Aprilia RS 660 the most powerful and sophisticated middleweight sport bike.

[@MrWolfgang1981]

I bought the RS 660 because it looks superb, I´m a beginner and I wanted to have all the electronics. Moreover it is an Aprilia and I loved those bikes since I was a kid and envied the guys that had a RS 125 2-stroke. The bike is absolutely brilliant in every aspect and in my opinion people should not look at bikes with a rational view - bikes are for fun, they are something emotional, like art, where you cannot just compare the price-performance ratio. The sound of the RS 660 itself is outstanding.

[@MTBrider26]

It's not that I don't like Aprilia they are just way overpriced in Australia. I can also get a brand new Suzuki GSXR 1000 for the same price as the RS 660. No contest really when it comes to bang for buck 200hp vs 100hp with all the tech and for the same price.

[@zedddddful]

@@MTBrider26 strange in the UK gsx1000r £16999 RSV41100 tuono £15500 and the aprilia will spank the Suzuki.

[@grumpypole]

@@zedddddful And with a bit of discount from a dealer, you can get RS660 for £9300. I'm very tempted.

[@zedddddful]

@@grumpypole I'm seriously considering a Tuareg tbf.

[@johnlaw5762]

Ah man those Aprilia 2 strokes back in the day…stuff of dreams. Then and even now 😄

[@r6singh]

This is motorcycle journalism of the highest order. Please stay genuine and honest guys. Not every bike is the best bike every made and that’s what we consumers are told a lot these days. Love from 🇨🇦

[@pigiama31]

the second part doesnt make any sense to me personally. i own a rs660 after trying zx6r, gsx650r and r6, and coming from a 1000cc. Here s your use-case, cmon gsx650r ...

[@ryanskully]

Anyone who has not ridden the new 660's are missing out on how much fun they are to ride. I have 8960km on mine so far and that was put on in just less than 6 months.

[@ErranLawler]

I am a returning rider been riding for about 14 years before I chose family over the bike life….with that being said, I’m older and a little wiser now…a little. I just purchased a RS600 and impatiently waiting on delivery. The reason I chose the the Aprilia is for all the reasons you choose a fine Sports Sedan. I wanted something that’s looks great, sexy, sophisticated, fast, refined, and let’s be honest you spend more as a little reward to yourself and to be a little different. Basically the same reason you buy an Audi over a Charger. But I must say this bike is amazing. I had a chance to ride the other bikes in this class and although the R7 was tempting…RS660 is just in a class all alone. It’s a small Supersport bike…it’s a reason why it looks almost identical to the RSV4. It’s expensive but then so are my kids…lol. Great video. You guys have a new sub! I will be watching.

[@stevebright8583]

Rs660 always invokes those who like and those who dislike. I’m the owner of one and I am really pleased with it. It’s given me no issues in the 9 months I have owned it, and it puts a smile on my face every time. 5000 miles in, still feel the same as I did on day 1. Best bike out there? For me it was.

[@John-gz2me]

Got one last year for summer jaunts and the track... absolutely love it. Used to the comfort of an upright FJR and a little-less upright H2 SX, and while the Aprilia is undoubtedly more forward-tilted, its riding position is sheer luxury compared to other sports bikes I know of. You can take it out on a long spin no problem and won't need the chiropractor afterwards. The wind protection is a lot better than you might imagine but, for me, the ergonomics are a huge selling point.

[@avirammaganhalli7719]

how tall are you mate?

[@John-gz2me]

@@avirammaganhalli7719 I'm 5 foot 11. Never quite made to six feet, ha ha! That's around 180 cm.

[@stuartcampbell3605]

Between his bit at the end of this video and his ignoring the Tuareg completely at EICMA I begin to suspect that Mat just has a bone to pick with Aprilia.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

You buy a bike like this because you desire it

[@mattix35a]

Isn’t this bike way more comfortable to ride than for example the R6? I dont hear any talk about that. I’ll happily pay a few grand to save my ass cheeks the pain.

[@T595955i]

Fully agree with the ending thoughts, actually kind of refreshing (comparing to other jornos also making videos). My congratulations for keeping the show true and honest, as it always has been. Especially for speeking freely, giving your own thoughts, instead of a glorified salesman pitch.

[@jeremyr62]

Great summary there. Nice to see the GSXR750 get a shout out. Any sports bike from the mid noughties out handles 99% of normal riders in my opinion.

[@nomojo1110]

100th Anniversary GSXR750 is over 3000AUD less than the Ape (both inc., on road costs.) As an Italian bike fan, I'd take the Suzuki or even the goofy looking '21 ZX6R with a full 26BHP more than the Ape.

[@MrNufzed]

@@nomojo1110 100%

[@carlclark6618]

Or a zx6 if in uk anyway, better in everyday with reliability included, agree with everything you said and wish suzuki would bring the 750 back to uk

[@nomojo1110]

@@MrNufzed Cheers mate. Donovan was obviously excited with this one, which is nice to see. Though you'd be forgiven thinking this was the original Fireblade launch ;)

[@mrcintheuk5596]

Very true final comments. Unfortunately, but very understandably, most journalists sold their souls many moons ago in order to remain employed and keep being invited back on the next corporate event. You'll never find out the shortcomings of any bike from most journalists until the next model appears, when they will then tell you how much the new model is an improvement over the previous model's faults. Triumph seem to be the best (worst?) at getting journalist to spew their corporate promo. C'est la vie.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Yep That's why subtext is crucial

[@timothymills733]

Well said. There are too few journos, and channels, who will criticize certain brands. I am a Ducati and Triumph owner, but I totally agree with you, though I would add Ducati to the list as they seem to have a few journos routinely doing their marketing work for them :-)

[@l.s.1709]

Triumph seems to have lost it because the speed triple 1200 isn't really getting the press praise.

[@colinpirie8403]

Was looking at Street Triple RS or KTM890 RS both around 20K $NZ dollars then noticed GSXR750 for 16K, 25ish more HP and almost the same weight .

[@naz2774]

While I agree with your sentiments at the end of the video, bikes are often bought with the heart and not the head.

[@lorentzinvariant7348]

I have really been considering one of these more for the track. I like the addition of more sophisticated electronics on a middle weight for someone like me who has limited experience. I welcome the added safety net. These added electronics may be less of a thing on the road but might much more of a thing on a track. Ever seen an r6 high side? I have, and I’m over 40. I too have a spine, and I want to protect mine.

[@johnlaw5762]

Still, compared to cars, bikes are insane value for money where performance and desirability matters

[@jamesfisher1827]

Great journalism. Don clearly loves the RS660 and rightly sings it’s praises, but as Matt objectively points out it’s not without it’s rivals. Would I buy an Italian bike and not wonder about it’s warranty and spares availability?

[@daveo9844]

Loving that induction roar. That’ll keep you smiling on its own 😎

[@baumie461]

How refreshing to hear a bike journalist say that! 🙏👍👌

[@brynstephens4624]

For my pleasure and pocket I must say the 750 Suzuki is my choice. It performs brilliantly and when I use it on track it gives bigger bikes a wake up call. Not saying it's faster than a 1000 however the handling ect. makes it a real pleasure to ride or race.

[@jncdi1535]

2.55 "It's an Aprilia, built in Italy" Tank pad is already peeling off.

[@nawnaw4709]

It does not come with those tanks pads

[@6tdegrees]

It doesnt come with tank pads

[@kyp1201]

Not sure if this has been said or not, but the whole idea of the RS is that it is more of a practical do it all sports bike. It's not so committed that you would have a hard time doing a full days riding like on a traditional inline 4 supersports. It's got quality components like a radial pull brake master and brembo monoblocks up front. It's even got a luggage rack under the pillion seat and cruise control for weekend trips. Not to mention enough performance for a blast on track of the twisties. It's not the best tool for anything but it does a decent job at anything that you would want a sports bike to do.

[@rivercityrambler7751]

I think the one thing the RS has on the GSXR750 or R6 is the rider position which is less committed and more comfortable for street use. As far as the 890R goes(I am a KTM fan) the Aprilia offers something the 890 does not. Wind protection. The Aprilia is an interesting hodge podge of street use comforts with a dash of track focused livery. It's a very interesting bike and currently in my crosshairs. ....and I am currently on team orange with a Duke in my garage. Not saying I would get rid of my Duke but also saying the Aprilia may end up being part of my stable.

[@Supernova12034]

This bad boys been destroying the competition in the AMA/motoamerica. So much so, they made a special version with eagles and stars and stripes.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

As an ex Australian Superbike racer on back when they were 750 cc Japanese 4 cylinder engines and the 916 Ducati L-twin my money would definitely go towards the Suzuki and that’s not just due to racing one. Even the 2022 built ones are getting old and lack all the electronics the RS660 has it’s still the better bike as realistically speaking you don’t need them anyway on a 100 bhp bike. Great video. Thank you. 👍😎🇦🇺

[@Fernando90054]

I tested this beautiful and awesome machine and the price seemed right for the overall quality of chassis and technology that Aprillia put in it. But has a bike for the road, street and secondary roads, the rear shock doesn’t forgive any of the pavement irregularities or the majority of them. You Will feel it on the moment, not later, and you’re going to feel it again later, yet. What surprised me was the wracking noise of the rear break when approaching a stop sign or a red stop light, like if something was wrong and old (in a brand new good looking sports bike style, elaborated machine, with all the electronic gizmos and technology). I tried the bike with an ackrapovich exhaust and it sounded marvelous, only to know(after finishing the test ride) that it wasn’t street legal but the Dealer mounted it anyway, because it turns the bike more appealing!?? On the fast lane I looked for the traffic behind using the mirrors. Do you know what I could see? Nothing! The mirrors vibrate so hard that I obviously understood that it was there just for the good looks, couldn’t see nothing at 75mph! So, it is beautiful? In deed! Does it has a heart? Yes, considerably. Is it good for the money? Maybe, it always depends on what we seek to get! So, am I going to buy one? No, because I want a bike that looks like a toy. Not a toy that wants to be a bike.

[@derjaxxer]

Cant really agree. The squeeking of the rear brake was gone after a few miles, and the suspensions feels good and gives feedback imo. Electronics work beautiful and saved my ass a few times. Sound is orgasmic and emotional, and it has awesome low and mid range power. It gives me a very good feeling while cornering

[@Fernando90054]

@@derjaxxer thank you for your reply, and maybe I was too rough in my opinion about the bike. Nevertheless, I found it interesting enough to test drive it, but it was a limited experience, I never owned one, and if I took that risk I might have a different opinion. Your answer to my comment made me rethink about it. In fact, I ended buying a KTM Super Duke 1290 GT with which I’m very pleased to have right now. But of course I had to invest a different amount of money to make that decision. And it is a different bike. When I tested the Aprillia 660 RS, I also enjoyed cornering with it. Don’t misunderstand me, it is a great bike, but not good enough to replace my Yamaha XSR 900 Abarth Edition. I was thinking about that option when I tested the Aprillia and the ride I took with it didn’t convinced me that far. I kept the XSR 900 and it still sleeps under my roof. Further to that it’s great to know that the rear brake noise was extinct after riding the bike a few more miles, but that wasn’t a nice first impression I took from the ride test of the Machine. Thanks once more for your comments. Be well and ride safe!😎✌️✌️

[@derjaxxer]

@@Fernando90054 hi. I think its really cool that you are so open about it and "admit" that you were being a bit rough, but thats completely okay though, honest opinions are the best. I can understand your point also. Stay as cool as that and ride safe always! 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@guzziman]

Mat, RS660 or MT09 ? Assuming money is not the deciding factor?

[@averagebiker]

You want the main justification to buy this bike over similarly priced bikes? Looks cool 😎

[@carlsitler9071]

I absolutely always go for the best bang for the buck. In 2005 I bought a Bandit 1200S for $5500. Two years ago, I bought a new Ninja 400 for $3150 and this year traded it for a Triumph America. I would love an Aprilia 660 but I would buy the Suzuki 750.

[@timbehrendt8531]

Danke für den emotionalen Beitrag. Du sprichst mir aus der Seele. Und keiner der mit dir fährt, glaubt dir, daß du nur 100PS hast.

[@Bad_Company666]

Yeah, it’s an Aprilla. At the 2:54 mark the 3 dollar stick on “Carbon Fiber” thingie is half off. Italy’s finest no doubt….

[@xRioTzHD]

That's an accessory either installed by the dealer or owner of the bike. No fault of aprilia.

[@krishubbold9090]

What helmet is that??

[@6569carl]

Great video as always, thank you for putting out quality trustworthy content

[@yonniboy1]

Realistically the RS660 is in a class of its own, simply by its price which is massively more than every other bike in the 650 class, its price puts it right in the mix with the KTM 890R, MT-09 SP, Street Triple RS and new Ducati Monster but neither does it belong with these bikes (apart from price wise) as every one of these bikes blow it away performance wise, so there we have the RS 660 in a group of one.

[@-DC-]

All that electronics on a 100 BHP motorcycle seems like a marketing plan rather than a requirement, learn how to ride properly and use the throttle as appropriate.

[@TheMatrixcube]

does it have a counterrotating engineassembly ?

[@MTBrider26]

I'd go Italian but not Aprilia. For my money it would the same priced Ducati 950 Supersport S for a comfortable sportsbike.

[@BryByWire]

New RS 660 owner here. A few things stood out to me and I think the bike has honestly over delivered. 1) Despite having many bikes over the years, my favorite was my Honda VFR. I wanted something that could approximate that but with less weight and more tech. Check. 2) RS 660 is even more beautiful in person - especially in Acid Yellow. Check. 3) I wanted a middleweight bike with enough low end grunt to carry my girlfriend around town without having to rev it out. Check. 4) I wanted a bike that was easy to ride but still exciting. Check. Check. So fun!! So easy!!! Couldn't be happier honestly, even if my left wrist is a little angry with my decision.

[@Crimson_Strider]

its just high compression ratio. most twins have mild compression.

[@KiwiMoto72]

A very well balanced review - thank you

[@RaijinTheThunder]

I am currently on a Z900RS Cafe and the weight of the Aprilia 660s is sounding better and better to be honest. Plus cruise control! I am also eyeballing the Ninja 1000SX but that seems to be a move UP in weight :-(

[@dukehoyer2015]

Agree with ur report about the RS660 , but i m kind of confused about what bikes u compared it to . the RS 660 is build as a base bike for the superlight class - twin cylinders up to 690 ccm , so the only senseful comparison should be with bikes of that class . And there is only one bike , the R7 , that is a new construction . For me the RS660 seems to be a great bike , but to use it as a race bike in superlight class it has two probs : A lack of 30ccm compared to the other bikes from the beginning , which will mean either great effort or a lack of power compared to the other racebikes , and its starting weight of 183 kg - way too much for a twin-racer .

[@sivanm2130]

Good call on the GSX-R750 alternative. I do like the light weight and relaxed ergonomics on the Aprilia. The electronics are gimmicky and the suspension looks cheap. Buyers will be paying for upgrades and shop time. On the other hand, the gixxer needs nothing.

[@MyMednas]

I really want a sports bike for the road. Something just a little more comfortable than a full on track bike. However 100hp doesn't really interest me, so still looking for that elusive machine. The R7 and RS660 are ideal for new riders or oldies moving down, but for those of us who still like a bit of performance, can we have a 140ish hp sports bike for the road? Anyone? Please?

[@pmwaffle9348]

Gsxr 750 or f3 800 for something sportier, Ducati super sport for a more road focused machine

[@naveenkumar-xc4cb]

At 7:30 the real talk starts and it's awesome.

[@NudaMan]

This bike sits in front of me everyday at my job🤩🥲… but the R7 seems like a better fit for me financially 😢 I own a 03 Aprilia RSV Mille & 06 KTM 950 SM at the moment😉 IYKYK

[@davidwaddington9414]

now what about the common oil leakage from this bike ?

[@veeken777]

Aprilia made the best 125 2strokes back in the day. Apart from the Cagiva that is.

[@shoei41]

2:53 Tank sticker falling off. 🤨

[@TK-cl1jm]

Aftermarket

[@JDeezle21]

GSX-R750!!!!

[@tonykartracer8032]

Those...... 'handlebars' though. Why not use clip-on's so you can adjust them to your liking if this is a 'superbike' as you put it?

[@kierenmoore3236]

Honda has a few good options in that class - so, you’re right, Aprilia wouldn’t want you to mention them …

[@braverabbit]

Many who own this bike have had many issues regarding the engine and electronics. My friend is having a terrible time with his bike, engine lights, stalling, not starting, dealing with the dealership and now excessive vibration ..... His is now looking for a lemon law lawyer.

[@kevin.Rsv4]

3k km on mine zero problem so far.

[@braverabbit]

@@kevin.Rsv4 I hope it's the same down the road bro.

[@kevin.Rsv4]

@@braverabbit i think i just got lucky on mine.🤔

[@6tdegrees]

7,000km on mine and not a single issue.. If hes having starting issues, tell him not to use the killswitch when turning off the bike. Most Italian manufacturers label the killswitch as an EMERGENCY USE ONLY.. if you keep using it, it will play up. It states that in the work book manual

[@SongJLikes]

“ It can move forward… quite a lot. “

[@brucekendall52]

Agree with all that you said(Matt).Thanks.

[@brunodavidferreira5781]

Every Aprilia are 2 stroke engine?

[@davmanlop333]

Nice video but the bike got loads of issues... Eg oil leaks

[@6tdegrees]

7,000km on mine, hasnt used a single drop

[@jeffestrada6857]

I am the biggest fan the of the Suzuki GSXR750. I agree with you whole heartedly that this bike has it all compared to this Aprilia. Not in electronics or modern looks but as a simple, pure raw powered riders motorcycle 👍 In saying that.... i like this Aprilia RS660, perhaps it would suit someone that loves all the BS electronics that bikes have these days

[@raymondwandell8880]

Ride around that dead spot in the midrange, just like a race bike. Electronics are glitchy just like a race bike. Yay!

[@headhunter531]

2:36 *me points at Ducatis, triumphs and kawasakis.* Say that again......say . that . again.

[@darrenbutler9261]

Could not agree more strongly with Matt. I've got a gen 3 superduke r and recently bought a brand new 2019 model gsxs 1000 for £8500 as a project . I' fitted a Maxton shock and took the bike on a trip to Spain in September and fell in love with it and probably ride it more than the Ktm. Goes to show latest doesn't mean greatest

[@PhilNixon-w6c]

Just to add , I've just had a new rs660 after years of R1s and last bike the mt10 tgst I loved , but you'll have more fun in the rs 660 and be just as quick as the roads will let you ... think a lot of folles these days suffer with little dick syndrome still and think you need a "big bike" to get a move on , not the case , go test ride the 660 you'll definitely not be disappointed

[@patricksandeberg8184]

I'd rather have the Kawa 636. 123hp. But yeah! Less comfortable 😉

[@Nightdare]

If it's a sportsbike, why does it have raised clipons? Also: 660cc and 100 HP ...Is this bike from 1990? Because if I want a 'sporty bike' with 100hp, I'll buy a 1990 VFR

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Too pricey for the demographic. Love you, Don and Mat. ❤❤

[@stevejones1318]

Don't think it's the most powerful mid range bike, at 100hp. The R6, Gsxr600, Cbr600rr have 119/120hp.

[@vaughanboyce3702]

Why don't need electronics on a 660cc twin waist of time and the thing looks naff and cheaply made, give me a gsxr750 any day of the week please.

[@marktarascio4766]

Another Video arcade bike ...I really wonder if people realize all the rider aids can fail .IN moto GP several had trouble with wheelie control,traction control, braking control.

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Aprilia has poor ratings in terms of reliability but they make awesome refined machines. I would rather get me a Kawasaki ninja 650 that will run forever or even a Yamaha R6😻used

[@manskam]

👎👎👎Riders be aware! My rs660 started leaking oil since first couple weeks and it’s been down a the dealership for about 2 months now!! Called aprilia and they don’t seem to want to do anything about it! I have no idea what’s going on!! 👎👎👎 #rs660 #aprilia

[@6tdegrees]

Sorry to hear mate, ive racked up 7000km on mine and not a single issue, id be checking the seal on the front sprocket drive. Ktm 790s and 890s are notorious for leaking seals in that area, maybe the same issue with your RS

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Zx25r

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

If you got proper cash I would say the duke 890 or Yamaha R6 is the way to go period

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Grossly overpriced, and questionable build quality. Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1200 RS = R260k, now there's a bargain.

[@outquick]

Great video guys! That bike wasnt for me, just went n got new one! Went R-1 🇱🇷🐉Dragon localish🐉🇱🇷 That bike to much 💵 n way to slow, like the R-7 lol but great beginners bikes no doubt n look sick AF tooooo Around here 318 turns in 11.6 miles no side roads GSX-R750 is like 12 years old n has zero updates, what idiot buys that MT-07 with $2500 in modz will destroy n thats what ide get at this cc n price range

[@overdraftracing]

yamaha-ugly, suzuki-ugly, ktm-ugly, truimph-ugly, R7-track only… there! i did it! 😂

[@deanfeyt6953]

I'd just buy a 2018 S1000RR for that price to be honest. Cool bike though

[@fredstah714]

Negative, it is not the most powerful mid bike. Stop it. By the way, that brand is very unreliable than Ducati. Period.

[@llsb0]

1