2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 - First Look

The obvious choice to follow-up the RS660 in Aprilia’s lineup, the Noale-based factory has now officially released details on the 2021 Tuono 660. Taking a page from the RSV4/Tuono V4 playbook, the smaller siblings share the same relation, as the Tuono 660 is essentially a “stripped down” version of its RS brother, meant first and foremost to be ridden on the street.Everything You

Want To Know About The Aprilia RS660 (Except What It’s Like To Ride)

We use quotes around stripped down because, just like the V4 Tuono, there’s still quite a bit of plastic to be found with the Tuono 660, including the double fairing up front with the hidden winglets. What’s interesting is that, during the RS660 press briefing, Aprilia downplayed the winglet’s downforce effect and played up rider comfort, saying the winglets were primarily to channel hot air from the engine away from the rider. In its press materials, Aprilia still says the winglets move hot air away from the rider, but also “contributes to optimized stability at high speeds.”

Nonetheless, Aprilia is claiming the little Tuono to be the lightest bike in its class, with a claimed curb weight of 403 lbs. Combine that with its 100 hp output and Aprilia is also claiming the best power-to-weight ratio too. Stylistically, the relation between RS660 and Tuono 660 is clear. The triple-beam headlight is distinct, while the accompanying components beneath it are reduced on the Tuono. The LED headlight itself features a daylight sensor that will activate the low beams at night. In the rear, the turn signals will flash in an emergency braking situation. If you go with the optional IMU, the headlights will “bend” and light up the inside of a turn as you lean.2021 Aprilia

RS660 Review – First Ride

Other than looks, the biggest separator between RS and Tuono is the ergonomic triangle. You get a handlebar on the Tuono 660 instead of the clip-ons of the RS660. The handlebar is higher and slightly swept back, while the pegs are a little lower and covered with rubber (unlike the RS). Combined, you have a more relaxed riding position compared to the RS660.

From here, much of the components between the Tuono and RS are the same or very similar. The modular frame featuring spars that are bolted together (instead of welded) gives you the same 24.1º rake as the RS. One difference, however, is the frame features two anchor points to the engine on the Tuono – one less than the RS660 – for a slightly different handling characteristic. As before, the engine is a stressed member of the chassis.

2021 Aprilia RS660 Track Review

The swingarm is still bolted through the engine, and attached to it is a rebound- and spring preload-adjustable shock (no compression adjustment). Up front you have a Kayaba 41mm inverted fork, also adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. Braking components are the same between RS and Tuono, which means two 320mm discs and radial calipers and master cylinder from Brembo. On the tire front, Pirelli outfits the bike with its Diablo Rosso Corsa II rubber, which compliments the bike’s street-first performance.

Of course, the highlight of the entire 660 range is the 659cc parallel-Twin engine. Featuring an 81mm bore, 13.5:1 compression ratio, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, and the distinct 270º firing order, it just oozes character as it revs mightily to its 100 hp (at the crank) peak and 11,500 rpm redline. You get 50 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 rpm, with 80% of that available as low as 4,000 rpm.

Just as the RS660, the Tuono 660 comes with the latest APRC suite and features Aprilia Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Cruise Control, Engine Brake control, and different engine map settings (three for street, two for track, just like the RS).

As alluded to earlier, one of the many options available on the Tuono 660 is the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). By now we don’t need to explain what it does, but if you get it for the Tuono it then enables Cornering-ABS (with different levels of intervention), as well as the “bending” headlights mentioned at the top of the page. Another feature worth getting, in our opinion, is the optional quickshifter.

Lastly, all of the Tuono 660’s vital information can be seen through the color TFT display, which can show you both Road and Track screens, along with the Aprilia MIA multimedia platform that allows you to connect with your smartphone and use the bike’s screen to control several different functions, including calls, music, and even turn-by-turn navigation. The app also allows the rider to save completed trips and analyze the data directly in the app using geo-referenced telemetry.