Aprilia has cleverly taken half a Tuono engine and made what they call an RS 660 Supersport twin concept machine.
It is powered by two cylinders from a Tuono/RSV4 1100 engine as a 660c parallel twin.
“This configuration was chosen for its compact nature and efficiency, the extremely low level of heat transmitted to the rider and for the freedom that it leaves the designers to create a sleek and lightweight frame and suspension,” Aprilia’s press release says.
The Italian company says the RS 660 project is aimed at younger riders and shows the supersport market may not be quite dead yet.
They say it will also be the “development base for a wider range that intends to make Aprilia a key player in an extremely strategic market segment in Europe, but also in Asia and the American market”.
Although not mentioned, we should expect to see it in Australia to compete against the very popular mid-sized naked sector led by the Yamaha MT-07.
RS 660 aero
Aprilia says the Concept RS 660 was developed out of a “series of aerodynamic studies” in a wind tunnel.
With fuel economy top of mind and emissions regulations tightening, motorcycle manufacturers are looking for ways to compete and aero remains one of the biggest hurdles to motorcycles, even more so than big, bulky cars.
Click there to find out how aero affects motorcycles.
Aprilia’s Concept RS 660 features a unique “variable front section” which can adjust air flow direction to vary downforce.
RS 600 has a large saddle and a comfortable riding position to suit most rider sizes.
It is supported by a lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm with the engine as a stressed element.
The right arm of the swingarm has a curved shape to accomodate the exhaust, while the shock absorber mount is mounted directly to the swingarm with no linkage to reduce weight.