The Concept RS 660 parallel twin, according to Aprilia, is defined by easy-to-manage engine performance, a frame and suspension par excellence, light weight and packed with electronics, although exact details are still light at this point…
Aprilia’s RS 660 Concept is the base of things to come in the middleweight class.
The result is a product that features a medium engine capacity twin-cylinder, provides a high level of technology and aims to be a possible option for young riders coming up from smaller engine sizes, looking for a high level sportsbike that can provide thrills and fun on a day to day basis on the road, and ready to support them on the track too. Somewhere where the Supersport segment used to sit.
No shock linkage, which is never a good thing despite claims, but overall a trick looking chassis.
The Aprilia Concept RS 660 aims to offer a comfortable riding position, thanks to the large seat located on the sleek tail fairing, footpegs that are not too high and a pair of semi-sports handlebars mounted on top of the upper steering yoke. The result is a triangulation that is sporty yet comfortable, to the advantage of riding pleasure and comfort.
The rider triangle is designed to be more sports touring than sports, giving the bike a more flexible usage.
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, something Aprilia has been doing since the mid 1990s.
The engine is a stressed member and will be used for a range of models in the future.
RS 660 was also born around the concept of a new engine that Aprilia engineers are already working on, a 660cc 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.
There will be variants of the engine from performance to touring. There are no signs we will get the bikes here though unfortunately.
The RS 660 project claims to be 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. There is no mention of Australia but we can dream… It certainly takes Jeff’s RSX550 build to the next level and would be a great track bike as well…
