The 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Sports Motorcycle is the first in a new range of motorcycles designed to meet the demand from younger riders for affordable, accessible motorcycles that are equally at home on the open road and the track. The RS 660 redefines sportiness by placing a premium on a tremendous power-to-weight ratio that is not only likely to excite but also easy to drive, making it a ride accessible to everyone—a one-of-a-kind motorcycle in every way, built on the Aprilia tradition of innovative design and technology.
Aprilia was the first company to break the black-and-red stranglehold with its brilliant coloring in the 1990s. With the release of the RS 660 in Acid Gold, the company is again at the forefront of fashion. This shade sets a new benchmark for high-performance motorcycle sports design and provides a modern take on sportiness.
2023 Aprilia RS 660 Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Style: the New Generation of Aprilia
Aesthetically, the Aprilia RS 660 is a clear standout, and it will serve as the template for future Aprilia sports bikes. The design is modern, sophisticated, and very sporty making it the Best Super Sports Bike in 2023. Aprilia’s Design Centre focused on creating low-slung, dynamic, and contemporary forms without going overboard on any one aspect. It was done to increase the sports bike’s lightweight and slimness while providing a spacious and comfortable riding environment for the rider and passenger.
One of the critical features of the fairings that speak typical Aprilia sports language is the triple LED headlamp system, which has perimeter Daytime Running Lights mounted around the two main headlights to make the RS 660 easily recognized in all lighting circumstances.
Also Read: 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema Sports Motorcycle Review
When the direction indicators are included in the DRL profiles, it helps to minimize the size of the front end even more. A dusk sensor activates the dipped beams automatically, and self-canceling turn indicators flash in the event of emergency braking, all of which contribute to excellent driver safety. Last but not least, the cornering lights’ function causes the parabolas’ supplementary headlights to shine into the inside of the curve, improving visibility.
The Aprilia RS 660 stands out because of its twin fairing, which incorporates aerodynamic components. This feature reaffirms Aprilia’s commitment to the field of aerodynamics better than previous models i.e. 2021 Aprilia RS 660.
The seat is padded extraordinarily well and tapered at the sides to make it easy to put your feet on the ground when you’re stopped. The tail, which took design cues from the V4 series once again, has a sizable pillion pad. Optionally, you may choose a bottom with only one seat.
The Aprilia Chassis: a benchmark in handling and precision
The ability of Aprilia to manufacture exceptional chassis is the stuff of legend; the words “It’s an Aprilia” guarantee top-notch design and manufacturing, not to mention superb feel and handling.
The RS 660 continues this tradition of excellence with a striking new look emphasizing minimalism. The swing arm and frame are both made from premium die-cast aluminum, giving it superior performance to anything else in its class. Due to its 1370 mm wheelbase and 24.1° tilt of the steering head, the RS 660 has exceptional handling abilities and all the specific traits and feelings that identify the front end of vintage Noale-produced motorcycles.
The engine serves a structural function, making it possible to build something compact, light, and strong. The frame consists of a pair of parallel lateral beams that are secured to the top of the vehicle’s steering column. This frame is significantly lighter and more crucial thanks to the swing arm’s direct pivot into the motor. The asymmetrical arms and substantial length of this Monobloc component stand out as a classic design choice in the technical legacy of the Aprilia RS. The adjustable shock absorber is placed strategically, allowing for exceptional progress without a linkage, saving even more valuable weight.
The brakes consist of two 320 mm steel discs up front, two Brembo radial-mount calipers, and a Brembo radial master cylinder mounted to the handlebars. Kayaba upside-down 41 mm stem adjustable forks are used to complete the chassis. The RS 660 is equipped with high-performance Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires, sized 120/70 ZR 17 in the front and 180/55 ZR 17 in the rear, to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride and sufficient grip for racing. The RS 660’s light steering, agile chassis, and small size, together with the power of its engine, make navigating curvy roads a breeze and a delight for the rider.
Outstanding Performance from Aprilia’s new 100 hp twin-cylinder
The Aprilia RS 660 ushers in a brand-new engine design that will be used in many future motorcycles.
This engine has a Euro 5 homologation and is a very modern, tiny 660 cc parallel-twin cylinder unit making it the Best Motorcycle in 600cc lineup. Its conceptual and physical lines are based on an 1100 cc front-banked V4.
We went with this setup because of how light and easily transportable it is. If an engine is smaller in the horizontal and lateral dimensions, the intake and exhaust may be placed in more advantageous locations. On top of housing the swing arm in the rear, the engine supports the vehicle’s weight.
The new Aprilia twin-cylinder is the culmination of years of meticulous testing and the technological knowledge gained in developing the RSV4’s monstrously powerful engine. Everything from the cylinder head and pistons to the combustion chambers and ducts and cylinders and pistons is a direct descendant of the V4. It has the same 81 mm bore and 63.9 mm stroke as the 1078 cc V4. With the high piston stroke rates about displacement size, V4 technology guarantees excellent performance. Engines are very complex machines, so naturally, every single component, down to the castings and molds, has been made from scratch.
Also Read: 2023 Aprilia RS660 vs 2023 Honda CBR650R Comparison Review
An all-new engine has the crankcase split horizontally into two pieces, with the cylinders integrated into the upper crankcase, to reduce overall dimensions and reinforce the construction. The cylinders are offset to the crankshaft to minimize the amount of internal friction experienced by the engine when the pistons push down.
Achieving 100 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and the ability to lift the limiter to its maximum of 11,500 rpm is a first for a parallel twin of this displacement. It is comparable to the performance of a two-cylinder engine with a substantially larger cubic capacity. Maximum torque is 67 Nm at 8,500 rpm, and you can get 80% of it at 4,000 rpm, with another 10% available at 6,250 rpm. The RS 660 also comes in a 95-horsepower variant, which can be turned off for less experienced riders.
First-class electronics: Performance and Security
One other thing that sets the Aprilia RS 660 apart is the availability of its performance- and safety-focused electrical systems, which are the best currently available in the category and even better than those given by specific super sports bikes in the superbike class.
Aprilia has been an innovator in the electrical business from the time they released their first motorcycle with Ride-by-Wire throttle control back in 2007. The firm is now offering its cutting-edge APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic command package, which was developed and perfected at the highest level of racing.
The RS 660’s control unit receives information from the bike’s six-axis inertial platform, which has accelerometers and gyroscopes and can therefore detect the bike’s motion about the road, as well as record and analyze user input.
Versions and Colors
Aprilia has a long and distinguished history of graphics and liveries since the company has always been a fashion leader. Acid Gold, a new addition to the Aprilia RS 660 color palette, represents the RS 660’s energetic, young character. It draws attention to the new Aprilia’s design features while still honoring the brand’s history and standing out creatively that’ why the motorcycle is Awesome Bike of 2023.
The 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Sports Motorcycle may be customized in two more ways visually: Lava the color associated with Aprilia’s illustrious sporting past, predominates in this bold shade of red. The purple and red color scheme is a nod to the 1994 Reggiani Replica version of the RS 250, the last authentic sports bike made with a two-stroke engine and still highly sought after by collectors and motorcyclists today. Apex Black, the second style, is an all-black design that has been a part of Aprilia’s sporting history for quite some time. Because of this, references to the color red become even more striking.
2023 Aprilia RS 660 Sports Motorcycle – Price
The new 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Sports Motorcycle is available at $11,499 only and it is among the Best Sports Bikes to Buy in 2023.
Also Read: Top Ten Motorcycles under £10000 in 2023
2023 Aprilia RS 660 Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | Aprilia forward-facing parallel twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled radiator & water-oil heat exchanger, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) including silent chain drive on the right side, 4 valves-per-cylinder. |
Bore and stroke | 81mm x 63.93mm |
Displacement | 659 cc |
Compression ratio | 13.5: 1 |
Max power at crankshaft | 100hp (73.5 kW) at 10,500rpm |
Max torque at the crankshaft | 67Nm (6.83 kgm) at 8,500rpm |
Fuel system | Airbox featuring front air intake. 2 48mm throttle bodies, Ride-By-Wire management |
Ignition | Electric |
Lubrication | Wet sump |
Gears | Six gears including Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) up-and-down system |
Clutch | Oil bath multi-disc featuring anti-hopping system |
Final drive | All-new Chain, 17/43 transmission ratio |
Electronic management | 6-axis inertial platform, APRC suite that includes ATC (traction control, AEM (engine map), AWC (wheelie control), AEB (engine brake), ACC (cruise control), 5 Riding modes (Road and Track, 3 fixed and 2 customizable) |
Chassis
Frame | Double beam aluminum frame with detachable rear seat |
Front Suspension | Kayaba upside-down fork ∅ 41 mm with counter spring, aluminum feet for fixing radial calipers. Adjustable for rebound and spring preload. Wheel travel 120mm |
Rear Suspension | Aluminum swingarm with asymmetrical trusses. Monoshock including adjustable counter spring: rebound and spring preload. Wheel travel: 130mm |
Front brake | Double disc diameter 320mm Brembo radial calipers, including 4 32mm opposing pistons. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose |
Rear brake | 220mm diameter disc; Brembo caliper with two isolated 34mm pistons. Pump featuring separated tank and metal braided hose |
ABS | ABS Cornering multimap |
Wheels | In aluminum alloy Front: 3.5 “X17” Rear: 5.5 “X17” |
Tires | Tubeless radials, front: 120/70 ZR 17 rear: 180/55 ZR 17 |
Dimensions
Wheelbase | 1370 mm |
Length | 1995 mm |
Width | 745 mm |
Saddle height | 820 mm |
Rake | 24.1° |
Trail | 104.6 mm |
Weight | 183 kg curb weight (169 kg dry) |
Others
Homologation | Euro 5 |
Consumption | 4.9 liters / 100km |
CO2 emissions | 116 g /km |
Tank capacity | 15 liters (including four lt. fuel reserve) |
Color range | Apex Black, Lava Red, Acid Gold |