RS 660

First Impressions of the Aprilia RS 660: Performance, Comfort, and Street Capabilities The Aprilia RS 660 has been one of the most talked-about middleweight sportbikes in recent years, blending performance, technology, and everyday usability. Now that I’ve had some time with mine on the street, here are my first impressions on how it holds up in the real world. (Track review coming soon in Part 2!) Performance: A Middleweight Powerhouse The RS 660’s parallel-twin engine delivers 100 horsepower, which might not seem extreme, but in a lightweight chassis, it pulls hard and feels much faster than the numbers suggest. The torque is spread across a broad rev range, making it both fun and practical. Acceleration & Power Delivery • Strong midrange punch—plenty of power for the street without needing to rev it to the moon • Quickshifter and auto-blipper make shifting seamless • Feels fast but controllable, never overwhelming Braking • The Brembo brakes offer a strong initial bite and great feel at the lever • No complaints for street riding—very confidence-inspiring Handling & Chassis Feel • Light and flickable, making it easy to throw into corners • Stable at speed but still agile for quick changes in direction • Suspension is well-tuned for the street—compliant but sporty Comfort: More Livable Than You’d Expect For a sportbike, the RS 660 is surprisingly comfortable. Ergonomics • Higher clip-ons than a supersport, making for a more relaxed riding position • Seat is firm but comfortable, even after an hour or more of riding • Legroom is decent, though taller riders might find it a bit tight Heat Management • Runs cooler than expected, even in traffic—no excessive engine heat roasting your legs Daily Usability • TFT display is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight • Cruise control is a great addition for highway stretches • Mirrors are actually functional—rare for a sportbike What’s Next? Taking It to the Track (Coming Soon: Part 2) The RS 660 is built with track riding in mind, but I haven’t put it through its paces there yet. That’s coming soon, and I’ll be testing: • Agility & cornering performance at high speed • Suspension performance under heavy braking and acceleration • Electronics & rider aids on a proper track setting • Whether it feels limited or holds its own against larger bikes So far, my street impressions suggest this bike is one of the best blends of sportiness and usability in the middleweight category. Stay tuned for the track-focused deep dive!