The bike raises the concept of sportiness to a new level with a sleek chassis, powerful engine and excellent power-to-weight ratio
Didi Resources Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Aprilia motorcycles in Malaysia, today launched the new Aprilia RS660, marking the Italian manufacturer’s return to the middleweight segment.
With focus on excellent power-to-weight ratio, the 183-kg RS660 is powered by a 659 cc, parallel-twin cylinder engine that conforms to the stricter Euro 5 homologation. What’s more, the cylinder head, combustion chambers, ducts, cylinders and pistons are all derived from the RSV4’s 1,100 cc V4 powertrain.
This resuts in an impressive output of 100 hp at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. 80% of the torque is available from a low 4,000 rpm, which then becomes 90% when the needle hits the 6,250 rpm mark.
In addition to performance, the engine produces a roar similar to that of a V-twin. This is achieved by arranging the connecting rod pins at 270 degrees, which leads to an asymmetrical combustion that gives the engine its unique sound.
The RS660 boasts a double fairing design with integrated aerodynamic features inspired by its heavy involvement in racing. The bodywork optimises stability at high speeds and increases rider comfort by protection from air pressure and the dispersion of hot air flows from the engine and radiator.
The front fascia features triple LED headlights with parameter Daytime Running Lights positioned around the two main headlights. Thanks to a twilight sensor, the dipped beams are switched on automatically, while the self-cancelling turn indicators flash in the event of emergency braking. There is also a cornering lights function that increases visibility around the bends.
As for the chassis, the RS660 boasts an adjustable Kayaba fork with 41 mm upside-down stems and an aluminium swingarm with a single shock absorber with rebound and spring pre-load adjustment. Braking is done with a pair of 320-mm steel discs at the front and a 220-mm single disc at the rear, both combined with a pair of radial mount calipers courtesy of Brembo.
The RS660 rolls on 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tyres measuring 120/70 R17 at the front and 180/55 R17 at the rear.
Electronics-wise, the bike is equipped with a six-axis inertial platform, which is able to recognise the condition of the bike via accelerometers and gyroscopes. Also on-board is the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), which consists of:
- Aprilia Traction Control (ATC)
- Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC)
- Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC)
- Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS)
- Aprilia Engine Brake (AEB)
- Aprilia Engine Map (AEM)
- Cornering ABS
There are three riding modes for road use, namely Commute, Dynamic and Individual, and two riding modes for on-track use, Challenge and Time Attack. These modes are accessible through the full-colour TFT dash which can be linked to smartphones via Aprilia MIA.
RS660 is available in two graphic variants: Lava Red, which is a nod to the RS 250 in the 1994 Reggiani Replica version, and Apex Black. It is offered at an introductory price of RM59,900 (excluding road tax and insurance).
