The Aprilia RS 660 is the first model from a brand new platform that will include several other motorcycles, and the engine is derived from the front two cylinders of the Aprilia RSV4 1100 engine. The Aprilia RS 660 is the latest addition to the mid-size 650-660 cc category, but it's not a committed track-focussed motorcycle, but is built for everyday rideability and practicality. Here are the top 5 highlights of the new Aprilia RS 660, which will be launched in India soon.
(The styling of the RS 660 is inspired by the RSV4 1100 but the dual-layered fairing is designed for comfort, rather than out and out track performance The aerodynamics and ergonomics have been designed keeping in mind rider comfort, and even the size of the windscreen has been taken into consideration keeping in mind comfort and practicality)
(The Aprilia RS 660's engine is a brand-new 659 cc, parallel-twin engine, and will form the new 660 cc platform to offer a family of motorcycles, including the Aprilia Tuono 660. The parallel-twin makes nearly 100 bhp (99 bhp) at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. The six-speed gearbox is complemented by a wet clutch with built-in assist and slipper system which will provide a light feel on the lever, as well as prevent rear wheel chatter under hard downshifting. And the gearbox has the bi-directional Aprilia quickshifter, so clutchless upshifts and downshifts are possible for the occasional track day)
(The Aprilia RS 660's parallel-twin engine is mounted on a die cast aluminium frame, with two lateral beams, and the swingarm pivot mounted within the engine. The engine is used as a stressed member of the chassis, the clip-on handlebars mount below the triple clamp, with risers above the clamp, so the riding position will not be very aggressive and committed to become uncomfortable for everyday use. Suspension duties are handled by Kayaba at both ends, with a 41 mm inverted fork up front and a rear monoshock. Both front and rear suspension have adjustability for rebound damping and spring preload. Brembo brakes include radially mounted calipers grabbing 320 mm discs on the front wheel)
(The Aprilia RS 660 gets the latest electronics, with the main unit being the Magnetti Marelli 11MP ECU, which has increased processing power as well as expanded array of connectivity. Riding aids include the latest iteration of the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), powered by a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). The APRC includes traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, engine brake control as well as engine map control, in addition to the three-level cornering ABS. The electronics suite also includes five riding modes, with two dedicated to track riding, and the information on the various modes and other electronics can be accessed through the TFT display)
(Piaggio India has begun accepting bookings for the new Aprilia RS 660 and the Aprilia Tuono 660 middleweight motorcycles in the country and we now have a price range for the upcoming offerings. According to select dealerships that carandbike spoke to, the Tuono 660 will be priced around Rs. 13.09 lakh whereas the RS 660 will be priced around Rs. 13.39 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom)
