-Leaked patents reveal the production version of the Aprilia RS 660
-To be unveiled at 2019 EICMA
-Powered by a 660cc, V-twin motor
The Aprilia RS 660 concept was unveiled at last year’s EICMA in Milan. Now, leaked patents reveal the design of the production-ready version.
The styling of the production-ready RS660 is very similar to the concept although it does get subtle tweaks. Its full-LED headlamp doesn’t seem to get the integrated turn signals like the RS 660 concept and is likely to feature conventionally- mounted indicators on the fairing.
Speaking of which, the fairing has become sleeker and gets rid of the side air vents and exposes little of the frame as well as the engine on the lower end. The RS 660 will also get Y-shaped alloy wheels as compared to the ones on the concept motorcycle.
The patents also reveal that the RS660’s handlebar is slightly raised and straighter than the one on the show bike. At the rear, it continues to get the self-supported seat which has no room for a pillion. Although it wouldn’t be a task for Aprilia to offer a pillion seat and foot pegs on the production version.
Aprilia is likely to introduce the RS 660 in two variants that would differ from each other with their suspension and braking hardware. While the top-spec version could get Ohlins suspension on both ends, the base variant is likely to get its hardware sourced from Sachs. As for braking, the two models will get different-spec Brembo callipers.
Powering the RS 660 is a 660cc, V-twin derived from the RSV4 1100’s V4 engine. While details are unavailable, we can expect the RS 660’s unit to be a high-revving engine that would be in tune with the RSV4’s maniacal reputation. As for electronics, the bike is likely to get riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire and the works.
While the concept also showcased the A3 (Aprilia Active Aerodynamics) on the fairing, only time will tell if the road-ready version will feature the technology. In global markets, the Aprilia RS660 has the Norton Superlight for competition which is similar in terms of character and engine. The Superlight uses a 650cc parallel-twin engine that produces 105bhp of power and 75Nm of torque.
Aprilia will reveal the production-ready RS 660 at the 2019 EICMA in Italy. But will it come to India? It surely will, most likely sometime next year and go head-on against the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the country.
