Aprilia RS 660

[Esceptico]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/apri...

For looks alone I would buy it.

Actually the whole idea appeals a lot to me. Less weight, less power - more fun on the road?

Pity I will never get a chance to buy one.

[Esceptico]

Ho Lee Kau said:

Daytona 675, the best 600ish supersport, was taken off line due to low sales.
Who would by this Aprilia?

I was looking at 675s in the classifieds last week so me for one.

But from my comment above “pity I won’t be able to buy one” I already recognised I was in the minority

[Esceptico]

Mr Pew said:

I ride 2005 cbr600rr, no gadgets. only thing I want is a quickshifter and quick action throttle.

Would be happy to buy a new bike without any of the extras as the ones I would want I could add on myself.

That's interesting. A local dealer has a 2006 CBR 600RR and I am quite tempted. How long have you had it? Good experience?

[Esceptico]

Reminds me a bit of this:

http://www.paton.it/en/paton-s1-r-lightweight-re/

Which I would really love...except for the price. Well, actually the bigger problem is not being able to sell it on as I would imagine the market for such a bike secondhand doesn't really exist.

[Esceptico]

I was very interested but when I heard that it wasn’t going to be available until November (at the earliest - dealer wasn’t sure whether Covid would see that pushed back) I bought a Tuono instead. Was still take one for a test ride when they become available although not sure when that will be. Tried to get a test ride on the new Ducati V2 but the dealer said they are selling all the bikes they can get hold of and might not have a demo until next year.

[Esceptico]

James-m5qjf said:

The Street Triple 765RS keeps enticing me in, I’ve had 2 675s, and they’re an absolute blast. Lighter and more power than the 660!

I did consider the ST when I bought the Tuono but couldn’t get past the looks but also it didn’t have cornering ABS (which the Tuono and RS660 have). Not that I am planning to have to use it but figured that if I ever needed it, it was something worthwhile having (a bit like my leathers - only “used” them properly twice - and hopefully for the last time! - but I was glad to be wearing them when they became useful).

[Esceptico]

Krikkit said:

Yep, called it totally backwards if the reviews are to be believed. Not a track beast at all, much more towards the road-friendly end like the Duc Supersport

Could be both. I didn’t take my RS250 on track but by all accounts they do very well on track. However it was a very easy and enjoyable bike to use on the road - at least in my experience. It was light, comfortable and great fun (as long as you kept the revs up).

I think a factory version of the RS660 would be great but problem will be pricing. With discounts I only paid £13k for a factory Tuono. Paying £11k plus for a factory 660 wouldn’t make a lot of sense.

[Esceptico]

poo at Paul's said:

What sort of oomph does it have?
I cannot make my mind up on it, looks to be a bit low rent in some areas, but at 10k?
Mind you, nothing more frustrating that a sweet handling bike that is hard work on the road due to a motor that is a bit shy,

About 100 bhp. I think the rationale for the bike is something that you have to work a bit harder to maintain pace.

It seems to be much more than half as good as an RSV4 even though it is close to half the price.

If and when my dealer gets a demo I am definitely going to try it.

[Esceptico]

MrGman said:

I reckon it’ll be the kind of bike where if you were given one you keep it, ride it and really enjoy it, but it’s just not the bike many of us would buy as the numbers aren’t right.

Yes could easily become the GT86 of the bike world that gets lots of praise from journalists but doesn’t sell well. Doubt I would swap my Tuono for one but when I replace the Tuono will consider it.