Aprilia RS 660

A long wait later, Aprilia finally launched the RS 660 in India, priced at a sky-high Rs 13.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), which makes the RS one of the most expensive middle-weight offerings in our country. For full details about the bike, read our story. The RS 660 is available in three attractive paint schemes: Lava Red, Black Apex, and Acid Gold.

The Aprilia RS 660 is the first bike to feature the Italian brand's new design language. In fact, the new Aprilia RSV4 1100 is heavily inspired by this . Along with this, the electronics and the TFT instrument cluster are also borrowed from the RSV4.

Underneath, the RS 660 employs a Euro 5-compliant 659cc, parallel-twin engine putting out 100PS at 10,500rpm and 67Nm at 8,500rpm. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed transmission and gets a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

As for the techy bits, the RS 600 features five riding modes (Commute, Individual, Dynamic, Challenge, and Time Attack), cornering ABS, traction, wheelie and cruise control. Of the 5 riding modes, Challenge and Time Attack are meant for the track and can be customised to suit the rider. 

And all of this is complemeted by impressive hardware. The RS 660 uses a twin spar aluminium frame sprung on a 41-mm Kayaba fork and a monoshock, both with preload and rebound adjustability. Meanwhile, the anchors comprise twin 320mm discs up front with radially mounted Brembo calipers.

In India, the Aprilia RS 660 competes against the 2021 Honda CBR650R and the Kawasaki Ninja 650. However, its price alternatives include the Ducati SuperSport 950, the Ducati Monster, and even the Kawasaki Ninja 1000.