Aprilia Is Knocking On The Doors Of The Middleweight Naked Segment!

In a bid to capitalise on the growing middleweight segment, Aprilia took the wraps off its new global middleweight, the RS660 concept, last year. Since then, the bike has been spotted testing numerous times and this year, the Italian brand is finally set to unveil its production version this year. Before it could debut at the EICMA show, a new naked bike has been spotted testing at the Imola circuit in Italy. We believe the test bike could be the Tuono 660 as it was seen running with a parallel-twin engine.

The test mule comes with the same trademark design language as the bigger Tuono -- complete with the frame-mounted headlamp, quarter fairing and wide handlebar for comfortable ergonomics. Interestingly, the frame and the underpinnings look similar to the production-spec RS660 which was spotted earlier last month. Even the asymmetric wheel colour (red front wheel and black rear unit) has been carried over. The design of the tail section also looks similar to the faired counterpart.

RS660 Concept shown for representation

It’s pretty much a given that this motorcycle will share the RS660’s parallel-twin engine. However, expect Aprilia to tune the engine slightly differently, perhaps with greater emphasis on low-down torque. For the uninitiated, the RS660’s engine is actually derived from chopping the RSV4 1100 Factory’s 1100cc V4 engine into half. Expect healthy performance figures as usual from the Italian brand. The electronics too are likely to be top-notch with cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and the likes.

Aprilia could unveil the concept version of the Tuono 660 at the EICMA next week, and it could be followed by the unveiling of the production version next year. As far as the pricing is concerned, it is likely to undercut the RS660. Aprilia could make use of this platform to bring out a supermoto or perhaps a sports tourer in the future too. Stay tuned for more updates!

Image Credit: ApriliaCup