Oh Damn! RS 660 Aprilia Twin Concept

John Burns
by John Burns

When Aprilia released word of its new 217-horsepower RSV4 last week, my reaction was “that’s too much,” naturally opening myself up to all kinds of ageist criticisms. I mean, more power (!) to those who can handle and afford all that, but this new concept just unveiled at EICMA – “a 660 cc parallel twin-cylinder, a very compact new generation unit derived from the 1100 cc V4 that powers the Tuono V4 and RSV4 1100 Factory,” might be way more accessible for the vast majority of riders, no? Bellissima.

Aprilia Press Release:

EICMA 2018 – APRILIA CONCEPT RS 660

CONCEPT RS 660 IS THE FIRST EVOLUTIONARY STEP IN A REVAMPING AIMED AT EXPANDING THE APRILIA RANGE UNDER THE SIGN OF SPORTINESS AND PERFORMANCE FOR FUN: CUTTING-EDGE AERODYNAMICS RESEARCH, PREMIUM TECHNICAL CONTENT, ADVANCED ELECTRONICS AND A NEW TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE: RS 660 REDEFINES APRILIA VALUES FOR A NEW GENERATION OF RIDERS

With the Concept RS 660, Aprilia researches a new concept of sportiness, defined by the ratio between exuberant but easy-to-manage engine performance, a frame and suspension par excellence and the light weight of the vehicle.

The Concept RS 660 is a possible response to the demand of new generations for fun bikes that are capable of thrilling on the road as well as on the occasional track day.

The Concept RS 660 interprets the concept of sportiness in accordance with extremely modern canons, the consequence of in depth technological research and the extremes of aerodynamic solutions that are unrestricted by any regulations.

The result is a product that is unique in its kind: a medium engine capacity twin-cylinder, attractive and accessible, that provides extremely high technological content, even higher than bikes in superior categories.

Therefore, RS 660 is a possible option for young riders coming up from smaller engine sizes, looking for a high level sport bike that can provide thrills and fun on a day to day basis on the road and ready to support the rider on the track too.

The design: cutting-edge aerodynamics

Aprilia Concept RS 660 stands out above all for its style, innovative and sophisticated, that stems from a series of aerodynamic studies. With a tendency born in the highest levels of racing, aerodynamics is currently under intense development in the motorcycle sector, so the Concept RS 660 is able to explore concepts such as aerodynamic load control.

Out of the work done in the wind tunnel and from the resulting solutions, the shape of a bike was born where the lines are an absolute and direct consequence of the functions. The variable front section, the air flow direction and the variable downforce values transformed into opportunities for the Style Centre which created ultra modern dynamic shapes.

The concept offers a comfortable riding position, thanks to the large saddle located on the sleek tail fairing, footpegs that are not too high and a pair of semi-handlebars mounted on top of the upper steering yoke. The result is a saddle-handlebar-footpeg triangulation that is sporty yet comfortable, to the advantage of riding pleasure and comfort.

Aprilia chassis architecture, quality bar-setter

Aprilia’s know-how in packaging super fine chassis architectures is recognised the world over. In observance of this tradition, the Concept RS 660 Concept provides a magnificent structure made up of an aluminium frame and swingarm.

In the concept, the frame exploits the engine as a stressed element, contributing to form a compact and stiff structure. The right arm of the swingarm has a curved shape in order to all the exhaust terminal to pass. The particular mounting of the shock absorber allows outstanding progression to be obtained without using linkage, thereby cutting down on weight and making it a cleaner package overall.

The new parallel twin-cylinder for a new generation of bikes

RS 660 was born around the concept of a new engine that Aprilia engineers are already working on, a 660 cc parallel twin-cylinder, a very compact new generation unit derived from the 1100 cc V4 that powers the Tuono V4 and RSV4 1100 Factory. This configuration was chosen for its compact nature and efficiency, the extremely low level of heat transmitted to the rider and for the freedom that it leaves the designers to create a sleek and lightweight frame and suspension.

The RS 660 project is the development base for a wider range that intends to make Aprilia a key player in an extremely strategic market segment in Europe, but also in Asia and the American market.

John Burns
John Burns

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  • Sayyed Bashir Sayyed Bashir on Nov 07, 2018

    Don't wait four years to build this or others will.

  • John phyyt John phyyt on Nov 07, 2018

    Much of the love for the current retro bikes comes from these bikes being dynamically and aesthetically great rides. . Kawasaki's 900s are near the same but very different looks. So it is the look which sells.
    If Aprilia can make a great looking and performing middleweight with modern styling. Then this may actually be "something " . Especially a Tuono alternative .. .And the bones are here .. . I love my Yamaha but acknowledge styling shortcoming. I don't rate the street or KTM as any better. ( Worse to my eyes)

    Go Aprilia. Make it Light , fast enough , invigorating , inexpensive and above all beautiful. And this may be the bike to really shake things up.

    • Born to Ride Born to Ride on Nov 07, 2018

      This is the first bike I’ve seen with the potential to shake up my garage. Cautiously optimistic.

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