Aprilia introduced its all-new middleweight sports bike, the RS 660, in early 2021, and
now it's spawned a street fighter sibling. Meet the new Aprilia Tuono 660. This is gonna be fun.
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Sharing the same fundamental engine and chassis package as the RS 660,
the Tuono 660 brings the high performance Tuono street fighter philosophy
to a wider audience. It's available in a learner-friendly LAMS format as well,
but here, we're sticking the full brisket version under the microscope.
I reckon this thing just looks a million bucks, especially in this acid gold color scheme.
The overall build quality is beautiful, and it's all set off a treat by the orange rims and the
triple element LED headlight, with its striking daytime running lights. Aprilia trades heavily
on its racing heritage, right down to the decals applied here, although next time you get pulled
over by the constabulary, we dare you to ask their opinion of this sticker on the front guard.
Aprilia says the Tuono 660 has the best power-to-weight ratio in the under 1750 cc
street fighter class, along with the lightest weight. At its heart is the all new parallel twin
also found in the RS 660. It's essentially half an Aprilia big bore V4, although in Tuono 660 form,
it is down 5 horsepower on its RS sibling. All this spirited urge is sent to the rear Pirelli
Diablo Rosso 2 Corsa tire via a super light slipper clutch and a six-speed transmission,
fitted in this instance with an optional bi-directional quick shifter.
And the premium spec continues through the electronics and the smart but compact 4.3-inch TFT
display. The ergonomics are super comfortable, with a nicely padded seat and good legroom,
even for taller riders. The seat height is the same as for the RS 660,
but the high-set tapered handlebar delivers an upright stance that's perfect for all-day riding.
All up, there's a choice of five ride modes, three preset and two custom, along with the ability to
tailor engine mapping, engine braking, traction control, ABS, and wheelie control settings.
Interestingly, though, an inertial measurement unit,
providing next-level safety that accounts for lane angle, is a factory accessory, as is the Bluetooth
module for connecting a smartphone. An IMU and a quick shifter were standard items on the RS 660,
but the Tuono 660 also comes with standard electronic cruise control and full LED lighting,
the latter with an auto feature. The various menus are all accessed via a directional keypad on the
left-hand switchblock and a ride mode button on the right. It's not the most intuitive setup
we've seen, but it's easy enough once you've got your head around it. Okay, so that's the
nuts and bolts covered. Now, let's get out of the city and see how she handles some bends.
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This little pocket rocket is a stupendous amount of fun. The parallel twin has a heap of character
and really accessible performance. It's quick, just without warping time and space like its big
V4 brother. The chunky mid-range is where it's at, but it's no slouch at either end of its rev range.
Redline is indicated at 11,500 RPM, while at 100 kilometres an hour in 6th, the mill is spinning
at around 4200 RPM. But the way this Tuono 660 handles the bends is the ultimate highlight for
me. It's so nimble and easy to throw around, and the suspension, it just works. Throw in healthy
cornering clearance, strong and precise Brembo brakes, and quality Pirelli rubber, and the Tuono
660 is insane fun on a winding road, while still totally accommodating as an around-town commuter.
And finishing off the experience is a lovely rowdy note from that tiny underslung exhaust.
As for efficiency, Aprilia claims this Euro 5 compliant engine is good for a combined figure
of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres, although a mix of real world riding on this test delivered
6 litres per hundred for me. This is a premium Euro middleweight street fighter with a premium
price to match, and I reckon paying extra for the IMU and Bluetooth module is a bit of a stretch at
this price point. But if you don't baulk at those dollars, you'll be rewarded with one
very slick and sophisticated machine, with the brains to match the good looks. This is the big
board Tuono V4 spirit in a more accessible, less intimidating package, and it's a ripper ride.