Aprilia’s new RS660 is packed with tech goodies that delight

Packed with tech goodies, the Aprilia RS660 arrives with a 100hp 660cc parallel-twin engine, and in the process a lightweight, high-performance bike is born.

And as an alternative to some of the more severe competition, the RS660 is an altogether more liveable-with prospect, a great blend of everyday bike that will hold its own on the track.

Weighing in at just 183kg, the new model features a package of APRC electronic rider aids that puts much of the competition to shame.

A triple LED headlight set-up, which comes with perimeter daytime running lights positioned around the two main headlights, give the RS660 a unique and pretty damn nice look.

Integrated indicators give the front a compact look, with a nice feature of cornering lights that light up the inside of a curve. For track use, you can quickly remove mirrors, passenger footrests and licence plate holders for use on the track.

An aluminium die-cast frame and swingarm and 1,370mm wheelbase promise to give the RS660 impressive handling capabilities in a compact, lightweight but rigid structure. The swingarm is pivoted directly into the engine.

The chassis is completed by an adjustable Kayaba fork with 41mm upside-down stems and brakes boasting 320mm steel discs at the front, with a pair of Brembo radial-mount calipers and a radial master cylinder. Tyres are Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa IIs.

An all-new engine makes its debut in the Aprilia RS660, and will be rolled out in a range of new bikes from the Italian marque.

The 660cc parallel-twin cylinder unit is a compact, latest-generation engine derived from the 1100cc front-banked V4.

The new twin-cylinder is the result of experience gained developing the extremely powerful engine that equips the RSV4: the cylinder head, combustion chambers, ducts, cylinders and pistons all derive from the V4. It also features an 81mm bore - as in the 1078cc V4 - with a 63.9mm stroke.

Apart from the 100hp available at 10,500rpm, there's 67Nm torque on tap at 8,500rpm, with 80pc of the torque available from 4,000rpm, and 90pc by 6,250rpm.

Rider aids are impressive: Aprilia Traction Control; Aprilia Wheelie Control; Aprilia Cruise Control; Aprilia Quick Shift - you can also reverse the gearbox for track use as standard; Aprilia Engine Brake; and Aprilia Engine Map, with various forms of mappings available to change the character and the way engine power is delivered.

Advanced multi-map Cornering ABS monitors and changes settings in reaction to acceleration, front brake lever pressure, lean angle and pitch and yaw, optimising stability in the process.

There are five riding modes, three road and two track.

There's no Irish price as yet - call Megabikes on 01 4784200 or see megabikes.ie.