The Aprilia Tuono 660 has emerged as a defining force in the midweight sportbike category. A sibling to the more aggressive RSV4, the Tuono 660 perfectly balances everyday usability with high-performance DNA. Lightweight, agile, and packed with modern technology, this motorcycle proves that you don’t need 1000cc to have a thrilling ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking to downsize or a newer enthusiast craving an adrenaline-filled experience, the Tuono 660 delivers in spades. Let’s dive into what makes this bike a near-perfect ride.
The Design: Bold and Purposeful
Aprilia has a distinct styling language, and the Tuono 660 proudly carries that aesthetic. With aggressive lines, sharp LED lighting, and a compact form, it screams performance even while parked. Its minimalist tail, aerodynamic winglets, and sporty paint options make it look fast from every angle.
Despite its edgy appearance, the Tuono 660 manages to feel inviting rather than intimidating. The upright handlebars and slight windscreen add to both its practicality and street-ready charm.
Engine and Performance: Pure Excitement
Power Where You Need It
At the heart of the Tuono 660 is a 659cc parallel-twin engine derived from the RS 660. It produces a lively 95 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque, which might sound modest on paper but translates to raw, usable power in the real world. It delivers an exhilarating punch in the midrange, making it ideal for twisty backroads and spirited commuting alike.
Thanks to its light weight (just 403 lbs wet), the bike offers superb power-to-weight performance. Acceleration is brisk, and the throttle response is crisp without being overly aggressive.
Ride Modes and Electronics
Aprilia packed the Tuono 660 with high-end electronics, a rare treat in this class. Riders can select from five riding modes (three road, two track), each adjusting power delivery, traction control, engine braking, and ABS sensitivity.
Also included is:
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Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC)
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Cornering ABS
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Wheelie control
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Cruise control
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Quickshifter (optional)
These features elevate the Tuono 660 to premium territory, allowing riders to fine-tune their experience based on skill level or road conditions.
Chassis and Handling: Sharp Yet Forgiving
Lightweight Agility
One of the Tuono 660’s greatest strengths is its exceptional handling. Thanks to a lightweight aluminum frame and swingarm, the bike feels agile and responsive in corners. It’s quick to lean, stable mid-turn, and easy to flick side to side. Whether you’re carving canyon roads or navigating urban traffic, it offers precision without punishing mistakes.
Suspension Setup
The suspension is sporty but not harsh. Up front, there’s a 41mm Kayaba fork, and the rear features a monoshock – both adjustable for preload and rebound. It’s firm enough for enthusiastic riding, yet compliant enough to handle potholes and daily commuting without jarring discomfort.
Braking Confidence
Brembo brakes provide strong stopping power with excellent feel. Dual 320mm discs up front paired with a radial master cylinder give you plenty of bite, while the cornering ABS ensures safety without robbing you of feedback.
Comfort and Everyday Usability
Ergonomics
Unlike its fully faired sibling, the RS 660, the Tuono 660 is more upright and street-friendly. The seating position strikes a balance between sporty and comfortable. Your knees tuck in nicely, and the handlebar height prevents excessive pressure on the wrists, making longer rides or daily commutes far more enjoyable.
Versatility
This isn’t just a weekend canyon carver. The Tuono 660 is versatile enough for a wide range of riders. It’s narrow for filtering through traffic, easy to park, and light enough to maneuver even at low speeds. With the addition of a tail bag or small luggage, it’s even capable of light touring.
Tech and Features
The 5-inch TFT display is crisp and customizable, showing everything from ride mode settings to navigation prompts (when paired with the Aprilia MIA system). It adds to the premium feel and keeps all necessary info in clear view.
Key features include:
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Full-color TFT screen
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Bluetooth connectivity
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LED lighting all around
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Adjustable traction and wheelie control
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Ride-by-wire throttle
In a world where many middleweight bikes still skimp on tech, Aprilia sets a new standard with the Tuono 660.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance
The Tuono 660 offers solid fuel economy for a sportbike of its caliber, averaging around 45-50 mpg depending on riding style. With a 4-gallon fuel tank, it delivers decent range for both city and highway use.
Maintenance intervals are reasonable, and Aprilia’s growing dealer network in many markets ensures that parts and service are increasingly accessible. While it’s more exotic than a Japanese middleweight, ownership isn’t overly complicated.
Who Is It For?
The beauty of the Tuono 660 lies in its versatility. It caters to:
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New riders looking to step into the world of performance motorcycling without going overboard.
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Experienced riders wanting a second bike that’s lighter, more nimble, and less punishing than their superbike.
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Commuters who still want excitement on their daily ride.
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Track day enthusiasts who want to hone skills on a capable machine without the intimidation of a liter bike.
This is a rare machine that’s accessible yet deeply rewarding as your confidence and skills grow.
Conclusion: The Perfect Middleweight Formula
The Aprilia Tuono 660 proves that you don’t need to go big to have big fun. It blends real-world performance, advanced technology, and day-to-day usability in a way that few bikes in its category can match. Lightweight and packed with character, it offers a thrilling yet approachable ride for nearly every type of motorcyclist.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle that excites you on backroads, doesn’t punish you in traffic, and stands out from the crowd, the Tuono 660 is an exceptional choice. It’s not just a great middleweight – it might just be the middleweight to beat.
