Back in January, we brought you the announcement from Aprilia of the new Tuono 660. Now, we have all of the details and specifications of this new naked (not-so-naked?).
With 100 horsepower and a wet weight of 403 pounds, this should be one fun motorcycle with which to carve up a twisty road. U.S. availability will be at the end of March, with pricing starting at $10,499 ($10,699 for the Acid Gold version).
Here is the new press release from Aprilia:
APRILIA TUONO 660
IT IS THE DIRECT DESCENDANT OF THE TUONO V4 FROM WHICH IT INHERITS ALL THE VALUES THAT MADE THE HYPERNAKED BIKE FROM ITALY UNBEATABLE
THE LIGHTEST AND THE BEST POWER/WEIGHT RATIO IN THE SEGMENT
IT STANDS OUT FOR ITS CURB WEIGHT OF JUST 403 LBS, FOR ITS PREMIUM TECHNICAL CONTENT, FOR ITS ADVANCED ELECTRONICS AND FOR ITS 100 HP TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE. TUONO 660 IS DEDICATED TO THE NEW GENERATION OF RIDERS WHO ARE SEEKING MAXIMUM FUN WITH MANAGEABLE PERFORMANCE
One of the most anticipated and admired bikes of recent years has arrived: it is an Aprilia product, and it bears a well-known and highly respected name by all sport riders, identified as a true thrill generator. It is no common naked sport bike: it is the Tuono. Tuono 660 is the direct descendant of the Tuono V4, from which it has inherited all the qualities that are so popular with the public and critics. For the first time in its illustrious history, the character and values that have made the majestic Tuono V4 famous are now also available in a medium-engine bike, thereby giving a broader audience the chance to ride an extraordinary bike. Aprilia was the first to see the advantages of making a more minimalist version with a more raised ride, starting from a chassis architecture and engine born for racing, giving every generation of Tuono incomparable dynamic qualities.
Tuono 660 best represents the new concept of sport versatility that Aprilia introduced with the RS 660. Just one bike for total fun on the road or on the track, also ideal as a daily rider, on your own or two-up. Excellent performance for everyone, refined frame and suspension and premium features, offering a new take on sport riding. In observance of Aprilia traditions, from the RS 660, the Tuono 660 is born, characterized by the same foundational engineering, but with more of a street and daily-rider connotation, provided by the raised riding position on the wide handlebar which guarantees better agility and riding comfort. Tuono 660 is a unique project of its kind: a 100 HP medium-engine twin cylinder with high technological content that results in outstanding performance, charm and light weight, the lightest in its segment with its 183 kg curb weight. This is almost total fun, and it is guaranteed by the qualities of the by now proverbial Aprilia chassis architecture, combined with the best-in-class weight/power ratio. As always, Tuono 660 is proudly built in the Aprilia Scorzè-Noale plant, close to Venice.
Aggressive Design and Compact Dimensions Thanks to Extensive Aerodynamic development
The Tuono 660 design speaks the typical language of all Aprilia sport bikes, standing out for its reduced surface dimensions that highlight its dynamic and sport character. As per tradition, the Tuono 660 also confirms the top fairing fixed to the frame, essential for leaving the front end free of weight, precise and responsive, as well as guaranteeing a good level of protection against the air, unheard of on classic sport naked bikes. Although with less extended surfaces, the Tuono 660 inherits from the RS 660 the innovative concept of the double fairing with aerodynamic spoiler feature, confirming Aprilia’s commitment to developments in the increasingly more complex aerodynamic solutions field, to the advantage of performance and comfort. Inspiration clearly comes from the racing world: the pressure of the air channeled between the two walls contributes to optimized stability at high speeds, and at the same time, increases rider comfort by protecting against direct air flow, deflecting the hot air extracted from the engine.
The top fairing houses the LED headlight unit that features perimeter DRL (limited in Canada), positioned around the two main lights, a light style that makes the Tuono 660 unmistakable in any lighting conditions. The lighting system has a few unique features to guarantee greater safety: thanks to the presence of a twilight sensor, the low beam lights are activated automatically, while the self-cancelling indicators flash in case of emergency braking. With the six-axis inertial platform, available as an optional accessory, the “bending lights” feature is activated: the pair of supplementary lights in the parabolas light up the inside of the turn, increasing visibility when cornering.
Ergonomics were the subject of particularly in-depth development; this made it possible to define a very active riding position, but without putting too much weight on the wide handlebar, which results in a good feeling in sport riding and good comfort in relaxed and city riding. In accordance with the culture of Aprilia, which has always designed bikes where the rider fits seamlessly on the vehicle, with the Tuono 660’s seat-footpeg-handlebar triangulation, riders of any stature also fit comfortable, allowing a relaxed posture capable of guaranteeing control without tiring out the rider on longer trips. The legs are positioned comfortably thanks to a lower footpeg height, featuring vibration-damping rubber inserts.
The saddle is padded and tapered on the sides to favor resting the feet on the ground, facilitating maneuvers when stopped. A generous portion of the seat is dedicated to the passenger on the tail fairing (equipped with grab handles) with a design that draws its inspiration from the V4 family. One of the available optional accessories is a single-seat tail faring.
The choice of placing the exhaust under the engine benefits the freedom in positioning the passenger footpegs, all to the advantage of comfort. The fuel tank guarantees a capacity of 3.9 Gallons (15 liters) with a compact design that gives the rider a feeling of being seamlessly fitted on the vehicle. In keeping with the tradition of Aprilia’s most sporty models, the Tuono 660 was also designed to facilitate the elimination of those elements that are not needed for track use such as mirrors, passenger footpegs and license plate bracket, all of which can be quickly and easily removed.
Top Notch Light Weight and Chassis Architecture, Following Aprilia Tradition, for Maximum Fun
The Tuono 660 chassis architecture was developed with the goal of achieving the same levels of fun and effectiveness in sport riding that made the Tuono V4 famous, with a more street and daily-rider connotation to make Tuono 660 accessible and usable by a broader audience. An easy ride and a good feeling are guaranteed by an entirely new structure focused on light weight made up of a frame and swingarm that are both in exceptionally high-quality die cast aluminum. Compared to the RS 660, from which it is derived, the Tuono 660 chassis architecture boasts measurements that reward maximum agility, thanks to a wheelbase of 1370 mm and the 24.1° inclination of the headstock, further emphasized mounting steering plates with different offsets. Handling and quickness in direction changes increase, making the difference on those routes with corner after corner, combined with characteristics of bar-setting precision and feeling with the front end.
The frame is made up of two lateral spars bolted in the headstock area and in the rear part; the engine is used as a bearing element and contributes to forming a compact and lightweight structure. Unlike the RS 660, there are two frame anchor points to the engine (three on the RS 660): this allows for much easier and more predictable behavior on the road, in line with the project goals that do not hide the vocation of being a sport bike accessible to a vast audience.
In order to make the structure light and minimalist, the swingarm is pivoted directly in the engine: it is a monobloc element characterized by its significant length, handy for outstanding traction and asymmetrical arms, a typical technical choice in the history of Aprilia sport bikes. The particular mounting of the adjustable shock allows for excellent progression even without linkage, for further important weight savings.
The chassis architecture is completed with an adjustable upside-down Kayaba fork with 41 mm stanchions and a capable braking system, at the front end, manipulating a pair of 320 mm steel discs, a pair of radial calipers and a radial master cylinder on the handlebar, all by Brembo. Tuono 660 is shod with high performance Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires, 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear, capable of guaranteeing safety and fun on the road, as well as all the grip needed for top performance on the track. The handling, light weight and compact dimensions of the Tuono 660, combined with its engine performance, result in great fun on those routes with corner after corner and, at the same time, they make it easy to manage the bike in an urban setting and in maneuvers when stopped.
The Best Power/Weight Ratio Thanks to the New 100 HP Twin Cylinder Engine
Aprilia Tuono 660 has a newly designed engine, already installed on the RS 660 and destined to equip a full range of new bikes.
It is a 660cc forward-facing twin-cylinder, a latest generation, very compact unit that emulates concepts and measurements of the Aprilia V4 1100 cc engine front bank.
This configuration was chosen for its compact dimensions and light weight. An engine with reduced horizontal and lateral bulk allows for great design freedom both in terms of arranging all the fundamental organs such as the intake and the exhaust, and in terms of the chassis architecture. The engine also has a bearing function and the aluminum swingarm is pivoted in its rear area.
The forward-facing configuration provides comfort for the rider thanks to the better heat dissipation and it leaves the designer freedom in exploiting the spaces. Furthermore, this architecture lends itself well to cooling, thanks in part to the fairing’s ingenious double-wall system, the objective of which is precisely to accelerate the air that flows through it. With this same goal in mind, the long exhaust manifolds were developed, which emerge into a single-piece silencer with asymmetrical doubled output, fully positioned below the engine, with the further advantage of distributing the weight better and lowering the center of gravity.
The Aprilia twin cylinder is an innovation through experience accumulated on the ultra-powerful engine that equips the RSV4, so it rests on a base that is extremely efficient, not to mention tried and true: head, combustion chamber, ducts, cylinders and pistons derive from the V4. The bore is also 81 mm, like in the 1099 cc V4, whereas the stroke is 63.9 mm. The decision to use the technology of the V4 guarantees outstanding performance, also considering the high stroke speed of the piston relative to the actual displacement.
The engine crankcase is cut horizontally into two pieces with the cylinders built into the upper semi-crankcase to reduce bulk and make the structure more robust. The cylinders are offset with respect to the crankshaft in order to minimize internal friction during piston thrust.
The camshafts of the double timing, 4 valves per cylinder controlled by a lateral chain are hollow and use the bucket tappets to move the valves. The multi plate wet clutch with mechanical control has an anti-juddering system.
The wet sump lubrication includes an oil sump protruded downward and made around the suction intake in order to better collect the lubrication in any riding phase, even when the bike is at maximum lean angle or in the braking and acceleration phases.
The resulting performance is the best of any twin cylinder up to 750 cc: 100 HP at 10,500 rpm, with a peak speed that has allowed the limiter to be moved to a threshold of 11,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 67 Nm is provided at 8,500 rpm, with 80% of it available from 4,000 rpm, which turns into 90% when you hit 6,250 rpm.
In addition to performance and light weight, another design objective was to obtain the character and aggressiveness from the engine typical of V-twins. In order to achieve this, timing with crankpins arranged at 270° was chosen. This means that combustion is asymmetrical and offset 270° to obtain irregular combustion which translates into performance and sound similar to a V-twin. Furthermore, this type of configuration allows easy balancing of the alternating first and second level forces, using a single countershaft.
The injection system includes a pair of 48 mm diameter throttle bodies with different length intake ducts to optimize distribution at high and medium speeds.
The new engine’s performance is guaranteed by complete electronics, taken directly from those of the Aprilia V4, which includes an electronic multimap Ride-by-Wire throttle, for precise acceleration, soft and progressive even from low rpm, and optimized fuel consumption.
The Best Electronic Content in the Category in Terms of Performance and Safety
Another one of the Aprilia Tuono 660’s unique characteristics is its electronic systems for performance and safety, the most complete currently available in its class.
Aprilia has always been on the cutting edge of the electronics field (the first to introduce Ride-by-Wire throttle control in 2007) and currently boasts the complete package of APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic controls, developed in top level competitions, and considered by customers and critics to be among the most advanced available on the market.
Tuono 660’s APRC, developed to support performance and make riding on the street safe and thrilling, includes:
- ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable traction control characterized by operating logic capable of supporting sporty riding.
- AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, the adjustable wheelie control system.
- ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control, to maintain the set speed without touching the throttle control.
- AEB: Aprilia Engine Brake, the adjustable system to control engine braking when closing the throttle.
- AEM: Aprilia Engine Map, different mappings available to change the character of the engine and the way it delivers power.
The six-axis inertial platform (available as an optional accessory), thanks to the accelerometers and gyroscopes it contains, is able to recognize the condition of the bike with respect to the road; it records and processes the input derived from the ride and sends the data to the ECU. This way, management of the control parameters becomes even more precise and accurate. Also, if the inertial platform is present, the “Cornering” feature of the multimap ABS is enabled, guaranteeing even more safety on the road without sacrificing any sport riding performance. With its extremely contained weight and dimensions, the system is able to optimize braking and ABS intervention through the corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, and the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action in order optimize the ratio between deceleration and stability. The list of accessories also includes AQS – Aprilia Quick Shift – the electronic gearbox that allows for very rapid shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch. It is also equipped with the downshift function, to allow for clutchless downshifting, as well as the software that lets you invert the gearshift lever for track use without replacing any components.
On Tuono 660, Aprilia has developed five Riding Modes that aim to not only maximize the riding experience in different conditions of use, but also simplify life on board. The rider just needs to choose the Riding Mode that best interprets his or her riding needs to automatically obtain the best settings in terms of Traction Control, Wheelie Control, engine brake, ABS and the other managed parameters.
There are three Riding Modes for road use:
Commute, for daily riding;
Dynamic, for sporty riding on the road;
Individual, that lets you fully personalize the electronic controls.
Two additional Riding Modes are designed for track use:
Challenge, suitable for track sessions where a rider exploits the full potential of Tuono 660 and Time Attack, a logic that allows more expert riders to fully personalize electronic set-up.
Electronic settings management is facilitated by the intuitive, four-button control on the left-hand block and by the quick management commands of the cruise control and traction control.
The color TFT digital instrument cluster boasts exceptional display options. The two screens available for selection, Road or Track (both with automatic night and day backlighting, thanks to the presence of a twilight sensor), correspond with two represented indices. The list of accessories includes Aprilia MIA, the new Aprilia multimedia platform that allows a smartphone to be connected to the bike, further extending instrument cluster functions, is available as an optional. The Aprilia MIA system provides a connection protocol that reduces smartphone battery drain to a minimum and includes both the infotainment system to manage the voice assistant, telephone calls and music using the intuitive handlebar controls, and the navigation function. With this feature, once your trip destination has been set on the smartphone, it is possible to display the directions directly on the bike’s instrumentation. The Aprilia MIA app also allows the rider to save completed trips and analyze the data acquired directly in the app using the geo-referenced telemetry function.
Versions and colors
Aprilia boasts a unique heritage of graphics and liveries, having always been in the cutting edge of stylistic choices. In keeping with this tradition and aiming for maximum distinction even in terms of graphics, the Aprilia Tuono 660 color range includes the brand-new Acid Gold scheme, already popular on the RS 660, the most suitable for showing off the dynamic and youthful character of the Tuono 660, enhancing the design of this new Aprilia to the utmost.
Aprilia Tuono 660 is available in two other graphic versions. Iridium Grey combines a new and brilliant grey color with red, part of Aprilia’s racing heritage. The second choice of graphics is called Concept Black and is dominated by black, which has also been part of Aprilia’s racing history for some time now, broken up by multiple accents in bright red.
Original Accessories: For Sport and Comfort
During the development of Tuono 660, Aprilia designed a range of accessories to emphasize the various spirits, enhancing performance and improving comfort and functionality.
- Complete Aprilia by Akrapovic street-legal exhaust: exhaust system complete with manifolds, approved for street use. It enhances the performance, the sound and the look of Tuono 660.
- Quickshift: the device, easy to install, lets you add the quickshift feature in order to enhance the Tuono 660’s racing spirit. The accessory also includes the software to use the quickshift in inverted lever configuration (not on reduced-power versions).
- Brake and clutch lever: in billet aluminum, these are adjustable and complete the sporty look of the vehicle.
- Brake master cylinder cover: aluminum cover with a racing character that enhances the brake master cylinder reservoir.
- Wheel stickers: stickers to apply on the wheel rim channels to give your Tuono 660 a more aggressive look
- Pins for swingarm: to use a rear paddock stand, essential at the track or for servicing your bike.
- Fuel tank cover: in 3D adhesive material, this protects the tank and limits sliding of the rider. Also available for the rear part of the tank.
- Carbon license plate holder: extremely lightweight, it enhances the aesthetics of the Tuono 660
- Comfort saddle: made with gel inserts, it increases riding comfort.
- Oversized top fairing: this increases aerodynamic protection, guaranteeing greater comfort on long road trips.
- Seat bag: essential for touring, it is designed to be positioned on the passenger seat, without compromising the rider’s comfort.
- Tank bag: this is designed to be positioned safely and conveniently on the fuel tank.
- Side panniers: thanks to the special quick-release supports, available for purchase separately, the Tuono 660’s cargo capacity can be further increased by mounting a pair of semi-rigid side panniers, perfectly integrated with the design of the bike.
- Electronic anti-theft system: comprising a compact and technologically advanced ECU that is easy to install. Complete with remote control. The system is self-powered with minimum energy absorption.
- USB port: fundamental for charging external devices like mobile phones. Installs beside the instrumentation.
- Aprilia MIA: the new device that allows for a smartphone to be connected to the bike via Bluetooth, transforming it into a real multimedia platform.
- IMU inertial platform: the six-axis inertial platform allows management of the control parameters even more precise and the Cornering ABS and Bending Lights to be enabled, guaranteeing even more safety on the road.
- Indoor vehicle cover: protects the bike from dirt and dust when it’s parked for long periods.
- Single-seat tail-faring cover: complete the sporty image of the bike by eliminating the passenger’s seat and enhancing the design of your Tuono 660.
- Carbon Front Mudguard: derived from the V4 Aprilia bikes, with a more ‘racing’ spirit, the front mudguard in carbon enhances the sporty soul of the Tuono 660.
- Adjustable footpegs in aluminum: in the most extreme riding conditions, having a precise riding position that you can personalize is fundamental for ensuring full control of the bike. The set of racing footpegs gives Tuono 660 an even sportier look and lets you find the best position in the saddle.
- Öhlins rear shock absorber: directly from all our track experience, the specific Öhlins shock absorber for Tuono 660 lets you optimize traction in sport use.
Aprilia Tuono 660 – Technical Data Sheet
| Engine type | Aprilia forward-facing parallel twin-cylinder, four stroke, liquid-cooled with radiator and water-oil heat exchanger, DOHC with silent chain on the right side, four valves per cylinder |
| Bore and stroke | 81 x 63.93 mm |
| Engine capacity | 659 cc |
| Compression ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Maximum power at crankshaft | 100 HP (70 kW) at 10,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque at crankshaft | 67.0 Nm (6.83 kgm) at 8,500 rpm |
| Power supply | Airbox with front air vent. 2 Æ48 mm throttle bodies, Ride-by-wire management |
| Starting | Electrical |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Transmission | 6-speed. Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) System up and down (available as optional accessory) |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet clutch with slipper system |
| Secondary drive | Chain, drive ratio 17/43 |
| Electronic management | APRC suite that includes ATC (traction control), AWC (wheelie control), AEB (engine brake) AEM (engine mapping), ACC (cruise control) 5 riding modes (Road and Track, 3 pre-set and 2 customizable) |
| Chassis | Aluminum dual beam chassis with removable seat-supporting subframe |
| Front suspension | Kayaba Æ 41 mm upside down fork with top out spring, Aluminum pins to fasten radial calipers. Rebound and spring preload adjustment on a single stanchion. Wheel travel: 110 mm |
| Rear suspension | Asymmetrical aluminum swingarm. Single shock and top out spring with rebound and spring pre-load adjustment. Wheel travel: 130 mm |
| Front brake Rear brake ABS | 320 mm double disc; Brembo radial calipers with 4 horizontally opposed Æ 32 mm pistons. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose |
| 220 mm diameter disc; Brembo caliper with two Æ 34 mm separate pistons. Master cylinder with separate reservoir and metal braided hose Multimap ABS (Cornering ABS available as optional accessory) | |
| Wheels | Aluminum alloy Front: 3.5”X17” Rear: 5.5”X17” |
| Tires | Radial tubeless, Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 180/55 ZR 17 (alternatively 180/60 ZR17) |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase: 53.9 inches / 1370 mm Length: 78.5 inches / 1995 mm Width: 31.6 inches / 805 mm Saddle height: 32.2 inches / 820 mm Headstock angle: 24.1° Trail: 4.1 inches / 104.7 mm |
| Weight | 403 lbs curb weight (372 lbs dry weight) 183 kg curb weight (169 kg dry weight) |
| Emissions compliance Consumption | Euro 5 4.9 liters/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 116 g/km |
| Fuel tank capacity Color range | 3.9 Gallons (including 1 Gallons reserve) 15 Liters (including 4-liter reserve) Concept Black, Iridium Grey, Acid Gold |
I absolutely love the green one! Anything but black, gray, silver… Nuclear pumpkin would be welcome in my eyes.
“Nuclear pumpkin” was always exactly what I called the orange that Kawasaki used on some of its ’03/’04 bikes. They did a ZX-6R, ZX-7R, ZX-10R, and Z1000 in that insanity from what I could remember. And yes… the nuclear pumpkin 636 was THE bike I aspired to when I started riding in 2004.
I’m not even an orange lover – I despise KTM’s obsession with it, for example. But for some reason, that shade (it was mildly pearlescent) was amazing. And I’d strangle someone in front of their own grandmother to have similar schemes offered on some of these bikes where all that’s available is Fake Badass Flat Black.
My buddy had the Z1000 in pearl orange. Now I have a 2020 Hyundai Kona that’s nearly the identical color. Everywhere I go, people comment on how much they love the color.
It’s funny looking. The second photo, the one from the side, looks like it might actually be a naked bike that someone hung a fairing on for a joke. I looks like it’s not sitting quite high enough or far enough aft. Like if you clipped a zip tie the thing would fall on the floor and you would then see the real headlight that it was hiding.
Once you binned that rubbish the bike would also weigh less than 400 pounds, my personal non-starter line. 375 being the worthy of consideration line.
Which factory street bike(s) in the 600cc class come in at or below 375 pounds? I don’t need to wait for your answer, I’m quite sure that the answer is ZERO (Triumph at 370 is DRY weight). I do have a 650 street bike that weighs in at 294 pounds, but it’s a custom (I also have a 400cc bike at the same weight).
375 pounds is not realistic for a factory street machine.
Nice-looking bike with its integrated design. I’ll look at it when it’s in dealerships. Life’s better when you ride Italian.
As regards this bike, why do you suppose that, in the UK at least, Aprilia can barely give away their naked 900 Shiver which I’d think would be way more to my liking? Maybe the Shiver is much heavier, but a grunty 900 has to be more satisfying to ride than a more-highly-tuned 660, unless what you really wanted was a small sports bike. Might it be that Aprilias are not good value for money or sufficiently reliable? Weird…
Nick
Shiver may be a grunty 900 but I think this bike would wax it it every meaningful way in my opinion.
That sounds like a new-is-always-better argument to me! Whatever, my point was whether Aprilia bikes are held in as high esteem by the buyers/riders as they are by their makers? Maybe Aprilia are phasing out all their vee-twins and spares backup will become even less satisfactory than I understand it has been in the past. Only an observation because I’m not in the new-bike market anyway. My latest bike is a ’57 Guzzi Airone 250!
Nick
Nick, Please send link to photos of your Guzzi if possible. Pretty sure many here would love to get a look.
Hi Motoman,
Thanks for your interest. When I get my hands on it I’ll post some links to pics, so long as it won’t upset our hero Dirck!
Nick
Wouldn’t you rather have the 70 pound lighter and 25% more powerful Yamaha 900 instead? Tough competition would do that.
Looks really cool.
Still think the half-fairing is pointless – will not provide any significant wind protection about the waist. Arguably less than pointless since it’s supposed to be a “naked” bike?
Regardless, looks awesome. Chances I’ll ever see one around here, never mind get to ride one? Probably about nil.
one hell of a good-looking bike and has all the good gear. 100HP claimed-be great if puts out 90 measured. But why they calling it a NAKED? its got a bloody fairing !
Because you can see quite a bit of the engine and it’s got upright handlebars. And the Tuono has always been considered a naked bike.
It has just as many body pieces as any fully faired bike, minus a meaningful amounts of wind protection. Cool bike but I’d choose the RS for the wind protection.
I suspect the Triumph Street Triple R is the better overall package for essentially the same price. Better suspension on paper and my experience is that the Street Triple is a super refined package. They both have 0 elegance in their paint schemes now though, a trait Triumph use to excel at. Some of us want a little elegance versus gaudy graphics and flat paint.
Still, The Tuono does look like a very nice bike if you want a faired street bike, and spec sheets don’t tell the whole story. Probably a better real world bike than the big Tuono. Nice to have some great options!
“The Tuono does look like a very nice bike if you want a faired street bike, and spec sheets don’t tell the whole story. Probably a better real world bike than the big Tuono.”
Exactly what I was thinking. Lower cost, lower insurance, better fuel mileage, smaller, lighter, and plenty enough power, especially considering that light weight.
From the side view it kinda looks like the one of the cowl mounting bolts fell out and it fell down. :/ It’s probably like the Ninja 1000, a little fugly but goes like hell! Just don’t look at your reflection in the store windows.
I see what you mean. The faring panel most likely didn’t line up.
This and the Ninja 400 are probably the only bikes I’d consider buying new. But I already have three bikes in the garage ..
Really impressive stats. I’d take this over any of the KTM streetbikes it competes with. With my money, I’d probably go for an F900R if I were shopping Euro twins with ~ 100 hp though.
I’m really excited about this bike. Features, spec, ergos (will have to be tried in-person, but looks promising), and best of all price, all look about perfect for a combo commuter/weekend blaster.
That “acid gold” paint job looks like something I did to my bicycle with a couple of rattle cans when I was a kid. I thought it would look cool. It didn’t. Still doesn’t. The base paint job will be just fine, thanks.
That green one with the red wheels should be called “frog in a blender”
So who’s gonna put this engine in an AFT flat track bike?
It would clean up in Production Twins.
I’m thinking the same goes for the super twins classes (sv650, MT07, Ninja 650) on the road. If people race this it’ll be 600cc super sport all over again.
It would be pretty cool to see that segment heat up again.
Which, the super twins road racing? This will be a truckload of ice water on that series if it’s allowed. It’ll be a spec class overnight.
Yep, I think that would be quite the fly in the ointment for the other OEMs. I don’t know if that would rejuvenate competition in that class, or if everybody competing in Twins would just race Aprilias until the end of the internal combustion engine era. Hopefully the former.
Yeah, that’s a tough one. I think they’d need to handicap he Ape to keep others viable. The class is about economy. Offering upgrade concessions to the Japanese bikes works against that. And who’s going to want to buy a $12k bike and make it slower?
Top of the notch bikes (and this applies equally for MV, Ducati and Aprilia). They are not only powerful, but also light – something what Japanese makes are shy coming close to – and for good reason. You get what you pay for.
Anyone who would like to dream about them on this continent, I advise to look at their compression ratios – you do not have corresponding gas for it. Therefor, it is nearly pointless. But dream is for free of course 🙂
Slight correction regarding C.R. vs gas rating. You can certainly run them on 91 octane gas, but you do not get the claimed output. Onboard CPU will look after setting the parameters without receiving knock.
I think Aprilia should have ditched the IMU and the fancy TC intervention and shipped this bike with the rim stickers. Dirck please test its rev bomb ability when it gets in person tested. 😉
Kinda agree here…fewer nannies/less stuff to break, lower price would get more people over to the brand…make an sv version, basically
Me likes!
I’m waiting for the updated 760 or maybe the 860 after that lol (following the Ducati Monster’s lead)
100 hp out of 660cc twin is amazing, and only 403 lbs (wet?). Wish there was an Aprilia dealer within a couple hours to go look at one in the flesh.
I’d take a black one since I remember that Atomic Gold color in my babies diapers only we didnt call it gold.
Like a Duke 690 790 890…
I agree, these are amazing bikes. I remember being impressed by the SV650, though the Yamaha FZ6 is closer in spec – albeit 50 pounds heavier. Fours apparently aren’t popular anymore but the Fazer would probably be more comfortable to ride.
We all seem to acknowledge that these bikes are well beyond our abilities so, for me, it comes down to weight and looks and price. This bike is fairly light, looks might grow on me, and the pricing isn’t terrible. I already spent my money and it will take me time to heal from that!
I have an FZ6 that has GVE’s in the forks and an Ohlins shock, and other assorted modifications that have resulted in a very nice mtorcycle. I’ve removed the fairing because the aerodynamics were a disaster, resulting in significant turbulence at the helmet. Weight of the bike has been reduced to about 435 pounds. It’s a great bike that nicely bridges the gap between analog motorcycles and modern ABS/IMU motorcycles. Several times I have thought about selling the bike and “upgrading” to a newer bike – and the Tuono 660 is really a tempting bike. But does any performance improvement justify an expenditure of $10,000? Sure, ABS and IMU are true benefits, when things go wrong. But with 40 years of road riding experience I tend to ride at a pace where things don’t go wrong. It comes down to needing and wanting. I don’t need a new bike, but sure want one. If my FZ6 was in need of costly repair or stolen, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a Tuono 660. But I can’t bring myself to spend $10k just to have a different bike with similar characteristics. The upcoming reviews of this bike are going to have me talking to myself for a long time.
Haha. I actually dig the acid gold color or whatever they call it. I still can’t believe they have the nerve to call this a naked bike, but I like it anyway. Good balance of power and weight. To me, it is reminiscent of the Honda CBR 600 F4. A comfortable but very sporty bike, and about no less naked than this Tuono.