Aprilia’s Latest Middleweight Weapon Detailed In Images

Aprilia launched the RS 660 in Europe with a price tag of 10,149 GBP, which is approximately Rs 9.63 lakh. Sure, it sounds a bit expensive compared to its arch rival, the Euro 4 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, which starts at GBP 9,699 (around Rs 9.20 lakh). But for the extra moolah, it comes with a lot of kit and plenty of attention to detail, making it a wholesome proposition in the segment. We explore it in detail via these images:

Aprilia has shaped the RS 660 like the bigger, more manic RSV4 1100. The fairing design is minimalistic and elegant. Aprilia offers the bike in three colours: Lava Red, Apex Black and the more recently introduced, Acid Gold.

The Aprilia RS 660 comes with a full-LED lighting system with LED cornering lamps and indicators integrated into the main cluster. It looks quite sleek and we reckon the cornering lamps will be mighty useful while tackling the twisties in the dead of night.

The fully digital instrument cluster shows all kinds of relevant information including average speed, current riding mode, and smartphone connectivity status. The clip-on handlebars are slightly raised to ensure a sporty yet comfortable riding ergonomics, making it ideal for both everyday commute as well as track taming.

The fairly generous 15-litre fuel tank coupled with the claimed mileage of 24.23kmpl should ensure over 300km range between fuel stops. 

The rider’s seat looks pretty roomy for attacking corners and munching miles alike. While the pillion seat looks wide enough for a supersport, it is best suited for short rides.

The Aprilia RS 660 is powered by a Euro 5/BS6-compliant RSV4-derived 659cc parallel-twin engine. It produces 100PS at 10,500rpm and 67Nm at 8500rpm. It is reined in by modern electronics such as IMU-enhanced traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, engine braking control, multiple engine maps, and five riding modes.

The powerplant is linked to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter. Using an optional software package, the shift pattern can be reversed (for track usage) without needing to make any mechanical changes.

The bike employs a 41mm Kayaba inverted front fork with preload and rebound damping adjustability. The front end uses a pair of 320mm discs with Brembo radial calipers and cornering ABS as standard.

The rear monoshock also gets adjustable preload and rebound damping. The bike uses a smaller 220mm disc with Brembo caliper. Aprilia offers grippy Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tyres as standard.

Expect Aprilia to bring this bike to India via the CBU route. And if it does, the Aprilia RS 660 is likely to be priced at around Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom).