[moto] The 2020 Aprilia RS 660 finally unveiled: 21st century supersport

[UltimaTexCS]

Yes; Super Sport is still a category of the SBK World Championship. What if; some models that fall under this definition continue to be manufactured. But do not be fooled: it is a category in low hours in which the big brands hardly invest and only two of the big Japanese continue to manufacture, without innovating for years. Those 600cc of the 90s and 2000s that derived from the big 1,000cc, inheriting their solutions and exciting all those who climbed in their piloting through the different displacements seemed finished. Up to now.

Aprilia takes up that path abandoned by the others: they have taken an RSV4 and have "reduced" it, taking the front cylinder bank of the RSV for a displacement of 660. Crankshaft set at 270º, from the large sports car they have taken their technical concepts and its measurements and 100 Cv have been obtained in a more compact and lighter engine. A high torque value (not yet communicated) and a very high level electronics, with a compact and focused exhaust ensure a dynamic and efficient driving, at the level of such an important acronym for the brand as "RS".

Of course, the chassis is brand new. An aluminum structure that uses the engine block as a resistant part, very light, with an asymmetric swingarm made of the same material also hooked to the engine and with a well-thought-out rear shock absorber support with which Aprilia claims to achieve good levels of rear axle feel without need for connecting rods, for significant weight savings. Of course, the suspensions are multi-adjustable, with a 41mm Kayaba inverted fork and Brembo brakes with 320mm front discs, radial calipers and radial pump. With all this, the bike remains at a very light 169Kgs, which ensures significant performance in this new sports car.

At an electronic level, the Aprilia maintains the level expected of a 21st century RS: it equips a six-axis inertial platform that informs the rest of the components of the motorcycle's position on the road. The electronic package of this motorcycle, under the name APRC, includes an adjustable traction control with high precision intervention logic, an anti-wheelie control also adjustable, a cruise control, very interesting on long trips on the highway, the quick double shifter brand effect, an electronic engine retention control and the five operating maps provided for this model. It also includes a latest generation ABS Cornering, also informed by the IMU (inertial platform) and a TFT screen that allows the connection of the mobile with the motorcycle through the Aprilia MIA application.

In the bodywork, the Aprilia RS 660 2020 also brings interesting news. It's a further step in the styling direction already set by the V4s: tapered front, with three LED headlights. It also equips perimeter DRL lights with the indicators integrated in them. It incorporates an ambient light sensor that automatically activates the low beams. The indicators have an automatic cancellation system and turn on by themselves also in the event of emergency braking. Finally, thanks to the "turn signal" function, a couple of additional lights in the configuration illuminate the entire turn when driving.

But not only the philosophy of the RS 660 2020 is innovative; The idea of applying all this technology in a "medium weight" sports car (if 100Cv can be defined that way) is new, but so are many of the motorcycle's components to a large extent. The double fairing with integrated aerodynamic appendages is also innovative on such a motorcycle. And it is not simply a matter of aesthetics; helps find stability at high speeds and increases rider comfort by removing air pressure and diverting the flow of hot air from the engine. However, a logical riding position for a road motorcycle has been sought, without excessively burdening the hands on a day-to-day basis.

The 2020 Aprilia RS 660 will arrive in two types of colors; one, recalling the history and sporting heritage of Aprilia is a combination of purple and red in homage to the 1994 RS 250 Reggiani Replica. Another version will use a total matt black as a base, with red inserts, a combination also undoubtedly linked to the Aprilia RS.

Edited March 24, 2021 by UltimaTexCS