Aprilia Tuono 660

The heart of the Tuono 660 is a 659cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank configuration, a design choice that mimics the power delivery and acoustic character of a V-twin. In its BS6 Phase 2 compliant state for the Indian market, this DOHC, 8-valve motor produces a claimed 95 hp at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. Mated to a slick, 6-speed gearbox equipped with a standard up/down quickshifter, the powertrain delivers a responsive and engaging experience. In urban environments, the engine exhibits impressive tractability, with a usable spread of torque from as low as 4,000 rpm, reducing the need for constant gear shifts. However, its true character emerges past 6,000 rpm, where it pulls with a determined urgency all the way to its redline. 

Throttle response, governed by a ride-by-wire system, is precise and allows for nuanced control. Refinement is commendable for a parallel-twin, though some vibrations are perceptible at higher revs. In terms of fuel efficiency, real-world figures hover around 18-20 km/l, which is on par for the segment, yielding a theoretical range of approximately 270-300 km from its 15-litre fuel tank.

As a sports naked, the Tuono 660's ergonomics are a compromise between aggressive sportiness and street-friendly comfort. The rider triangle is more relaxed than its fully-faired RS 660 counterpart, with a higher, wider handlebar that reduces strain on the wrists and back. However, the posture remains committed, with rear-set footpegs encouraging an engaged riding position. The seat height of 820mm might be a slight challenge for riders under 5'7", requiring them to be on their toes at a standstill. The rider's seat is reasonably well-padded for shorter journeys, but its slender profile can become taxing on longer highway stints. 

Pillion comfort is minimal at best; the rear seat is small, perched high, and lacks substantial grab rails, making it suitable only for very short trips. In terms of heat management, the parallel-twin engine does radiate noticeable heat in slow-moving traffic, a common trait in this performance category, though the double-fairing design helps channel some of it away from the rider’s legs. Luggage mounting options are limited without investing in aftermarket racks, reinforcing its focus as a weekend machine rather than a tourer.

Chassis dynamics are arguably the Tuono 660's most significant asset. Built around an aluminium twin-spar frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, the motorcycle boasts a kerb weight of just 183 kg. This low mass, combined with a sharp steering geometry, makes the Tuono exceptionally agile and responsive to rider inputs, both in congested city traffic and through technical cornering sections. The suspension setup consists of a 41mm Kayaba (KYB) inverted front fork and a rear monoshock, both offering adjustability for rebound damping and spring preload. While the factory setting is firm and oriented towards spirited riding, it can be softened for better compliance on poorly surfaced Indian roads, though it never becomes truly plush. High-speed stability is excellent, with the chassis remaining composed and communicative. 

Braking hardware is sourced from Brembo, featuring dual 320mm discs at the front with radially mounted M4.32 four-piston calipers, and a single 220mm disc at the rear. This setup provides formidable stopping power with excellent feel and feedback at the lever, inspiring significant confidence during aggressive deceleration. The braking performance is directly comparable to, and in some cases exceeds, the segment benchmarks.

The Tuono 660’s design is a direct descendant of its larger sibling, the Tuono V4. It features the signature triple-LED headlamp assembly with integrated DRLs, and aerodynamic "double-fairing" with integrated winglets that aid in high-speed stability and engine heat dissipation. The instrumentation is a modern, full-colour TFT display that is clear and legible under various lighting conditions. This screen serves as the interface for the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) suite, the motorcycle's electronic brain. This package includes multiple riding modes (Commute, Dynamic, and a customisable Individual mode), multi-level traction control (ATC), wheelie control (AWC), engine brake control (AEB), and cruise control. 

These features are not mere novelties; they provide tangible benefits, allowing the rider to tailor the bike’s power delivery, throttle response, and electronic intervention levels to match road conditions or personal preference. For instance, engaging the 'Commute' mode softens the power delivery for smoother city riding, while 'Dynamic' unleashes the engine's full potential. The optional Aprilia MIA multimedia platform enables smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth for call management and turn-by-turn navigation, further enhancing its practicality.

The Aprilia Tuono 660 is equipped with a comprehensive safety package that stands out in the middleweight category. The cornerstone of its safety systems is the advanced APRC electronics suite, powered by a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This enables the inclusion of cornering ABS, a feature that modulates braking pressure even when the motorcycle is leaned over, significantly reducing the risk of wheel lock-up during mid-corner braking. The system is a multi-map Continental ABS setup, offering different levels of intervention tied to the selected riding mode. Furthermore, the multi-level traction control (ATC) is lean-angle sensitive, providing a sophisticated safety net against loss of rear-wheel grip during acceleration, especially on inconsistent surfaces. 

The full LED lighting system, including the distinctive triple headlamp and tail lamp, ensures excellent visibility for the rider and makes the motorcycle highly conspicuous to other road users, a critical safety factor in Indian road conditions. A side-stand engine cut-off switch is standard. This level of electronic safety intervention is on par with, and in some cases superior to, litre-class motorcycles from just a few years ago, setting a high benchmark for the segment.

The Tuono 660 enters a fiercely contested segment in India, facing off against well-established rivals. Its high CBU pricing places it in a challenging position.

Triumph Street Triple R:

Priced more competitively, the Street Triple R is a direct competitor. Its key differentiator is the 765cc inline-three-cylinder engine, which produces more power (120 PS) and offers a uniquely linear and characterful power delivery. It also features a high-spec chassis and Brembo M4.32 brakes, making it an exceptionally well-rounded and potent package for the price.

Kawasaki Z900:

The Z900 represents the value-for-money proposition in this class. Its primary differentiator is its 948cc inline-four engine, which delivers a substantial 125 PS. While it offers basic traction control and riding modes, it lacks the sophisticated IMU-based electronics of the Aprilia. Buyers prioritising raw power and displacement per rupee will find the Z900 nearly unbeatable.

Honda CB650R:

The Honda CB650R offers a different flavour of middleweight performance. Its differentiator is the smooth, high-revving 649cc inline-four engine and Honda's reputation for impeccable refinement and reliability. It is less aggressive ergonomically and electronically simpler than the Tuono, appealing to riders looking for a sophisticated, comfortable, and usable daily ride with a premium finish.

Who should buy it?

The ideal buyer is an experienced rider who values cutting-edge electronics, a lightweight and supremely agile chassis, and the exclusivity of an Italian brand. This rider prioritizes handling precision and technological sophistication over raw horsepower and is willing to pay a premium for a track-capable street motorcycle.

Who should skip it?

Budget-conscious buyers, those who prioritise pillion comfort, or riders seeking maximum horsepower for their money should look elsewhere. Individuals in cities with a limited premium service network may also find rivals from Triumph or Kawasaki to be more practical long-term ownership prospects.