With Aprilia releasing the new RS660 last year, and the Moto GP squad riding it around the Misano circuit, Journalists raved about the new baby RSV4. With Aprilia developing the new 660 powerplant, it was only expected that a new baby 660 Tuono was on the cards too. The popular Tuono has been a staple to Aprilia’s range, with some even saying that the Tuono is better than the RSV4 superbike.
The new Tuono 660 still retains all of the desirable electronics from its bigger brother 1100 Tuono. Aprilia says the new 660 combines manageable power into a lightweight chassis for great performance. Effectively much like the RSV4 and the 1100 Tuono, much of the engine, main chassis, and electronics are the same. riding position and bodywork sees the biggest changes among with a different engine map and shorter gearing to the RS660. The chassis retains the engine as a stressed member. The suspension is fully adjustable and has a setup dedicated to the Tuono.
The electronics package features full TFT instrumentation, which Aprilia says is best in its class. They also make the point it’s more advanced than some superbikes. Featuring ride by wire throttles and the full suite of APRC electronic controls which includes traction control, anti-wheelie, cruise control and adjustable engine maps and engine braking settings. Combined with 5 rider modes, three for the road and two for the track.
Solid A2 bike?
Primed for A2 riders, the Tuono 660 features a kerb weight of 183kg and 94 horsepower limit for A2 restriction. Aprilia quoted a dry weight of 169kg for the RS660, and the 660 Tuono, a kerb weight of 183kg. With the specifications being similar the shorter gearing of the Tuono should make it feel quicker on the road.
The styling of the Tuono traces its bigger brother, with that iconic sporty style but still looks comfortable. Much like the new RS660 which has wings, the new 660 Tuono retains these. Daylight running lights to the front fairing also gives the sporty yet aggressive look, combined with the triple LED headlights.
With this in mind, colours for the new Tuono 660 include the iconic black and red, the iridium grey red and black combo, and the acid gold and black with red wheel combo which splits opinion.
Overall it’s a great move, and brings yet more bikes to the thriving A2 market. Despite other A2 bikes being cheaper, the price of those adds up to arguably the same ballpark figure as the RS660 and Tuono 660.
Pricing has been quoted as £9,700, £450 cheaper than the faired equivalent RS660 price. Availability should be towards the end of Q1 2021.
Read the full release from Aprilia here
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