Aprilia, Just

Aprilia RS 660 Just Got Even More Tempting for U.S. Riders

21.02.2026 - 10:12:29 | ad-hoc-news.de

The Aprilia RS 660 has become the middleweight sportbike everyone’s whispering about. But is it really the sweet spot between daily ride and track weapon, or just Italian hype in fancy bodywork? Here’s what you’re missing.

Bottom line: If you want a sportbike that feels exotic but still makes sense in real-world U.S. traffic, the Aprilia RS 660 keeps bubbling to the top of every comparison test for a reason. It’s lighter than most middleweights, friendlier than a full supersport, and packed with electronics usually reserved for bikes that cost a lot more.

You get liter?bike tech in a package that you can actually live with day to day. The RS 660 has quietly turned into the go?to "do?everything" sportbike for riders who commute during the week and hunt apexes on the weekend.

Explore the latest Aprilia RS 660 lineup direct from Piaggio

What users need to know now: the RS 660 has evolved from an intriguing new concept into one of the most consistently praised middleweight sportbikes on the U.S. market—here’s how that actually plays out once you’re in the saddle.

Analysis: What's behind the hype

The RS 660 launched as Aprilia’s answer to a question a lot of U.S. riders were already asking: "Why are all the interesting sportbikes either beginner 400s or brutal 1000s?" The Italian brand split the difference with a high?spec parallel twin that makes usable power without punishing your wrists or your license.

Recent reviews from major outlets like Cycle World, Motorcyclist, and RevZilla Common Tread still call it one of the most engaging middleweights you can buy, highlighting its combination of approachable ergonomics, advanced electronics, and a chassis that feels like it was stolen from a race paddock. U.S. riders on forums and Reddit echo that sentiment, with many calling it the "Goldilocks" bike—just right between supersport extremism and upright naked practicality.

Key specs at a glance

Spec Aprilia RS 660 (U.S. market)
Engine 659 cc liquid?cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power (claimed) Approx. 100 hp at the crank
Torque (claimed) Approx. 49 lb?ft
Wet weight ~400 lb class (varies slightly by model/year)
Seat height Approx. 32.3 in
Electronics Ride?by?wire, multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine?brake control, up/down quickshifter (on most trims)
Display Full?color TFT dash, smartphone connectivity on certain versions
Front suspension Upside?down fork, adjustable (depending on trim)
Brakes Dual front discs with radial?mount calipers; single rear disc
U.S. price range (new) Typically in the mid?to?upper $11,000–$13,000 USD range depending on model and options (check current dealer pricing)

Why it matters for U.S. riders

In the U.S., where you’re often dealing with long freeway slogs, unpredictable traffic, and inconsistent road surfaces, the RS 660’s blend of power and comfort is a bigger deal than spec sheets suggest. You’re not hunched over like a MotoGP extra, but you still get the visual drama and sharp steering that make a canyon run feel special.

Most U.S. dealers list the RS 660 in that mid?teens out?the?door price band once you factor in destination, fees, and taxes. That puts it right alongside Yamaha’s R7, Kawasaki’s ZX?6R, and Honda’s CBR650R—but the Aprilia counters with a significantly richer electronics suite and a level of fit and finish that reviewers routinely compare to much more expensive machines.

For U.S. riders, that means you’re buying more than an engine and frame—you’re paying for a higher baseline of safety tech and customization. You can dial in the traction control for a wet Bay Area commute, then loosen it up for track days at Barber or Willow Springs without touching a wrench.

On?road feel: not just spec?sheet theater

Expert tests consistently describe the RS 660’s engine as the standout feature. It doesn’t have the shrieking top?end rush of a 600cc inline?four, but the parallel twin hits harder in the midrange, exactly where you live on real roads. Reviewers from U.S. magazines note that roll?on power from 40–80 mph feels strong and immediate, making highway passes easy without a flurry of downshifts.

The chassis is the other half of the story. The RS 660 borrows design DNA from Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike line, giving it a planted, confidence?inspiring front end. Test riders frequently mention how quickly it tips into corners while still feeling stable mid?lean. On technical California backroads or East Coast two?lanes, that translates into less effort and more trust.

Braking performance is also a recurring high point. With radial calipers and quality pads, stopping power is described as strong but controllable—important on American roads where SUVs and pickup trucks can turn into rolling chicanes without warning.

Electronics that actually make sense

Where a lot of middleweight sportbikes still ship with basic ABS and maybe one or two ride modes, the RS 660 arrives loaded. Recent reviews highlight how rare it is to see cornering ABS, multi?level traction control, wheelie control, engine?brake adjustment, and a two?way quickshifter at this price point.

This matters in the U.S. because conditions change fast—especially in regions with real weather. You can flip from a full?power, minimal?intervention mode for dry track riding to a more conservative wet mode when you’re dealing with rain, worn pavement, or early?season cold tires.

Riders on Reddit and U.S. Facebook groups repeatedly report that the electronics intervene smoothly rather than intrusively. That subtlety is key for newer riders moving up from a 300 or 400 who want a safety net without feeling like the bike is second?guessing every input.

Comfort, commuting, and everyday living

Unlike full?on supersports, the RS 660 doesn’t punish you for wanting to ride more than an hour at a time. The bars are relatively high for a faired bike, the pegs aren’t excessively rear?set, and the seat is firm but not race?plank brutal. For many U.S. reviewers, that adds up to a bike you can realistically commute on while still feeling special when you open it up.

Fuel economy numbers in real?world U.S. tests tend to land in the mid?40s mpg if you’re riding sanely, which, combined with its tank size, gives a reasonable range for weekend trips. Owners on forums mention that heat management is decent for a faired bike—an important note if you’re lane?splitting in SoCal or crawling through summer traffic in the Southeast.

For passengers, reviews are more mixed: the rear perch is usable for short rides, but this is still a sportbike first. If two?up comfort is a priority, some U.S. buyers end up pairing the RS 660 with an additional upright or ADV bike in the garage.

Ownership, reliability, and dealer reality in the U.S.

Aprilia doesn’t have the same dealer density in the U.S. as the Japanese Big Four, and that’s a recurring theme in rider comments. Depending on where you live, your nearest authorized dealer could be a quick hop—or a full?day ride away. Before you fall in love, it’s worth checking your local support network.

That said, newer RS 660 owners on U.S. forums broadly report solid reliability once early production teething issues (flagged in the earliest reviews) were addressed. Regular maintenance costs trend higher than a basic commuter twin but in line with other premium European brands. If you’re in a major metro area—LA, New York, Dallas, Miami, Chicago—you’re more likely to find an Aprilia specialist with experience on the platform.

Because the RS 660 is popular with track?day riders, the aftermarket support in the U.S. has grown quickly. You’ll find exhausts, rearsets, bodywork, and tuning options from well?known brands, which makes it easier to tailor the bike if you plan to run at your local circuit.

How it stacks up against U.S. rivals

  • Yamaha R7: Cheaper and simpler, with a proven CP2 engine and strong dealer network. But it can’t match the RS 660’s electronics or power, and its chassis, while good, is less exotic.
  • Kawasaki ZX?6R: More peak power, classic 600 supersport character, and excellent track performance. In return, you get a more demanding riding position and less midrange torque for everyday street use.
  • Honda CBR650R: Smooth inline?four, commuter?friendly, and Honda reliability. Heavier and less agile than the RS 660, with more basic electronics.
  • European twins (e.g., KTM, Yamaha MT?07 derivatives): Fun and torquey but often naked, so you lose the wind protection and aero of the RS 660’s fairing at U.S. highway speeds.

Most comparison tests from U.S. publications land on the same conclusion: if you care about electronics, handling, and a sense of occasion every time you open the garage, the RS 660 feels like the most "premium" option of the bunch without jumping to a liter bike.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Industry reviewers across the U.S. are unusually aligned on the RS 660: it’s one of the most complete and compelling middleweights on sale today. The consensus is that it rides like a baby superbike when you want it to, but doesn’t feel absurd when you’re just commuting or running errands.

Pros highlighted by experts:

  • Best?in?class electronics: Cornering ABS, multi?level traction control, and a slick quickshifter at a price that undercuts many liter bikes.
  • Balanced power delivery: Strong midrange torque that works on U.S. roads without needing race?track revs.
  • Sharp but usable ergonomics: Sporty feel without full supersport pain, making longer rides and daily use realistic.
  • Premium feel: High?quality brakes, suspension, and design that make it feel special every time you ride.

Cons and trade?offs:

  • Dealer network: Aprilia coverage in the U.S. can be sparse outside major metros, which affects convenience for service and warranty work.
  • Ownership costs: Maintenance and parts pricing trend higher than mass?market Japanese rivals.
  • Passenger comfort: Adequate for short stints but not ideal if you regularly ride two?up.

If you’re a U.S. rider looking to upgrade from a 300/400 or even downsize from a liter bike without losing the thrill, the Aprilia RS 660 hits a rare sweet spot. It’s fast enough to keep things interesting for advanced riders, forgiving enough for ambitious intermediates, and tech?rich enough that you’re unlikely to outgrow it quickly.

The key decision points are straightforward: if you prioritize dealer proximity and the lowest possible ownership costs, a Japanese rival may make more sense. But if you’re willing to trade a bit of convenience for a more exotic, high?spec riding experience, the RS 660 remains one of the most compelling sportbikes you can actually use every day on American roads.

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