Ridefast July 2021

It is a lot of bike…
The full TFT instrument panel and the
brand new switches help access all
the settings: three engine modes, three
engine-braking modes, five riding modes,
three corner ABS possibilities, eight
traction control levels, one wheelie control
and cruise control. 600 cc sportbikes have
never been this up to date.
Designed under the leadership of the
legendary Miguel Galluzzi (father of the
Ducati Monster and the Aprilia RSV4),
the RS 660 is quite simply, a stunning
looking motorcycle. Just take a look
at the attention to detail, the iconic
triple headlight is still here, while some
layering on the side fairing makes it more
aerodynamic than ever.
The RS 660 has been through some
extensive development to make it as
light as possible. The air intake mould,
in the middle of the front fairing, also
supports the dashboard. The battery is a
Lithium-ion unit, and the Euro 5 exhaust
weight only 6.2 kilos. The wheels are cast,
not forged. With 169 kilos dry, and 183
loaded that’s really light for any road going
motorcycle.
Nerine from Formula K gives the RS660 her stamp of approval.
And this little RS is a case in point. Sure – we
flippen love that slightly larger capacity Tuono
and it would be parked permanently in our
garage if he did not still have school fees
and stuff to pay. That RSV 4 is quite simply
ridiculous – a track weapon that would cost us
plenty in speeding fines…
But the way prices are going it is a fact that
most mere mortals no longer play in that
market.
And manufacturers understand this, so
they make smaller bikes that are more cost
effective that are still pretty mind blowing.
Now we hear you big supe guys scoffing – a
660 parallel twin…? Yup. Yamaha is also
making the R7 with one – and, perhaps these
guys know stuff that we don’t.
This particular one is the Tuono’s V4 with the
rear cylinders lopped off. That’s not exactly
true, although some of the superbike’s best
bits are part of the mix. We’re referring to the
ride-by-wire system, the fuel injection, and
the piston’s shape, which is 81 millimetres
bore, as per MotoGP regulations. However,
the head is brand new, and the motor is Euro
5 compliant.
What’s it like?
We we’ll tell you for free that it’s nothing like
Honda’s more conservative (and cheaper)
80 odd BHP parallel NC750, and neither is
it like Yamaha’s MT07. This is a focussed
performance bike that sounds and goes,
just like an exotic Italian bike should. Italian
engineers at Aprilia made the RS 660 deliver
100 HP at 10,500 rpm, with an 11,500 rpm
redline.
But they have put a lot of thought and tech
into it – and if you think it’s a budget Aprilia –
you’d be mistaken. All of this tech, explains
the price tag.
Italians understand aesthetics
Just go and have a look at it from the
distinctive looks to bits like the four pot
Brembo brakes that clamp onto twin
320mm front discs. Cornering ABS, and
fully adjustable 41mm KYB suspension is
standard up front.
She is shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
IIs, so there’s never a problem with grip.
Uncle Jason takes a young fan for a quick spin.