There are subtle differences between
the Tuono and the RS aside from the obvi-
ous riding position. The latter comes with a
lithium-ion battery compared to the conven-
tional unit found on the Tuono, which will
add about eight pounds. And while the sus-
pension has the same adjustability in pre-
load and rebound damping for the Kayaba
41mm fork and shock between both bikes,
all the adjustments are done on the right
fork leg for the Tuono compared to both for
the RS. The RS also gets 0.4 inches more
front wheel travel at 4.7 inches.
Other than that, and the bodywork
changes, the two bikes are virtually identi-
cal. The same 659cc parallel-twin four-
stroke sits inside the same twin-spar aluminum
chassis, with weight a claimed 403 pounds
ready to rock with a full 3.96-gallon tank of gas.
Aprilia is claiming 100 horsepower on the nose
for the Tuono 660, which is 10 horsepower up
on the same bike in European spec (it's nice to
get one with more ponies, rather than the other
way around), with 49 lb-ft of torque on tap.
The ride position is splendidly comfortable on
the Tuono. Although the RS 660 has raised
handlebars that almost mimic that of a naked
bike, the Tuono's ride position puts you in the
perfect spot for comfortable cruising just as well
as attacking the coming apex.
It feels quite wide thanks to the raised tank and
bikini-style bodywork, although it's probably a
P114
RIDE REVIEW I 2021 APRILIA TUONO 660
Not the prettiest of
dashes but it's functional
and super easy to use.
The little screen
does a surprising
amount of good when
it comes to wind
deflection.
ON ROAD
