The Aprilia Tuono 660: The King of the Middleweight Nakeds
For years, the middleweight naked bike segment has been a playground for manufacturers, offering a perfect balance of performance and practicality. But with the introduction of the Aprilia Tuono 660, the game changed entirely. More than just a stripped-down sportbike, the Tuono 660 is a new kind of machine, one that perfectly blends exhilarating performance, advanced technology, and real-world usability. It’s a bike that proves a naked motorcycle can be both a track weapon and a comfortable daily rider, and in doing so, it has redefined the middleweight category.
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| The Aprilia Tuono 660: The King of the Middleweight Nakeds |
Design: A Purposeful and Aggressive Stance
The Tuono 660’s design is a stunning example of modern Italian motorcycle styling. It is a bike that looks fast even when standing still, with a lean, aggressive profile that borrows from its MotoGP-winning siblings, the RSV4 and the RS 660. Key design elements include:
Aggressive Front End: The striking triple LED headlight unit gives the bike a distinctive and instantly recognizable face. The sharp, compact bodywork and integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) are modern touches that enhance both style and safety.
Exposed Engine: The bike’s design is a tribute to its mechanical heart. The 659cc parallel-twin engine is a visual centerpiece, with its aggressive lines and compact dimensions proudly on display.
Lean Proportions: The Tuono 660 is incredibly light and narrow. Its compact proportions are a result of a thoughtful design that places the rider "in" the bike, creating a feeling of being a part of the machine.
The overall design is one of purposeful aggression. It’s a bike that looks and feels premium, with a level of finish that is a step above many of its competitors.
Performance: The Revolution of the Parallel Twin
At the heart of the Tuono 660 is a new 659cc parallel-twin engine. This is a game-changer for the middleweight class. Unlike a high-strung inline-four, this engine is designed for real-world usability. It produces a healthy 95 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
The power delivery is a triumph of engineering. It’s smooth, linear, and predictable, with a strong surge of torque in the mid-range that makes for effortless overtakes and exhilarating acceleration on winding roads. The engine’s character is a joy to experience. It’s powerful enough to be thrilling, but not so much that it is intimidating. The sound from the exhaust, a throaty parallel-twin rumble, is a key part of the experience, a perfect soundtrack for a spirited ride.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Balance
The Tuono 660's handling is a true highlight. It’s built on a lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame that is both rigid and agile. The bike weighs a mere 183 kg (403 lbs) with a full tank of fuel, which makes it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver.
The suspension, with a fully adjustable Kayaba front fork and a monoshock, is well-damped and responsive, providing a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. The ergonomics are a well-thought-out compromise. The handlebars are positioned higher and the footpegs are lower than on a traditional super-sport, which creates a riding position that is sporty enough for track days but comfortable enough for a daily commute or a long-distance tour. The Brembo brakes, with their excellent feel and immense stopping power, inspire confidence and allow you to push the bike deeper into corners.
Technology and Features: Unmatched in its Class
Aprilia has equipped the Tuono 660 with a comprehensive electronics package that is unmatched in the middleweight segment. It features a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that powers the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system:
Multiple Riding Modes: The bike comes with five distinct riding modes—Commute, Dynamic, Individual, Challenge, and Time Attack—that adjust the power delivery, engine braking, traction control, and ABS settings.
Cornering ABS: A crucial safety feature that allows for more confident braking while leaned over in a turn.
Full-Color TFT Display: The vibrant, full-color TFT display is clear, easy to read, and provides a wealth of information.
Quickshifter: The two-way quickshifter (up and down) is a joy to use, providing seamless clutchless shifts that add a layer of excitement and convenience to every ride.
The technology is there to enhance the riding experience, not to dominate it. It’s an intuitive system that allows the rider to focus on the journey.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark
The Aprilia Tuono 660 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a revolutionary statement. It has successfully redefined what a middleweight naked bike can be, proving that a bike can be both a thrilling track machine and a comfortable, usable daily rider.
For the rider who wants a bike that offers the exhilarating performance of a sportbike, the advanced technology of a premium motorcycle, and the comfort needed for real-world riding, the Aprilia Tuono 660 is the ultimate choice. It is a new benchmark in its class, and it is a brilliant example of Aprilia’s ability to build a truly exceptional motorcycle.