Before Ducati came forth with its V4 engine in 2018, Aprilia had already been acing this engine format in their iconic RSV4 and Tuono V4 from 2008. But now they have trimmed it down and brought out a parallel-twin engine after a long time. The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 packs a new engine that has been built on the same architecture as the quite rare V4 engine.
The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 is their naked foray into the middle-weight class and is unlike any of its competitors. For the supersport bunch, we have the Aprilia RS 660, but the Tuono is a unique proposition that looks all the more like a supersport but is a capable tourer. In fact, Aprilia is also offering a bunch of touring-centric accessories with this cool Italian to make things clear.
With an all-new engine, precise and nimble rideability, easy ergonomics, and possibly the best electronics package in its class, the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 is clearly the one to look out for, despite being a niche product. It locks horns against the likes of Triumph Street Triple R, the upcoming KTM 890 Duke, Kawasaki Z900, and Ducati Monster to name a few.
The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 is a radial-looking street-fighter, derived from the 2021 RS 660.
2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 Is Cheaper Than Its Fully Faired Twin
Despite shares the platform and engine among many others, the 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 is somehow cheaper at $10,499 than its brother - the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 which is priced at $11,299 ($800 more). It also comes in 3 shades - Apex Black, Lava Red, and the buzz-worthy Acid Gold.
You will have to shell out an additional $200 if you want this cooler shade. For the pricing, this Aprilia happens to be the only solid shot in this class which will soon be having a tough face-off from the upcoming 2021 KTM 890 Duke that replaces the KTM 790 Duke.
Packs The Same 659cc Parallel-Twin; But Has Mellower Performance
The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 is powered by the same 659cc parallel-twin engine used in the RS 660. Both the engines are based on the iconic V4 engine that is used in the 2021 Aprilia RSV4. But the performance has dipped a bit to 95 hp and we expect the torque to be the same. The drop in power is due to a different final drive in the Tuono 660 as compared to its supersport brother.
The most versatile aspect of this motorcycle is its performance graph. The 2021 Tuono 660 has a wider torque curve that gives it a meaty low and mid-range. This is an aspect that is absent in the motorcycles of this class. Morover, its slick 6-Speed manual gearbox makes riding this Italian a beautiful affair.
Upright And Comfortable Ergonomics Makes For A Potent Tourer
One of the visible aspects that differentiate Tuono 660 from the RS 660 is its flat and raised handle-bar. The RS has a clip-on in a more aggressive stance. The Tuono 660 is by far the coolest looking middle-weight tourer. The seat height remains unchanged at 32.3 in. and is usable for riders with a wider height range.
The rider's triangle is well-preserved and Aprilia has built its touring machine to keep the rider fatigue-free for a longer duration. But that is not the case with the pillion, as comfort has been compromised for a sleeker rear profile.
A Nimble Motorcycle By All Means; Aprilia Has A Winner On Their Hands
The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 shares the same frame layout as the RS 660. It uses a die-cast aluminum frame and the engine comes in as a stressed member. With a curb weight of 403 lbs, the power to weight ratio of this sexy machine is one of the best in the segment. The motorcycle is agile, thanks to the well-tuned Kayaba upside-down forks up front and mono-shock at the rear. It comes with Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 2 tires that help keep this streetfighter glued to the ground.
Despite having an upright stance, the Tuono 660 is not shy to lean it out. Braking is also commendable and is taken care of by Brembo with twin 320 mm discs up front and 220 mm single disc at the rear. It gets 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels that save crucial weight and adds up to its nimble character.
Sharp Italian Flair Is Fresh Off The Pan; A Sharp Head-Turning Package
Italians never go wrong with designs and the Aprilia Tuono 660 is as cool looking as its fully faired brother. There are a few differences in looks as compared to the RS 660. The front cowling is split into 2 here, for a naked look and the raised handle-bar is wide and adds up to its streetfighter appeal.
Apart from these, all the other design cues remain unchanged and the most dramatic aspect is the upswept LED DRLs that give it sinister horns. Just like the RS 660, Aprilia will offer the 2021 Tuono 660 in 3 color options - Apex Black, Lava Red, and the very funky Acid Gold.
A Versatile Package Loaded With Electronics And Touring Accessories
Almost all of the technology features in the Tuono 660 are shared with the RS 660. A plethora of rider aids helps tame this machine with ease. This makes it a machine that is equally appealing for new riders as well as experienced ones. It comes standard with ABS, 3-level traction and cornering control, cruise control, wheelie control, and a Continental 6-axis IMU package.
It comes with not one but two sets of riding modes that include 3 modes for the street (Commute, Dynamic, and Individual) and 2 for the track ( Challenge and Time Attack). A full-color TFT display takes care of showing all the critical information in a much intuitive manner. Being a touring-focused middle-weight machine, the Tuono 660 comes with a bunch of accessories including tank and tail bags, that adds to its versatile character.
Sources: Press.piaggiogroup.com, Cycleworld.com, Revzilla.com, Ridermagazine.com, Ultimatemotorcycling.com