Driving report Aprilia RS 660: Rock’n Roll in the middle class

Posted on by admin

Driving report Aprilia RS 660

Rock’n Roll in the middle class

Two years ago it was on display for the first time as a concept bike at the Eicma, and at the end of October 2020 it will finally be available at dealers. Aprilia’s RS 660 is not just a new motorcycle, but the starting shot for a fresh, rocking middle class! First driving report with the production model

A few weeks ago we were able to collect our first driving impressions with the Aprilia RS 660 as a pre-production model. The series version was now ready to be contacted for the first time.

Sitting position fits

After a 200 km test lap on Italian Alpine roads, there are many positive things to say about Aprilia’s new Brenner. Let’s start with handling and seating position: Yes, the 660 drives at least as fast as it looks! Thanks to the crisp, short wheelbase of 1,370 mm and a meager 183 kg gross vehicle weight (including all liquids and 90 percent tank capacity), the RS 660 turns quickly. Nevertheless, the Aprilia also comfortably accommodates drivers over 1.80 meters tall. The comfortable and easy-to-grip seat cushion, the footrests at an adequate height and the relatively wide handlebar stubs result in an ergonomic triangle that works great both in city traffic and when sharpening bends. The clean knee joint and the generous contact area on the tank help to maneuver the machine easily and easily from one inclined position to the next. Turning in the tightest of circles is also effortless thanks to the generous steering angle. In a nutshell: In the saddle of the RS 660, you can really snap into place and feel perfectly accommodated in city traffic as well as when accelerating on winding roads!

Chassis with quality

Aprilia

Then the landing gear. Both the fully adjustable fork and the directly hinged spring strut, which can be adjusted in preload and rebound, come from Kayaba. Aprilia put a lot of effort into the set-up, because the RS dampens and springs wonderfully and delivers crisp feedback. Late brakes are happy about the transparent feel to the front wheel when you decisively decelerate the 660 at the entrance to the curve. The response behavior of the fork and shock absorber is consistently surprisingly fine, and the damping reserves (especially the fork) are large when you are sporty.

Comprehensive electronics arsenal

The handy RS 660 is therefore in the genes of being moved from dynamic to rapid. But with the 659 cubic twin (270 degree crank pin offset) everyday life is also ideal. Among other things, this is made possible by the new electronics, where Aprilia brings out huge cutlery. For the first time, the new Marelli ECU 11MP engine management system is used instead of the previous 7SM unit on an Aprilia model. The new ECU offers a more extensive data collection and processing of all possible components in the motorcycle via a further developed CAN-BUS system and is clocked at 200 MHz compared to the previous 50 MHz.

In practice, this means that the 660 can handle everything from a cuddle race to an assault, depending on the selected mapping and other electronic settings. In driving mode "Commuting" For example, the power output is very soft and largely jerk-free. Those who like it lively choose "Dynamic", Configures an individual mode according to your own wishes or goes straight to the driving program "Race". The full assistance package works with a 6-axis sensor system (IMU) from Continental. From lean angle-dependent traction control (eight levels) to three-level ABS (one mode deactivates the ABS on the rear wheel and enables sharp braking drifts, the other two have cornering functions and are more defensive) to wheelie control (on and off ) and three-way adjustable Engine braking torque (a novelty at Aprilia) is every gimmick on board.

Cutbacks in manufacturing quality

Aprilia

Who the 100 hp engine in one of the two race programs "Challenge" gold "Time attack" off the leash, Aprilia’s new two-cylinder experiences consistently sporty. In any box, more than 80 percent of the maximum torque is available from 4,000 rpm. But in race mode, the twin then hangs on the gas spontaneously, pushes firmly in the middle of the engine speed and goes off even more angrily from 8,000 rpm to the limiter at 11,500 rpm. Small downer: At least it feels like the engine is taking a little breather between 6,000 rpm and 8,000 rpm. It must also be said that the motorcycles during the press presentation are still pre-series machines (series production of the RS 660 started on October 12th). In this respect, we hope that the final touches will be carried out on the product ready for delivery. Here and there a bit of cosmetics would also be desirable for the gap dimensions of the cladding or the surface finish of some plastic parts. In terms of material quality and workmanship, the RS 660 cannot hold a candle to its sporty (and of course much more expensive) V4 sisters at first glance.

Conclusion

The Aprilia RS 660 costs 10,770 euros in Germany, and in return you get an easy-to-drive, very versatile and modern sports motorcycle with excellent handling characteristics. Newcomers * will definitely find just as much fun on the 660 as experienced pilots.

* A 95 hp version will be available for A2 license holders

Related articles

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *