It won’t be wrong if we say that the Aprilia Tuono 660 has been one of the most anticipated motorcycles in recent times. When Aprilia first unveiled the RS 660, it was pretty much inevitable that we were going to get the Tuoni 660 as well. After being spied testing on Italian roads, the naked streetfighter has now been unveiled officially and all the specs are now out in the open. Aprilia is calling it a miniature version of the Tuono 1100 and not just another ‘middleweight naked’ motorcycle.
More details
In the USA, the pricing is set at $10,499 (or $10,699 for the trippy Acid Gold colorway), it’s $800 less expensive than the RS 660 on which it’s based.
Changes in mechanicals
As expected, it retains the same 660cc, parallel-twin motor that does the job on the RS 660. However, Aprilia claims the Tuono 660 produces 95 hp—down from the RS’s projected 100 hp—and has a 403-pound curb weight. The reduction in peak power output is something we were expecting to happen, given the case with the Tuono 1100.
The power delivery is expected to be a little different in both the motorcycles, given the Tuono 660’s shorter final drive gearing—intended to improve acceleration—and different fork offset to adjust geometry for the application. The Kayaba suspension also has different settings than the RS 660.
Other changes
Apart from the retuned engine and suspension setup, there are some other changes which differentiate the Tuono 660 from its faired cousin. First up, Aprilia has dropped the gorgeous fairing to form the Tuono 660. However, in typical Tuono fashion, a sculpted half-fairing is still a part of the whole package but it does expose the much talked about 660cc parallel-twin motor.
Aprilia has also dropped the yoke-integrated clip-ons for a clamp-mounted high handlebar that pushes the rider more upright. The footpeg position is also a bit more relaxed than before while the windscreen has become shorter in proportions.
Electronics and other specs
As expected, the Tuono 660 gets the same modern-day electronics package called the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC). This six-axis IMU-based system includes three-level cornering ABS, adjustable wheelie control, traction control and engine brake control.
It also gets an up/down quickshifter and cruise control. The motorcycle has five ride modes- Commute, Dynamic, Individual, Challenge and Time Attack. These modes can be accessed via the TFT dashboard. The suspension components include a 41mm Kayaba USD fork, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. At the rear, there is a monoshock that is also adjustable for rebound and preload. Braking duties are carried out by twin 320 discs at the front with four-piston Brembo radial callipers and a 220mm disc at the back with two pistons Brembo.
Tuono 660 will be available in three colour scheme variations: Concept Black, Iridium Grey, and the brand new, and certainly eye-catching Acid Gold as already seen on the RS 660.