We’ve known it was coming since Aprilia first announced the RS660, but now we have all the details of the firm’s new upcoming naked middleweight, the Tuono 660.
Set to join the RS660 as both a full-power and LAMS addition to the New Zealand Aprilia lineup in May, the Tuono 660 utilises the same 660cc parallel-twin and high-tech chassis as the RS660.
Much like its V4 namesake, the Tuono 660 takes its technical base from the RS660 and adds Italian naked flair and more comfortable ergonomics thanks to the upright seating position and raised handlebar.
Visually the Tuono 660 has that same aggressive and sporty style as the rest of the Tuono family. Like the RS 660 it is based on, the new Tuono also adopts the innovative concept of the double fairing with aerodynamic appendix function, which Aprilia says was “born out of increasingly more in-depth research in the wind tunnel”, while the headlight is a striking as well triple LED unit featuring daytime running lights.
Kerb weight is claimed at just 189kg while peak power from the twin-cylinder engine is 95hp backed by the same swathe of electronic aids as the RS660. That means the whole gamut from the Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle, through to the APRC electronic controls suite which includes multi-level traction control, anti-wheelie control, cruise control, engine brake and selectable engine maps, also joined by the ABS system.
According to Aprilia, the electronics package is more advanced than some superbike class bikes.
To easily manage all those electronic controls, the Tuono 660 utilises a full-colour TFT dash which gives a plethora of info including which of the five riding modes the bike is currently set in. The rider modes have three dedicated road riding settings and two for the track, so the Tuono isn’t all THAT soft compared to the RS660...
With that said, in a bid to focus the Tuono 660 further towards the street, Aprilia has shortened the final drive of the Tuono 660 compared to the RS660 for more responsive acceleration.
The Tuono 660 will be available in three colour scheme variations: Concept Black, Iridium Grey and the brand new and attractive Acid Gold (above).
Pricing is yet to be confirmed by Aprilia NZ, but we expect it to fall in a similar region as the RS660 which has been indicated to be between $18,000 - $20,000. The RS660 is expected to start arriving in dealerships in late March.