Aprilia Tuono 660 (2021) Review: The Perfect Middleweight Naked Sportbike
When Aprilia unveiled the Tuono 660 in 2021, it instantly captured attention from both seasoned riders and newcomers. Positioned as the more street-friendly sibling of the RS 660, the Tuono 660 offers the aggressive DNA of the Tuono V4 in a compact, approachable, and versatile package. It strikes a rare balance—offering sportbike thrills without the commitment of a full-on supersport. For those craving Italian performance with daily usability, this is Aprilia’s answer.
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Design and Aesthetics
The Tuono 660 stands tall as a head-turner. From its angular front fascia to the sharp tank design, the bike blends aggressiveness with elegance. Unlike its faired sibling, the RS 660, the Tuono wears a minimal half-fairing that gives it that iconic streetfighter look, while still retaining aerodynamic flair. Available in bold colorways like Concept Black, Iridium Grey, and Acid Gold, it exudes confidence and style from every angle.
Its LED lighting setup, with signature triple headlights and daytime running lights, adds futuristic appeal. The lightweight aluminum frame and swingarm are not just functional—they're visual centerpieces that scream Italian engineering.
Technology and Features
Aprilia didn’t skimp on tech. The Tuono 660 comes loaded with APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), offering traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control, and multiple riding modes—all customizable. The ride-by-wire throttle ensures smooth input response across all conditions.
A 5-inch full-color TFT display brings a premium cockpit vibe, offering clear readouts of speed, gear position, rider modes, and more. Bluetooth connectivity through Aprilia MIA (optional) allows navigation and smartphone integration, turning the Tuono into a smart street companion.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Aprilia tweaked the riding position for real-world comfort. Compared to the RS 660, the Tuono has higher handlebars and more relaxed footpeg placement. The upright stance reduces fatigue, making it perfect for daily rides, weekend escapes, or even light touring.
The suspension is a 41mm Kayaba front fork paired with a monoshock rear—both adjustable. It’s firm enough for dynamic riding but compliant enough for bumpy roads. The seat is moderately cushioned, offering decent support over longer rides.
Braking and Safety
Stopping power is delivered via dual 320 mm front discs with radial-mounted Brembo calipers and a 220 mm rear disc. The braking setup is sharp and confidence-inspiring. It’s also backed by cornering ABS, giving riders added peace of mind in emergency situations or while carving through twisties.
The safety suite includes adjustable traction control, engine braking, and even a quickshifter (optional or available on the Tuono 660 Factory). These features elevate both safety and fun.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
The Tuono 660 delivers around 45 mpg (5.2L/100km), making it surprisingly frugal for a bike with this level of performance. With a 15-liter fuel tank, you can expect a solid range for commuting and backroad runs.
Maintenance-wise, Aprilia has made strides in reliability and ease of servicing. Regular oil changes, chain tensioning, and valve checks at recommended intervals keep the bike running smoothly. Plus, there’s a wide range of aftermarket and OEM parts available to upgrade performance or personalize your ride.
Comparison and Competitors
In the middleweight naked segment, the Tuono 660 faces stiff competition from the Yamaha MT-07, Triumph Trident 660, and Kawasaki Z650. However, it edges ahead in terms of premium features, tech package, and Italian design flair. While the MT-07 offers raw torque and affordability, the Tuono is more refined and equipped. If you're craving top-tier riding aids and track-worthy handling, this Aprilia is hard to beat.
Engine and Performance
Under the tank lies a 659cc parallel-twin engine derived from the front bank of the RSV4’s V4 powerplant. It churns out 95 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque, which is more than enough to have fun on twisty roads or city sprints. The engine character is punchy, linear, and surprisingly refined.
Acceleration is brisk, and the Tuono 660 offers a top speed north of 130 mph. What truly stands out is the responsiveness—whether you’re powering out of a corner or overtaking on the freeway, this bike delivers effortlessly. Thanks to a dry weight of just 169 kg (183 kg wet), the Tuono feels agile and flickable, ideal for both spirited rides and urban commuting.
Ideal Riders and Target Audience
The Tuono 660 is ideal for intermediate riders looking to step up from entry-level bikes, or for experienced riders who want a middleweight machine that doesn’t compromise on thrill or tech. It’s also a great fit for urban riders seeking a lightweight yet premium machine with daily versatility.
Whether you're a commuter who wants some weekend fun or a sportbike lover who values comfort, the Tuono 660 hits that sweet spot.
Aprilia Tuono 660 2021 sportbike accessories and tuning
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 proves that you don’t need a liter bike to have a thrilling ride. It’s smart, stylish, and sophisticated—delivering the right amount of power, tech, and practicality in one aggressive Italian package. Sure, the seat could be a tad softer and taller riders might crave a bit more room, but those are minor gripes for a bike this well-rounded.
If you're planning to personalize your Tuono, there’s a whole catalog of performance accessories and upgrades available—from tail tidy kits to rearsets, quickshifters, carbon fiber parts, and premium exhaust systems. Whether you're after enhanced performance or a custom aesthetic, our store has what you need to elevate your ride.