2025 Aprilia RS 660 Review: In-Depth Test, Performance, Pros, Cons, Top Speed, and Everything You Need to Know
Current Model Tested: 2025 Aprilia RS 660
Price: €11,799 (excluding road costs)
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Build Quality Analysis
The 2025 Aprilia RS 660 showcases a well-executed build quality, balancing cost containment with a strong visual appeal. The motorcycle features a well-crafted frame, excellent electronic equipment, and a meticulously designed engine and bodywork. No single component feels subpar.
While meticulous observers might note the integrated clip-on handlebars with the top yoke, the one-piece footpegs, the fully concealed exhaust, the painted frame, and the plastic subframe brace, these elements are all well-integrated and harmonized. Overall, the Aprilia RS 660 is a very well-made and aesthetically striking motorcycle.
In conclusion, while not inexpensive, the Aprilia RS 660 offers good value for money, often surpassing alternative options in its segment.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Ergonomics and Riding Comfort
The Aprilia RS 660 is a compact and nimble motorcycle, making it suitable even for riders under 180cm (5'11"). Conversely, for larger riders, the bike might feel somewhat small. For individuals around 170cm (5'7"), the ergonomics are reportedly perfect.
The controls are smooth and easy to operate. The riding position involves a forward-leaning torso, but without excessive weight on the wrists, ensuring a balanced posture. While aerodynamic protection is minimal, it proves sufficient for its intended purpose. Riders expecting a traditional, back-breaking sportbike will find the RS 660 offers a good compromise between minimal comfort for road use and optimal bike control.
The passenger seat is positioned high, though no worse than on other sportbikes. While not a touring motorcycle, comfortable two-up rides are more feasible than on many competing models. Vibrations are noticeable at high RPMs but are not bothersome. The exhaust note is distinct, and while the engine sound is noticeable, it is not intrusive. The mirrors exhibit some vibration, but the controls are user-friendly. The instrumentation is excellent, providing clear and comprehensive information.
Ultimately, Aprilia has done a commendable job for this type of motorcycle. It is not as extreme as its larger sibling, offering a sporty yet comfortable experience, making it almost unique in its category.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Suspension Performance
The 2025 Aprilia RS 660 is equipped with generally good suspensions, which have been refined over the years. The adjustable front fork performs well but remains slightly soft for aggressive sport riding, though it can be adjusted. For road use, the suspension setup is considered excellent, even excessive for some, but for track use, a thorough revision would be recommended.
The rear shock absorber has improved over the years, now offering better performance with more controlled damping, well-matched to the front fork. While not a premium component, it holds its own effectively. On the road, the suspensions are more than adequate for sporty use, and only expert riders pushing the limits might find fault with them. Overall, these are good components, superior to direct competitors. For those seeking higher-end suspension, the "Factory" version offers more advanced components at a price premium of approximately €2,000.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Braking System, ABS, and Traction Control
The overall braking performance of the Aprilia RS 660 is excellent, delivering short stopping distances despite not utilizing overly sophisticated components. Thanks to the motorcycle's low weight and optimal braking stability, stopping distances are consistently minimal.
The ABS system engages smoothly without premature intervention, and overall braking management is straightforward. The rear brake is also highly effective, playing a more significant role than mere deceleration. The traction control system also appeared to be well-calibrated. Furthermore, all settings can be customized via the instrumentation. Overall, it's an excellent braking system.
Notably, the presence of Cornering ABS further enhances safety during road riding.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Engine Performance and Top Speed
The Aprilia RS 660 2025 engine is no longer new, yet it continues to impress with its overall performance. It delivers smooth power at low RPMs, a strong push in the mid-range, and pulls well at high RPMs. The bike's overall low weight and reduced frontal area contribute to its excellent overall performance.
Being very smooth at low speeds, the engine handles city riding without issues, but it truly shines on winding roads. When kept in the mid to high RPM range, it offers excellent performance, only struggling with acceleration from low speeds in higher gears, as is typical for a small-displacement engine. It may not match the raw power of a 600cc four-cylinder, but it's not far behind, and in the mid-range, it's notably more robust and engaging.
The top speed is approximately 240 km/h (149 mph), though this is heavily influenced by the rider's body size and requires a very long, sustained effort to achieve. A more realistic and easily attainable speed is 230 km/h (143 mph); squeezing out those last few kilometers per hour is a challenging feat. Experts noted no performance differences with the arrival of the Euro5+ regulation; in fact, there was improved smoothness at low RPMs, greater operational fluidity, and consistent high-end performance. Similarly, the new aerodynamic fairing does not negatively impact the top speed.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Gearbox and Clutch Functionality
The clutch of the Aprilia RS 660 is used sparingly but is light to actuate, even though it's cable-operated. The gearbox, conversely, is excellent: precise, fast, fluid, and never harsh in action. There are no false neutrals or indecisions; it's an excellent sport gearbox with well-chosen ratios. Perhaps only the sixth gear feels slightly long.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Handling, Stability, and Safety Features
The Aprilia RS 660 boasts one of the best sport chassis currently available. It is precise, agile, easy to ride, and simple to push to its limits. What more could one ask for? Nothing, as it is perfect as it is: a motorcycle ideal for mixed roads, yet stable and secure at high speeds. It offers precise turn-in, rapid changes of direction, and perfect control in every riding situation.
While it might feel like a caged lion in urban environments or when ridden two-up, it truly excels outside the city on winding roads, including mountain passes. It performs well always and everywhere. This inherent capability allows riders to fully exploit its horsepower, putting it to the best possible use, leading to fast and exhilarating rides.
Of course, it's not just about throttle control; the bike requires active riding, involving both body and engine input. This makes it enjoyable without being tiring or dangerous. It features an excellent chassis. No significant differences were noted with the new aerodynamic fairing. For the meticulous rider, there might be slightly increased stability at high speeds and greater precision when cresting hills at pace, but these are minimal differences.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Fuel Consumption
During our test, the Aprilia RS 660 achieved an average fuel consumption of approximately 18 km/liter (42.3 MPG US / 50.9 MPG UK). This figure dropped to 14 km/l (32.9 MPG US / 39.5 MPG UK) during aggressive sport riding, and reached over 22 km/l (51.8 MPG US / 62.1 MPG UK) with a more conservative riding style. Overall, fuel consumption is in line with the motorcycle's category.
2025 Aprilia RS 660 Conclusions: Pros and Cons
The Aprilia RS 660 2025 may not possess the exuberance of a 1000cc machine, but it is not far behind 600cc four-cylinder models. On the road, it is highly enjoyable for both novice and experienced riders, who can fully exploit its capabilities. Fun and competitive on twisty roads, it might feel slightly out of breath only on truly fast stretches, but on public roads, this is well beyond what reasonable limits allow.
The Aprilia RS 660 has no real significant flaws, and its value for money is commendable. On many racetracks, it achieves impressively fast lap times, demonstrating its overall quality. Ultimately, its only perceived weakness lies on long straights where a 1000cc bike can approach 300 km/h. This may be its only limitation, more psychological than real. For everything else, the motorcycle is excellent for its handling, solid for its performance, and good for its overall quality.
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