensive and off-putting for may riders. It's great to see the middle-weight segment get a bit of a kick with this launch. This looks like great fun on the road, it's got good but manageable power, won't kill the back, and the pricing seems reasonable. Would love to see you guys do a long term loan/review of this one.

[@adamstratford6740]

Been a while coming this has but Aprilia seem to have done a great job with this RS660 👏👏Neevesey with 💯 best job in the world!!

[@Firestorm637]

Middle weights are the new liter bikes. The middle weights have plenty of power. You do not need top of the line halo bike. Halo bikes show the future with electronic and features filter down to their other bikes.

[@J2A61]

Very nice bike looks good

[@24879067marshall]

So many will hit the mini twin club scene. Good job Aprilia

[@GMss101]

Looks fantastic. I hope people buy them and keep the 600s going!

[@motordemic]

Basically everything I want! I'm sold 🤣I'd love to see it in a tuono styles bike too!

[@1956colinb]

What took you so long Michael 😂😂 Looks a great little bike and I’m sure it’ll be tons of fun on a nice twisty road, only thing missing......it hasn’t got the potential to scare the crap out of you like a litre bike can 😳 and let’s face it, we all like a bit of an adrenaline rush now and again 😬!! Great review, some on board camera footage would have been nice to hear what it sounds like when your wringing it’s neck 👍

[@michaelbrady9364]

Waiting for the Touno version. Factory.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

The RS660 sounds like a baby S1000RR - heated grips, decent ergos, excellent electronics pkg - but with snazzier clothes, a more soulful engine note, and usable power. Nice!

[@jsleeio]

have any of the other non-BMW sportsbikes gained heated grips yet? I recall an older vid where Mr. Neeves had a good whinge about the other manufacturers not doing it

[@atastefortheroad4475]

@@jsleeio I'm not aware of any stock from the factory.

[@iamtherealzombie]

@@atastefortheroad4475 I think it's actually an option now on the new base RR, standard on the M package, I think?

[@Bunter1815]

I know it's not a biggie but I can't see where it's mentioned that it heated grips?

[@GreggCesaroni]

I’m so happy they made this. I want one so bad....

[@TheTylus]

This bike is aesthetically beautiful combined with a appealealing concept. Quality review from mcn. I am just wondering how my 1,93m will fit on it. Best way to find out is with a test next spring.

[@oneonlyxram]

Love the black and red the livery the most, it seems like a killer bike for sure. That yellow though is a love or hate color, I just am not a fan, but I see the draw to it. I love the sounds of Aprilia from this to even a Dosoduro and the RSV4.

[@richardpichan6916]

Muz used to make a few dualsports, a supermoto and a couple smaller sportbikes with a tightened up Yamaha 660 single. Thinkin they'd be pretty hot in todays market.

[@frankeichhorn7979]

Can't wait to have a go on one. And is has a fuel gage!!

[@future62]

Hope this thing is the kick in the ass Kawa and Suzuki need to give their 650s some balls. A Ninja 750 triple would fit nice between the 400 and 1000 and I know the SV engine block can go to like 750cc. More sub 400lb 100HP standard bikes please

[@whylie74]

I've heard that it and its' Norton skinned sister are now eligible for IOM TT light weights, so it may be the push the big four and others need to follow suite.

[@larriwithay]

I think the reason Kawi doesn’t do anything with the 650 is because of a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Also notice that the bike is more comfort oriented and I’d guess their 650 is a good selling bike for Kawi despite not being the most powerful of its class

[@larriwithay]

Also keep in mind Kawi uses that 650 engine for its other bikes. I do feel they should make a more powerful engine to replace but emissions probably gonna bite them in the ass

[@ninja1970fin]

636 is THE bike. Not 650 which is a toy.

[@cbats1888]

If an Sv750SRA will be released, i'd instantly buy it. I love my k7 sv650sra, but it needs a less stretched seating position (less reach to the bars) and >80hp with the same character. I adore the Aprilia, but it should have had a V-twin!

[@guardian7377]

Well I know what bike I'm buying when I get a full licence! It's literally everything I want in a bike! In Australia you can't really use supersports so it's actually perfect

[@waysideme]

Looks like a really good street bike.

[@twowheeler7203]

Another sensible review by Mr N. I really like the look of this bike and I think it will do really well or should do if riders are honest with themselves and admit they don't need more than 100bhp to have fun. Sure if you do lots of trackdays and are really fast you might want a quicker bike, but is it worth it for the cramped riding position? Perhaps that's just my age talking :) I think it will be worth a test ride, some people may actually like the parallel twin especailly as it's a 270 crank so will feel more like a v twin and more compact. My only hesistation would be the dealer network but maybe if it sells to the masses there will be more anyway :)

[@chidizzy6633]

I really think ktm have missed the boat here an rc 790 / 890 would be unreal !

[@elithegreat6463]

How is your TechAir-5, I have one as well, love it 👍

[@chappy2121]

I hope these are good. Love the rsv4 would love one, one day. These look a little cheap from the pictures, I'd have to see one in the flesh though

[@rudydalessandro1094]

Beautiful bike, it fulfills that empty space between the softy 2 cylinder 500/600 to the R6/Z6R category. I'm a happy owner of an R6 -2018, however, if Aprilia was available at that time, I will probably go for it, because on the road is much more comfortable.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Nice as the 660 is, my answer to the over complex, over powerful for road hyperbikes was to buy an Aprilia Mille rsvr gen1. Loads of power and loads more torquey grunt than the 660 making the power delivery a lot more brutal...no electronic aids. Sublime chassis The most fun on 2 wheels you can have. Not as fast in a straight line as the latest superbikes but on road? You won't notice the difference. Best thing is you can buy a good one for less than half the price of a 660.

[@MrRedragon64]

Finally a new bike without a black frame!!!! Bravo Italia!!!

[@mermerac9610]

A barebones edition without the fancy electronics would be cool. Just the modern essentials ABS, TCS just switchable.

[@hoodedr6]

I’m going to Uni in September so I’m going to be selling my car and upgrading from the LXR 125 to a 600, if I pass my DAS🤞 and honestly been dreaming about an Aprillia for a while, I’m so close to finally getting one, this was a great review for me to see what I’ll be getting.

[@mikeviljoen]

Want one now

[@f1hotrod527]

strangely, the yellow really looks better than the other 2, and highlights the lines much better.

[@MrTrek164]

I will buy the tuono 660 when it arrives ,I'm sure .Just hope it has some pillion comfort .

[@Bikeadelic]

Neevesy neevesy good for the heart, in footage we watch him for covid keeps us appart.

[@Cthooligan]

I feel a dunce now for track prepping an fz 07 for the last 2 years. Is the ride different enough to justify keeping the FZ while picking this up, or should I trade in?

[@rob.fisher]

Great review - interested in the comparison to the Ducati as a current SS owner and sounds like i need to have a ride on one next year! :)

[@theSTUNTHAMSTER]

Ditto

[@MrBurchy]

I've a Ducati SS as well. Would be interesting to see a comparison although a good few years development between them. Can't believe Neevesy said this would be more exciting than the Duc SS though. Better noise and slightly more power from the Duc with the same type of package: relatively light and balanced frame with sports bike looks and some comfort.

[@jstogdill]

Same hear. Wish he would have expanded on what he meant by “more involved than the Ducati”

[@ampm9771]

SS is a naked bike.

[@MrBurchy]

@@ampm9771 no it's not. You're thinking of the Streetfighter.

[@jamiebell1528]

It's an interesting bike for sure. Think the RS660 might be in a more well-defined niche than the 660 Tuono, which will be going head-to-head with the 790 Duke and the Street Triple, which both have a displacement advantage and are likely to be a bit cheaper (unless you get the Street Triple RS). And the 660rs makes sense for racers if it qualifies in the 650 class. At 6'4" I'd be worried it was a bit small. The Ducati fitted me, when I tried that. Feel another test ride coming on...

[@paolomendioro1187]

Funny that when I look at the RS660 concept and the production RS660, the concept looks so gorgeous and the production model looks kinda less aggressive. But in side profile, they look virtually the same lol

[@travisspires3297]

you sold me, I was looking to grab a new speed triple, but lets be practical. I have ridden fast and slow bikes... this is what I am looking for as an intermediate rider, who commutes to work and enjoys the occasional twistys.

[@PCERules]

I just wonder if some of the other manufacturers who used to rule this sector will wake up? A new decent mid range GSXR is way overdue, that RS660 has all the practical bits to make it the one bike you own as the Z750 and GSXR 750 used to be: foldable mirrors, a riding position that isn't painful and opportunities to tart your ride up to keep you interested. My nearest Aprilia dealer isn't close but I'm going to have a look at one!

[@JOHNMINKA]

what do you think of the swinging arm mounted to the engine .hmmm is this not asking for trouble if dropped. why not carry the frame on

[@carllewis1691]

Where are the front indicators ?are all the lights LED ?

[@ryanmaclellan8518]

I was going to get the cbr650r till I saw this one now im waiting till spring 2021 to get mine, this is going to be the longest winter 😩

[@botiroti1]

You’re too big for this bike man.....lol

[@michaellarge3846]

Makes me pine for an updated VFR800....

[@eleiaandsteven]

Please encourage Yamaha to create a R7. It would be super easy, barely an inconvenience. Just take the MT-07 motor, and put it in a beafed up R3 chassis. Take the suspension and brakes from and R6. Give it the 1st gen R3 dash. It's the best dash ever. No need for TC. Just ABS and you should be good. Price it ubder 10k.

[@Real_MisterSir]

Ahh, seeing Ryan quotes in unrelated comment sections is TIGHT

[@dschimp]

Wow wow wow wow ... wow

[@eleiaandsteven]

@@dschimp convincing manufacturers to build us bikes we actually want is TIGHT!

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@eleiaandsteven ... "so this is an Italian sportsbike, why is it sensible to ride on the street and doesn't cost a fortune?" "Whoops" "Whoopsie"

[@eleiaandsteven]

@@Real_MisterSir I'm going to need you to get allllll the way off my back about this being made for the street. Let me get off that thing.

[@zippyspeedmonkey]

Does it have heated grips ? ( I can't seem to find an answer to this ) As I ride in Canada that is the one thing above all other things I desire in both the late Fall and early Spring.

[@ninja1970fin]

Well if Kawi wont export the 6R to europe in 2021 due to euro5 regulations this is a nice replacement, although more expensive

[@thorvelasco1467]

Thank you for the review. Hello CBR650R for the money.