2021 Aprilia Tuono 660
Aprilia’s middleweight RS 660 sports machine arrives in Australia next month at under 19k ride away and has been garnering plenty of interest. Adam has already ridden the RS 660 in Europe and reviewed it for us here, while we ride the RS 660 here in Australia next month. Overnight Aprilia pulled the covers off a naked variant of the new RS 660 dubbed, somewhat predictably, Tuono 660. It is scheduled to arrive in Australia around the middle of 2021.
183 kg and 95 horsepower are the vital ingredients that promise an exciting but manageable ride that might make for a very appealing recipe that satiates the tastes of many motorcyclists.
We are unsure as to whether a learner legal LAMS variant will make it to Australia but a similar powered down version is available in Europe for new riders so it does seem likely, although as this is still very much a premium product it would possibly be the most expensive LAMS machine in the Australian market as Tuono 660 is expected to be priced around 19k, same as the RS 660.
Like the RS 660, the new Tuono also adopts the innovative concept of the double fairing with aerodynamic appendix function, born out of increasingly more in-depth research in the wind tunnel, as well as the triple LED headlight unit featuring DRL lights.
The adjustable Kayaba suspension system has a different set-up from that seen on the RS 660.
The high handlebar and geometry measurements also differentiate Tuono 660 from the RS and the Tuono runs shorter gearing for a more responsive power delivery.Â
The frame and swingarm are both die-cast aluminium. The engine is used as a bearing element and contributes to forming a compact, lightweight and stiff structure.Â
The latest generation 270-degree forward-facing twin cylinder, small and lightweight, is a child of the experience gained on the powerful Aprilia V4, from which its construction philosophy and basic technical concepts are drawn.Â
Its electronics are also top of the class and largely drawn from its larger siblings in the Aprilia range which further underlines the premium aspects of the 660.Â
The APRC electronic control suite includes multi-level traction control, anti wheelie control, cruise control, engine brake and selectable engine maps, along with ABS.Â
To easily manage all the electronic controls through the colour TFT instrumentation, Aprilia has fine tuned five Riding Modes (three dedicated to road riding and two for the track): the rider just needs to choose the option that best interprets his or her riding style, always leaving the possibility of customising them.
Tuono 660 will be available in three colour scheme variations: Concept Black, Iridium Grey and the brand new and attractive Acid Gold, already popular on the RS 660.
The new design language seen in the RS 660 and Tuono RS 660 is expected to adorn their bigger siblings in the Aprilia range with the V4 bikes due for a cosmetic upgrade soon.
