One of the most anticipated and admired bikes of recent years has arrived: it is an Aprilia product, and it bears a well-known and highly respected name by all sport riders, identified as a true thrill generator. It is no common naked sport bike: it is the Tuono. Tuono 660 is the direct descendant of the Tuono V4, from which it has inherited all the qualities that are so popular with the public and critics. For the first time in its illustrious history, the character and values that have made the majestic Tuono V4 famous are now also available in a medium-engine bike, thereby giving a broader audience the chance to ride an extraordinary bike. Aprilia was the first to see the advantages of making a more minimalist version with a more raised ride, starting from a chassis architecture and engine born for racing, giving every generation of Tuono incomparable dynamic qualities.

Tuono 660 best represents the new concept of sport versatility that Aprilia introduced with the RS 660. Just one bike for total fun on the road or on the track, also ideal as a daily rider, on your own or two-up. Excellent performance for everyone, refined frame and suspension and premium features, offering a new take on sport riding. In observance of Aprilia traditions, from the RS 660, the Tuono 660 is born, characterized by the same foundational engineering, but with more of a street and daily-rider connotation, provided by the raised riding position on the wide handlebar which guarantees better agility and riding comfort. Tuono 660 is a unique project of its kind: a 100 HP medium-engine twin cylinder with high technological content that results in outstanding performance, charm and light weight, the lightest in its segment with its 183 kg curb weight. This is almost total fun, and it is guaranteed by the qualities of the by now proverbial Aprilia chassis architecture, combined with the best-in-class weight/power ratio. As always, Tuono 660 is proudly built in the Aprilia Scorzè-Noale plant, close to Venice.

Aggressive Design and Compact Dimensions Thanks to Extensive Aerodynamic Development

The Tuono 660 design speaks the typical language of all Aprilia sport bikes, standing out for its reduced surface dimensions that highlight its dynamic and sport character. As per tradition, the Tuono 660 also confirms the top fairing fixed to the frame, essential for leaving the front end free of weight, precise and responsive, as well as guaranteeing a good level of protection against the air, unheard of on classic sport naked bikes. Although with less extended surfaces, the Tuono 660 inherits from the RS 660 the innovative concept of the double fairing with aerodynamic spoiler feature, confirming Aprilia’s commitment to developments in the increasingly more complex aerodynamic solutions field, to the advantage of performance and comfort. Inspiration clearly comes from the racing world: the pressure of the air channeled between the two walls contributes to optimized stability at high speeds, and at the same time, increases rider comfort by protecting against direct air flow, deflecting the hot air extracted from the engine.

The top fairing houses the LED headlight unit that features perimeter DRL (limited in Canada), positioned around the two main lights, a light style that makes the Tuono 660 unmistakable in any lighting conditions. The lighting system has a few unique features to guarantee greater safety: thanks to the presence of a twilight sensor, the low beam lights are activated automatically, while the self-cancelling indicators flash in case of emergency braking. With the six-axis inertial platform, available as an optional accessory, the “bending lights” feature is activated: the pair of supplementary lights in the parabolas light up the inside of the turn, increasing visibility when cornering.

Ergonomics were the subject of particularly in-depth development; this made it possible to define a very active riding position, but without putting too much weight on the wide handlebar, which results in a good feeling in sport riding and good comfort in relaxed and city riding. In accordance with the culture of Aprilia, which has always designed bikes where the rider fits seamlessly on the vehicle, with the Tuono 660’s seat-footpeg-handlebar triangulation, riders of any stature also fit comfortable, allowing a relaxed posture capable of guaranteeing control without tiring out the rider on longer trips. The legs are positioned comfortably thanks to a lower footpeg height, featuring vibration-damping rubber inserts.

The saddle is padded and tapered on the sides to favor resting the feet on the ground, facilitating maneuvers when stopped. A generous portion of the seat is dedicated to the passenger on the tail fairing (equipped with grab handles) with a design that draws its inspiration from the V4 family. One of the available optional accessories is a single-seat tail faring.

The choice of placing the exhaust under the engine benefits the freedom in positioning the passenger footpegs, all to the advantage of comfort. The fuel tank guarantees a capacity of 3.9 Gallons (15 liters) with a compact design that gives the rider a feeling of being seamlessly fitted on the vehicle. In keeping with the tradition of Aprilia’s most sporty models, the Tuono 660 was also designed to facilitate the elimination of those elements that are not needed for track use such as mirrors, passenger footpegs and license plate bracket, all of which can be quickly and easily removed.

Top Notch Light Weight and Chassis Architecture, Following Aprilia Tradition, for Maximum Fun

The Tuono 660 chassis architecture was developed with the goal of achieving the same levels of fun and effectiveness in sport riding that made the Tuono V4 famous, with a more street and daily-rider connotation to make Tuono 660 accessible and usable by a broader audience. An easy ride and a good feeling are guaranteed by an entirely new structure focused on light weight made up of a frame and swingarm that are both in exceptionally high-quality die cast aluminum. Compared to the RS 660, from which it is derived, the Tuono 660 chassis architecture boasts measurements that reward maximum agility, thanks to a wheelbase of 1370 mm and the 24.1° inclination of the headstock, further emphasized mounting steering plates with different offsets. Handling and quickness in direction changes increase, making the difference on those routes with corner after corner, combined with characteristics of bar-setting precision and feeling with the front end.

The frame is made up of two lateral spars bolted in the headstock area and in the rear part; the engine is used as a bearing element and contributes to forming a compact and lightweight structure. Unlike the RS 660, there are two frame anchor points to the engine (three on the RS 660): this allows for much easier and more predictable behavior on the road, in line with the project goals that do not hide the vocation of being a sport bike accessible to a vast audience.

In order to make the structure light and minimalist, the swingarm is pivoted directly in the engine: it is a monobloc element characterized by its significant length, handy for outstanding traction and asymmetrical arms, a typical technical choice in the history of Aprilia sport bikes. The particular mounting of the adjustable shock allows for excellent progression even without linkage, for further important weight savings.

The chassis architecture is completed with an adjustable upside-down Kayaba fork with 41 mm stanchions and a capable braking system, at the front end, manipulating a pair of 320 mm steel discs, a pair of radial calipers and a radial master cylinder on the handlebar, all by Brembo. Tuono 660 is shod with high performance Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires, 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear, capable of guaranteeing safety and fun on the road, as well as all the grip needed for top performance on the track. The handling, light weight and compact dimensions of the Tuono 660, combined with its engine performance, result in great fun on those routes with corner after corner and, at the same time, they make it easy to manage the bike in an urban setting and in maneuvers when stopped.

The Best Power/Weight Ratio Thanks to the New 100 HP Twin Cylinder Engine

Aprilia Tuono 660 has a newly designed engine, already installed on the RS 660 and destined to equip a full range of new bikes.

It is a 660cc forward-facing twin-cylinder, a latest generation, very compact unit that emulates concepts and measurements of the Aprilia V4 1100 cc engine front bank.

This configuration was chosen for its compact dimensions and light weight. An engine with reduced horizontal and lateral bulk allows for great design freedom both in terms of arranging all the fundamental organs such as the intake and the exhaust, and in terms of the chassis architecture. The engine also has a bearing function and the aluminum swingarm is pivoted in its rear area.

The forward-facing configuration provides comfort for the rider thanks to the better heat dissipation and it leaves the designer freedom in exploiting the spaces. Furthermore, this architecture lends itself well to cooling, thanks in part to the fairing’s ingenious double-wall system, the objective of which is precisely to accelerate the air that flows through it. With this same goal in mind, the long exhaust manifolds were developed, which emerge into a single-piece silencer with asymmetrical doubled output, fully positioned below the engine, with the further advantage of distributing the weight better and lowering the center of gravity.

The Aprilia twin cylinder is an innovation through experience accumulated on the ultra-powerful engine that equips the RSV4, so it rests on a base that is extremely efficient, not to mention tried and true: head, combustion chamber, ducts, cylinders and pistons derive from the V4. The bore is also 81 mm, like in the 1099 cc V4, whereas the stroke is 63.9 mm. The decision to use the technology of the V4 guarantees outstanding performance, also considering the high stroke speed of the piston relative to the actual displacement.

The engine crankcase is cut horizontally into two pieces with the cylinders built into the upper semi-crankcase to reduce bulk and make the structure more robust. The cylinders are offset with respect to the crankshaft in order to minimize internal friction during piston thrust.

The camshafts of the double timing, 4 valves per cylinder controlled by a lateral chain are hollow and use the bucket tappets to move the valves. The multi plate wet clutch with mechanical control has an anti-juddering system.

The wet sump lubrication includes an oil sump protruded downward and made around the suction intake in order to better collect the lubrication in any riding phase, even when the bike is at maximum lean angle or in the braking and acceleration phases.

The resulting performance is the best of any twin cylinder up to 750 cc: 100 HP at 10,500 rpm, with a peak speed that has allowed the limiter to be moved to a threshold of 11,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 67 Nm is provided at 8,500 rpm, with 80% of it available from 4,000 rpm, which turns into 90% when you hit 6,250 rpm.

In addition to performance and light weight, another design objective was to obtain the character and aggressiveness from the engine typical of V-twins. In order to achieve this, timing with crankpins arranged at 270° was chosen. This means that combustion is asymmetrical and offset 270° to obtain irregular combustion which translates into performance and sound similar to a V-twin. Furthermore, this type of configuration allows easy balancing of the alternating first and second level forces, using a single countershaft.

The injection system includes a pair of 48 mm diameter throttle bodies with different length intake ducts to optimize distribution at high and medium speeds.

The new engine’s performance is guaranteed by complete electronics, taken directly from those of the Aprilia V4, which includes an electronic multimap Ride-by-Wire throttle, for precise acceleration, soft and progressive even from low rpm, and optimized fuel consumption.

The Best Electronic Content in the Category in Terms of Performance and Safety

Another one of the Aprilia Tuono 660’s unique characteristics is its electronic systems for performance and safety, the most complete currently available in its class.

Aprilia has always been on the cutting edge of the electronics field (the first to introduce Ride-by-Wire throttle control in 2007) and currently boasts the complete package of APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic controls, developed in top level competitions, and considered by customers and critics to be among the most advanced available on the market.

Tuono 660’s APRC, developed to support performance and make riding on the street safe and thrilling, includes:

• ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable traction control characterized by operating logic capable of supporting sporty riding.
• AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, the adjustable wheelie control system.
• ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control, to maintain the set speed without touching the throttle control.
• AEB: Aprilia Engine Brake, the adjustable system to control engine braking when closing the throttle.
• AEM: Aprilia Engine Map, different mappings available to change the character of the engine and the way it delivers power.

The six-axis inertial platform (available as an optional accessory), thanks to the accelerometers and gyroscopes it contains, is able to recognize the condition of the bike with respect to the road; it records and processes the input derived from the ride and sends the data to the ECU. This way, management of the control parameters becomes even more precise and accurate. Also, if the inertial platform is present, the “Cornering” feature of the multimap ABS is enabled, guaranteeing even more safety on the road without sacrificing any sport riding performance. With its extremely contained weight and dimensions, the system is able to optimize braking and ABS intervention through the corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, and the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action in order optimize the ratio between deceleration and stability. The list of accessories also includes AQS – Aprilia Quick Shift – the electronic gearbox that allows for very rapid shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch. It is also equipped with the downshift function, to allow for clutchless downshifting, as well as the software that lets you invert the gearshift lever for track use without replacing any components.

On Tuono 660, Aprilia has developed five Riding Modes that aim to not only maximize the riding experience in different conditions of use, but also simplify life on board. The rider just needs to choose the Riding Mode that best interprets his or her riding needs to automatically obtain the best settings in terms of Traction Control, Wheelie Control, engine brake, ABS and the other managed parameters.

There are three Riding Modes for road use:

• Commute, for daily riding;
• Dynamic, for sporty riding on the road;
• Individual, that lets you fully personalize the electronic controls.

Two additional Riding Modes are designed for track use:
Challenge, suitable for track sessions where a rider exploits the full potential of Tuono 660 and Time Attack, a logic that allows more expert riders to fully personalize electronic set-up.

Electronic settings management is facilitated by the intuitive, four-button control on the left-hand block and by the quick management commands of the cruise control and traction control.

The color TFT digital instrument cluster boasts exceptional display options. The two screens available for selection, Road or Track (both with automatic night and day backlighting, thanks to the presence of a twilight sensor), correspond with two represented indices. The list of accessories includes Aprilia MIA, the new Aprilia multimedia platform that allows a smartphone to be connected to the bike, further extending instrument cluster functions, is available as an optional. The Aprilia MIA system provides a connection protocol that reduces smartphone battery drain to a minimum and includes both the infotainment system to manage the voice assistant, telephone calls and music using the intuitive handlebar controls, and the navigation function. With this feature, once your trip destination has been set on the smartphone, it is possible to display the directions directly on the bike’s instrumentation. The Aprilia MIA app also allows the rider to save completed trips and analyze the data acquired directly in the app using the geo-referenced telemetry function.

Versions and colors

Aprilia boasts a unique heritage of graphics and liveries, having always been in the cutting edge of stylistic choices. In keeping with this tradition and aiming for maximum distinction even in terms of graphics, the Aprilia Tuono 660 color range includes the brand-new Acid Gold scheme, already popular on the RS 660, the most suitable for showing off the dynamic and youthful character of the Tuono 660, enhancing the design of this new Aprilia to the utmost.

Aprilia Tuono 660 is available in two other graphic versions. Iridium Grey combines a new and brilliant grey color with red, part of Aprilia’s racing heritage. The second choice of graphics is called Concept Black and is dominated by black, which has also been part of Aprilia’s racing history for some time now, broken up by multiple accents in bright red.

Original Accessories: For Sport and Comfort

During the development of Tuono 660, Aprilia designed a range of accessories to emphasize the various spirits, enhancing performance and improving comfort and functionality.

• Complete Aprilia by Akrapovic street-legal exhaust: exhaust system complete with manifolds, approved for street use. It enhances the performance, the sound and the look of Tuono 660.
• Quickshift: the device, easy to install, lets you add the quickshift feature in order to enhance the Tuono 660’s racing spirit. The accessory also includes the software to use the quickshift in inverted lever configuration (not on reduced-power versions).
• Brake and clutch lever: in billet aluminum, these are adjustable and complete the sporty look of the vehicle.
• Brake master cylinder cover: aluminum cover with a racing character that enhances the brake master cylinder reservoir.
• Wheel stickers: stickers to apply on the wheel rim channels to give your Tuono 660 a more aggressive look
• Pins for swingarm: to use a rear paddock stand, essential at the track or for servicing your bike.
• Fuel tank cover: in 3D adhesive material, this protects the tank and limits sliding of the rider. Also available for the rear part of the tank.
• Carbon license plate holder: extremely lightweight, it enhances the aesthetics of the Tuono 660
• Comfort saddle: made with gel inserts, it increases riding comfort.
• Oversized top fairing: this increases aerodynamic protection, guaranteeing greater comfort on long road trips.
• Seat bag: essential for touring, it is designed to be positioned on the passenger seat, without compromising the rider’s comfort.
• Tank bag: this is designed to be positioned safely and conveniently on the fuel tank.
• Side panniers: thanks to the special quick-release supports, available for purchase separately, the Tuono 660’s cargo capacity can be further increased by mounting a pair of semi-rigid side panniers, perfectly integrated with the design of the bike.
• Electronic anti-theft system: comprising a compact and technologically advanced ECU that is easy to install. Complete with remote control. The system is self-powered with minimum energy absorption.
• USB port: fundamental for charging external devices like mobile phones. Installs beside the instrumentation.
• Aprilia MIA: the new device that allows for a smartphone to be connected to the bike via Bluetooth, transforming it into a real multimedia platform.
• IMU inertial platform: the six-axis inertial platform allows management of the control parameters even more precise and the Cornering ABS and Bending Lights to be enabled, guaranteeing even more safety on the road.
• Indoor vehicle cover: protects the bike from dirt and dust when it’s parked for long periods.
• Single-seat tail-faring cover: complete the sporty image of the bike by eliminating the passenger’s seat and enhancing the design of your Tuono 660.
• Carbon Front Mudguard: derived from the V4 Aprilia bikes, with a more ‘racing’ spirit, the front mudguard in carbon enhances the sporty soul of the Tuono 660.
• Adjustable footpegs in aluminum: in the most extreme riding conditions, having a precise riding position that you can personalize is fundamental for ensuring full control of the bike. The set of racing footpegs gives Tuono 660 an even sportier look and lets you find the best position in the saddle.
• Öhlins rear shock absorber: directly from all our track experience, the specific Öhlins shock absorber for Tuono 660 lets you optimize traction in sport use.

Link: Aprilia