2024 Aprilia RS 660 Review

The 2024 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema isn’t just any sport bike; it’s the reigning champ across 72 countries, holding the title of the best-selling sport bike in Europe. What’s the secret sauce? It’s all thanks to Aprilia’s visionary 660 project. This project redefines sportiness in a fresh and modern way, blending lightweight design with high-performance prowess. Plus, it packs in technical and electronic goodies you’d normally see in the big leagues, making it a dream ride for seasoned pros while still being super approachable and fun for newbies hitting the road or track.

Introducing the Aprilia RS 660 Extra: Lighter, Faster, Fiercer

Enter the Aprilia RS 660 Extra. This new kid on the block is leaner by 3 kg compared to its predecessor, thanks to some smart upgrades. Think SC Project E5 exhaust, a sleek carbon front mudguard, and a belly pan that means business. Not to mention the single-seat tail fairing and reverse shift software that just ups the ante on riding pleasure.

And let’s not forget the style points – this version stuns with some eye-catching new livery, plus a pillion seat delete complemented by an aluminium exhaust hanger for that unmistakable super sport look. Don’t worry, though; if you’ve got a buddy eager for a ride, the pillion seat and footrests are still in the mix.

The Buzz Around the RS 660

When the RS 660 rolled out at the Milan show in 2019, it wasn’t just another bike; it was Aprilia’s bold statement, reminiscent of the legendary RS250 but with a modern twist. This isn’t just about stepping down from liter-class beasts; it’s about crafting a machine that’s as jazzed about nailing those twisty “A” roads as it is about owning the track.

Lightweight and Lively

Tipping the scales at 166kg, the RS 660 packs a punch with its parallel-twin engine, a clever riff on the front duo of cylinders from the RSV4 1100 Factory. But here’s the kicker: in the RS 660, the engine isn’t just for power—it’s an integral part of the bike’s skeleton, meshed with an aluminium twin spar frame and wrapped in fairings that nod to the V4 but scream 21st century.

Tech That Talks

And the lights? All-LED, with a signature Daylight running light that turns heads and cornering headlights that light up your path. The dash? A TFT full-color display that puts all the info you need right where you need it.

But wait, there’s more—100hp more, to be precise. That’s the most oomph ever squeezed into a bike of this class. And with a ride-by-wire throttle and a six-axis IMU, Aprilia isn’t just throwing tech at this bike; they’re fine-tuning it with their top-tier APRC system for an unmatched ride, whether you’re gunning it on the track or cruising the open road.

2024 Aprilia RS 660 Specs:

• Engine: A masterpiece. A forward-facing parallel twin, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine. It’s paired with a radiator and a water-oil heat exchanger. Plus, it’s got DOHC with a silent chain on the right side, and four valves per cylinder.
• Engine Capacity: 659 cc of pure thrill.
• Max Power: Hits a sweet 100 HP at 10,500 rpm.
• Max Torque: 49 ft-lbs (67Nm) at 8,500 rpm—talk about a twist!
• Chassis: Aluminum dual beam chassis with a removable seat-supporting subframe. This thing’s built like a dream.
• Power Supply: An airbox with a front air vent and two 48 mm throttle bodies, all managed by a sophisticated Ride-by-wire system.
• Transmission: A slick 6-speed, enhanced with Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) for seamless up & down shifting.
• Front Suspension: Kayaba 41 mm upside-down fork with top out spring, adjustable for rebound, compression, and spring pre-load. Ready for 120 mm of wheel travel.
• Rear Suspension: Asymmetrical aluminum swingarm with a single shock and top out spring, adjustable for extension and spring preload. Promises 130 mm of wheel travel.
• Brakes: Upfront, you’ve got 320 mm double discs with Brembo radial calipers, and at the rear, a 220 mm disc with a Brembo caliper. Plus, metal braided brake hoses for precise stopping power.
• ABS System: Multi-map Cornering ABS for safer turns.
• Wheels and Tires: Aluminum alloy rims with tubeless radial tires, ensuring grip and performance.
• Seat Height: 820 mm—just right for control and comfort.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 litres, including a 4-litre reserve. Good for long rides.
• Kerb Weight: 183 kg. Agile and ready to move.
• Consumption: 4.90 litres/100 km, making it an efficient ride.
• Electronic Management: Packed with tech like a 6-axis IMU, the APRC suite including traction control, wheelie control, engine brake, engine mapping, cruise control, and 5 riding modes (3 pre-set and 2 customizable) for ultimate control.