Aprilia RS 660: The Middleweight Sportbike That Feels Anything but Middle

It looks like a downsized superbike, but in real US traffic the Aprilia RS 660 might be the sweet spot between track fantasy and everyday ride. Here is what riders are really discovering now.

Bottom line up front: If a 1000 cc superbike feels like overkill for your daily commute and weekend canyons, the Aprilia RS 660 is the rare middleweight that still gives you goosebumps without punishing your wrists or your wallet at every stoplight.

You get real Italian sportbike drama in a package that is lighter, friendlier, and more liveable on US roads than the RSV4 race replica that inspired it. The RS 660 has quickly become the "if you know, you know" choice among American riders who want performance they can actually use.

What riders need to know now: it is not just another 600-style bike - it is a new-school, parallel-twin platform built to be fast and fun at normal speeds, with electronics that used to be reserved for superbikes.

Analysis: What is behind the hype

The Aprilia RS 660 launched into a crowded middleweight segment, but it did something clever: it ditched the old-school screaming inline-four formula and went with a torquey 659 cc parallel twin that feels eager from low revs and still loves to rev.

On US roads that means you do not have to be at felony speeds to feel like the bike is alive. Multiple American reviewers point out that the RS 660 hits a sweet spot between approachable and genuinely quick, especially compared with 1000 cc bikes that rarely get out of second gear in the city.

Instead of chasing peak horsepower bragging rights, Aprilia leaned into a strong midrange and paired it with electronics that would not look out of place on a MotoGP pit wall. You get ride modes, multi-level traction control, engine braking adjustment, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and a bi-directional quickshifter on many US trims, depending on model year and package.

Key specs at a glance (based on US market information from Aprilia and major reviewers, always check a dealer for the exact current model year configuration):

Spec	Aprilia RS 660 (US market, recent model years)
Engine type	659 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Approx. claimed power	Around 100 hp at the crank (check current official rating)
Approx. claimed torque	Mid-40s lb-ft (varies slightly by year and tune)
Transmission	6-speed, with quickshifter available on most US sport trims
Wet weight	Roughly 400 lb range, depending on model year and equipment
Seat height	About 32 inches (sporty but manageable for an average-height rider)
Electronics	Ride-by-wire, riding modes, multi-level traction control, engine brake control, wheelie control, cornering ABS on most US trims
Front suspension	Upside-down fork, fully adjustable on higher trims
Rear suspension	Monoshock with preload and rebound adjustment (spec varies by year)

Because Aprilia and Piaggio regularly refine the platform, the exact numbers and equipment can change by model year. There are also US-available variants like the more upright Tuono 660 and adventure-styled Tuareg 660 built off the same engine, which is relevant if you like the powerplant but want a different riding position.

US availability and pricing

The Aprilia RS 660 is officially available through Aprilia dealers across the United States. Pricing varies by model year, paint scheme, and any seasonal incentives.

Recent new RS 660 models in the US have typically been positioned in the middleweight premium bracket, often in the low to mid five-figure USD range before taxes, fees, and dealer charges. Because prices change frequently and can differ region to region, you should treat any static number you see online as a rough guide and confirm current MSRP and on-the-road pricing directly with a US Aprilia dealer or the official Aprilia USA website.

On the used market, US riders are seeing RS 660s show up with reasonable mileage and a variety of aftermarket exhausts, tail tidies, and comfort mods. That can make the RS 660 particularly interesting if you want Italian hardware without brand-new pricing.

Why US riders are into it

• Real-world speed: With a strong midrange, the RS 660 feels quick on city streets and twisty backroads without demanding triple-digit speeds.
• Electronics safety net: Newer and returning riders in the US like that the RS 660 gives them ABS and traction aids tuned for sporty fun but more forgiving than older bikes without rider aids.
• Comfort compared to pure race replicas: Reviews often note that the ergonomics are less punishing than a full-on supersport, making commuting or longer highway stretches more realistic.
• Italian style: Multiple US owners on forums mention they bought it because they "wanted something that does not look like everyone else at bike night." The triple-headlight front end and RSV4-inspired tail deliver that.

In US conditions with patchy asphalt, long highway stints, and dense city traffic, the RS 660 lands in a practical zone: aggressive enough to feel special, but still a bike you can tolerate for a real-world commute or a full-day canyon ride.

How it compares in the US middleweight class

American buyers cross-shop the Aprilia RS 660 against bikes like the Yamaha YZF-R7, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja 650, Honda CBR650R, and sometimes more upright machines like the Triumph Trident 660 or Street Triple.

• Versus Yamaha R7: Many US reviewers say the R7 is a bit more budget-oriented and less powerful on paper, but easier to buy and service thanks to Yamaha's bigger dealer network. The RS 660 counters with a more exotic feel and a richer electronics suite.
• Versus Ninja ZX-6R: The ZX-6R is track-focused and screams at high RPM. In traffic, the RS 660's twin often feels more flexible and less demanding.
• Versus Ninja 650 and CBR650R: Those are more modest, do-it-all machines. The RS 660 feels like a higher-spec, more emotional purchase that prioritizes performance and tech over pure value.

For many US riders, the question is whether they want the exotic Italian with slightly higher potential maintenance and dealer distance, or a more common Japanese 600 with wider parts availability. The RS 660 wins on emotional appeal and cutting-edge tech, but you have to be honest with yourself about ownership expectations.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Across recent US and international reviews, a clear narrative has formed around the Aprilia RS 660: it is one of the most engaging middleweights you can buy right now if you care about handling and feel.

Track-oriented testers rave about how light and confidence-inspiring the chassis is, particularly the front-end feedback when you lean it into fast sweepers. Combined with strong Brembo brakes, it encourages you to brake later and carry more corner speed.

Street-focused reviewers in the US emphasize that the RS 660 does not feel like a neutered entry bike. Instead, it feels like a deliberate rethinking of what a modern sportbike should be for real roads: a machine that trades unnecessary top-end speed for agility, electronics, and everyday usability.

Common pros highlighted by experts and owners

• Light, agile chassis that flatters intermediate riders and still rewards experts.
• Strong midrange torque from the parallel twin, with enough top-end to stay exciting.
• Advanced electronics rare at this price and displacement: multiple ride modes, traction, wheelie, engine brake, and cornering ABS where equipped.
• Distinctive Italian styling that stands out in any US parking lot or bike meet.
• Reasonable comfort for a sportbike, with less extreme clip-on placement than a full supersport.

Common cons and caveats

• Dealer network is smaller in the US than Japanese brands, which can mean longer drives for service and parts in some regions.
• Reliability and early teething issues have been discussed in owner forums, with some reporting electronic glitches or sensor issues on earlier units. Always check for recalls and software updates on the specific VIN you are considering.
• Heat management can be noticeable in slow city traffic, which some riders mention in warmer US climates.
• Price and insurance can be higher than more basic middleweights, especially in large US metro areas where sportbikes carry a premium.

The consensus among experienced reviewers is that if you are purely chasing lowest cost of ownership, the RS 660 probably is not the obvious choice. But if you want something that feels special every time you open the garage door, it sits in a sweet spot: far more approachable than a literbike, yet far more emotionally engaging than a basic commuter twin.

Who should seriously consider the Aprilia RS 660 in the US

• Riders stepping up from a 300 or 400 who want a big upgrade in power and electronics but are not ready for a 1000.
• Experienced riders who are realistic about street speeds and want a lighter bike that is more fun in the twisties than a heavy superbike.
• Commuters who want a bike that looks like a track weapon but can still handle weekday duties with a few comfort tweaks.
• Enthusiasts who care about character, sound, and design as much as lap times or spec-sheet numbers.

If that sounds like you, the next step is to sit on one at a US dealer, confirm current pricing, and check how the ergonomics feel for your height and typical riding. The reviews and social media clips can only tell you so much - the real decision happens when you swing a leg over and picture yourself riding it every weekend.