Aprilia RS 660

The heart of the RS 660 is its 659cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank, a design choice that imbues it with a character more akin to a V-twin. This BS6 Phase 2 compliant motor produces a substantial 100 PS at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. Mated to a slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox equipped with a standard bi-directional quickshifter, the powertrain is engineered for engagement. In urban environments, the engine demonstrates commendable tractability, with a healthy spread of torque available from as low as 4,000 rpm, minimising the need for frequent gear changes. 

However, its true nature is revealed on open roads. The throttle response, governed by a ride-by-wire system, is precise and allows for granular control. As the revs climb past 6,000 rpm, the engine comes alive with a sense of urgency that is both thrilling and manageable. The claimed fuel efficiency of 20.4 km/l (ARAI) is optimistic; real-world figures are likely to hover around 16-18 km/l, depending heavily on riding style. While it lacks the top-end shriek of an inline-four, its mid-range punch is significantly more accessible and usable for road riding conditions in India.

While designed as a sportbike, the RS 660 incorporates ergonomics that are more forgiving than a dedicated supersport. The clip-on handlebars are mounted above the top yoke, and the footpegs are positioned for a moderately aggressive lean, resulting in a riding posture that is sporty yet sustainable for longer durations. The seat height of 820mm is accessible for riders of average height, though shorter individuals may find it slightly tall. The seat itself is well-padded for the rider, but the pillion accommodation is minimal at best, suitable only for very short trips. 

For a performance-oriented machine, heat management is reasonably effective; the layered fairing does a decent job of directing hot air away from the rider's legs in moving traffic, though it can become noticeable during prolonged standstills. Practicality is not its core strength. There are no standard grab rails, and luggage mounting options are limited to aftermarket solutions like tail bags or tank bags. The 15-litre fuel tank provides a realistic range of around 240-260 km, which is adequate for weekend rides but may require frequent stops on longer tours. This is a machine designed for the ride, not necessarily the destination's luggage requirements.

The RS 660’s dynamic prowess is its most defining characteristic, stemming from a lightweight aluminium twin-spar frame and a low kerb weight of just 183 kg. This makes it substantially lighter than its key Japanese competitors like the Honda CBR650R (211 kg). The suspension setup consists of a 41mm Kayaba inverted fork at the front, fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping. The rear monoshock is also adjustable for preload and rebound. This level of adjustability allows the rider to fine-tune the setup for varying conditions, from city commutes to aggressive track sessions. In the city, the ride is firm but not punishing, absorbing minor road imperfections adequately. At highway speeds, the chassis demonstrates exceptional stability. 

However, it is in the corners where the RS 660 truly excels. The sharp steering geometry and lightweight nature allow for rapid changes in direction with minimal rider effort. Braking hardware is top-tier, featuring dual 320mm discs at the front with Brembo M4.32 radial monobloc calipers. This setup provides immense stopping power with excellent feedback and progression, further bolstered by a multi-level cornering ABS system that adds a significant safety net during aggressive or emergency braking manoeuvres.

Visually, the RS 660 is unmistakably an Aprilia, drawing heavily from the flagship RSV4. The triple LED headlamp array with integrated DRLs and cornering lights provides excellent illumination and a distinctive signature. The aerodynamic winglets integrated into the double-layered fairing are not merely cosmetic; they are designed to improve high-speed stability and aid in engine heat dissipation. The motorcycle is equipped with a full-colour TFT instrument cluster that is bright, legible, and packed with information. It serves as the interface for the comprehensive Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) suite. 

Key features include five customisable riding modes (3 for road, 2 for track), multi-level traction control (ATC), wheelie control (AWC), engine brake control (AEB), and cruise control. The display can also be paired with a smartphone via the Aprilia MIA multimedia platform (an optional extra), enabling call management and turn-by-turn navigation. While it lacks a factory-fitted USB charging port, the sheer depth of its electronic rider aids sets a high benchmark for the middleweight sportbike category, offering tangible benefits for both safety and performance customisation.

Aprilia has equipped the RS 660 with one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class. The foundation is its advanced electronics suite, the APRC system. This is not just a simple ABS and traction control setup. The braking system is governed by a multi-map Cornering ABS developed with Bosch, which accounts for the bike's lean angle to prevent wheel lock-up even when braking mid-corner. This is a critical feature that can prevent low-side crashes, especially on unpredictable Indian roads with loose gravel or wet patches. The 8-level traction control (ATC) is highly effective and can be adjusted on the fly, allowing the rider to tailor the intervention level to match road conditions or personal preference.

Further enhancing safety are features like Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC) and Aprilia Engine Brake control (AEB), which manage power delivery and deceleration to maintain stability. The triple LED headlamp setup, which includes cornering lights that illuminate the inside of a turn, significantly improves nighttime visibility and confidence. The combination of a strong chassis, powerful Brembo brakes, and this sophisticated electronic safety net makes the RS 660 a remarkably secure and confidence-inspiring motorcycle to ride hard.

Honda CBR650R (Approx. ₹9.35 Lakh Ex-Showroom):

The CBR650R offers a refined, user-friendly inline-four experience. Its primary differentiator is value and accessibility. For a significantly lower price, it provides a smooth, reliable engine and comfortable ergonomics, making it a superior sport tourer. However, it lacks the sophisticated electronics, premium suspension, and lightweight agility of the Aprilia.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (Approx. ₹11.20 Lakh Ex-Showroom):

This is a pure-bred supersport focused on track performance. Its key differentiator is its high-revving 636cc inline-four engine that screams to its redline, offering an exhilarating top-end rush the Aprilia's twin cannot match. It’s sharper and more demanding, making it the choice for track day enthusiasts, but it's less comfortable and practical for daily road use compared to the RS 660.

Triumph Street Triple RS (Approx. ₹12.07 Lakh Ex-Showroom):

While a naked motorcycle, the Street Triple RS is a direct performance rival. Its differentiator is its characterful 765cc inline-three engine and equally high-spec components (fully adjustable Öhlins/Showa suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes). It offers a more raw, aggressive riding experience and arguably better value, but without the aerodynamic protection of the faired RS 660 for high-speed touring.

Who should buy it?

The enthusiast rider who values cutting-edge technology, lightweight handling, and European design flair above all else. This buyer is willing to pay a significant premium for a sophisticated, agile, and exclusive machine that excels on winding roads and is not deterred by a sparse service network.

Who should skip it?

The value-conscious buyer or the track purist. Those looking for the best performance-per-rupee will find the Kawasaki or Honda more logical. Riders focused purely on lap times might prefer the sharper, more powerful inline-four experience of the Ninja ZX-6R, which comes at a lower price point.