Aprilia RS660 Factory Edition: The best sportbike for road and track?

RS660 Factory

Throttle open, mind calm. Precision in every manoeuvre. The acceleration is smooth, the brakes are sharp. This is the RS660 Factory edition.

Occasionally, when manufacturers upgrade their bikes, it’s all a bit of smoke and mirrors. They might give you a gadget that in the real world you’ll never even notice, and they’ll charge you an extra thousand quid for the privilege of having it. I’m really pleased to say this hasn’t been the case with the relaunch of Aprilias iconic middleweight sportbike. In fact, I would argue it’s the best bunch of upgrades I’ve seen on a road bike in quite a long time.

An all new aerodynamics package

Aerodynamics and Engine Performance

A new aerodynamic package including front winglets and new side fairings not only adds style by mirroring it’s cousins in MotoGP, but also increases the speed of the bike by a massive 6km/h. Adding to the power upgrades, the bike now also boasts 52mm throttle bodies, increased from a previous 48mm, and an updated rev range giving you 300rpm more usable power to play with.

What about the electronics? Well, you’ve got all of them. Tidied up into a neat package known as the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), you have a host of settings to choose from including traction control, engine map, engine braking, ABS cornering, wheelie control, cruise control and a quickshifter. Added to this already impressive lot, is launch control and a pitlane limiter when in race mode. All of these modes are easy to control and switch between through the backlit switchcubes on the handlebars.

Improved performance

On the Road and Track

The RS660 Factory is a game changer for people who are looking for more than just a road bike. It’s seating position offers comfort while still having that sporty look, and it’s track capabilities make it the perfect choice for those wanting a little more than the roads can offer. Winning races in it’s sportbike category prove that the RS660 is at the top of it’s game, with it’s incredible power to weight ratio firmly putting it at the top of it’s class.

Brembo & Öhlins - A factory combo

A pairing of Brembo brake callipers front and rear, alongside a smidge of that iconic gold with Öhlins front forks and rear shock complete the bike. These factory components allow for superb handling. On Ireland’s winding back roads, and on the track, the front end feels planted and precise. The RS660 eats corners for breakfast, and left me with a grin that was hard to shake.

Verdict: The Best Value in the 2025 Sportbike Market?

In short, I think the upgraded Aprilia RS660 Factory Edition is one of the most exciting releases of 2025. It stands out in the middleweight sportbike category with an incredible power to weight ratio, world class electronics and that iconic Italian styling. It’s a bike that gives you serious value for your money and it’s definitely my summer pick for 2025.

If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these machines, they’re available at Megabikes Dublin, including a demo model if you want to experience the performance first hand.

It retails for €13,595 for the standard available in Blue Marlin or Venom Yellow, or for that factory upgrade in the iconic black and red colouring, it will cost you €14,795.