The production-spec Aprilia RS 660 has made debut at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. The new middleweight supersport segment motorcycle is based on an all-new technical base and it aims to compete with the likes of Yamaha YZF-R6, Kawasaki ZX-6R and Triumph Daytona.
Also Read: Quarter-litre Aprilia GPR 250 unveiled in China
Unlike the motorcycles it rivals, the Aprilia RS 660 uses a 660 cc parallel-twin motor. In comparison, the Yamaha YZF-R6 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R use an inline four-cylinder engine. The Triumph Daytona, on the other hand, packs an inline three-cylinder mill.
The 660 cc forward-facing parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with DOHC and 270-degree crankpins makes a peak power output of 100 hp. Aprilia has derived the new engine from the front bank of the 1,100 cc V4. The RS 660 packs ride-by-wire throttle that comes with five Riding Modes. Three modes (Commute, Dynamic and Individual) are targeted for road use while the other two (Challenge and Time Attack) are designed for the race track. The Individual riding mode, as the name suggests, offers full personalisation of the electronic controls.
The APRC electronic controls work with an advanced six-axis inertial platform. The electronic aids include:
- Aprilia Traction Control
- Aprilia Wheelie Control
- Aprilia Cruise Control
- Aprilia Quick Shift – both up and downshifts
- Aprilia Engine Brake
- Aprilia Engine Map
- Multimap Cornering ABS
All settings are adjustable through the handlebar controls and the colour TFT display. The instrument console can be used in two settings – Road or Track. A twilight sensor enables automatic backlight feature. Moreover, the display is Bluetooth compatible, and the system works with the new Aprilia MIA multimedia platform. The smartphone connectivity function is an optional extra. The Aprilia MIA system offers control to voice commands and ingoing/outgoing calls. The system also gives access to navigation function to view directions directly on the instrument cluster.
The shock absorption tasks are handled by inverted Kayaba fork with 41 mm stanchions at the front and a mono-shock at the back – both adjustable. Braking setup at the front comprises twin 320 mm steel discs with radial callipers and a radial cylinder, all by Brembo.
The chassis on the new Aprilia RS 660 uses the engine as the stressed member. The frame is linked to an asymmetrically-shaped swingarm that is pivoted on the engine. Styling cues of the motorcycle include triple front LED headlight assembly with DRL lights. To offer a clean look to the front fascia, the indicators are integrated into the two DRL profiles. The lighting system includes a twilight sensor and “cornering lights” function.
Aprilia has implemented a double fairing design to the RS 660. The fairing uses an integrated aerodynamic appendage function – a feature that we have already seen on the RSV4 – that offers improved downforce and better stability. The fairing is also claimed to deviate hot air flow extracted by the engine away from the rider. Aprilia also states that the rider’s triangle isn’t overly front-loaded, thus giving a comfortable riding position.
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The Aprilia RS 660 will be available in two graphics versions. The first option pairs the purple and red as a tribute to the Aprilia RS 250 in its 1994 Reggiani Replica version. The second is a total black colour option with bright red details.
