APRILIA TUONO 660 (2021 - on) Review

Highlights

  • Naked sibling of Aprilia RS660
  • Natural rival to KTM 890 Duke
  • Easy and engaging to ride

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
Power: 94 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm)
Weight: Medium (404 lbs / 183 kg)

Prices

New £9,700
Used £6,800 - £7,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Aprilia Tuono 660 may seem steep at just under £10k when compared to something like the Yamaha MT-07 (£6899), but its attitude and performance make it more of a real rival to KTM’s 890 Duke. And with the Austrian naked costing £9649, the Tuono 660 suddenly makes a little more sense.

It’s not much cheaper than its sporty RS660 brother (just £449), but it does put the emphasis on acceleration and has a slightly comfier riding position. But most of all, it is easy to enjoy and more than capable in almost any scenario. Looks great, too!

The Tuono is instantly intuitive and easy and one of those bikes that you can enjoy from the moment the road opens up. It’s light, responsive and easy to have a lot of fun on. This is a motorcycle that is accessible to everyone: from younger riders, who will enjoy a very light, intuitive and extremely easy-to-ride bike, to the geek who will appreciate the extremely simple yet fine chassis set-up together with the well-calibrated suspension system.

Cornering on the Aprilia Tuono 660

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
5 out of 5 (5/5)

You can really chuck it into corners - there's a natural balance and attitude. This ease of use boosts confidence and the Aprilia Tuono 660 can be ridden hard and fast through winding country roads. This precision and performance reminds me of its sporty sibling, the RS660, which is hardly surprising as the pair share the same chassis. Pick a line and dive at the apex, winding on the throttle as soon as you dare.

But if you do need to change tack quickly, the high and wide bars make steering input almost instant and drama-free. The riding position is a little more spacious and upright than on the RS660 and all day in the saddle causes very few aches and pains.

The Aprilia Tuono 660 is great in the bends

Although the Tuono uses the same Kayaba suspension as the RS660 (albeit with unique settings), it does have its own dedicated yokes, changing the fork offset to tweak the handling and stability.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The handling may be nimble, but it’s the engine that's the real icing on the cake. The Aprilia Tuono 660 drives cleanly from low revs, although there is a slight dip between 5000 and 6000rpm. And while the Tuono uses the same engine as its sporty sibling, it has been tamed slightly; down to 94bhp instead of the RS' 99bhp.

The Aprilia Tuono 660 features a parallel-twin engine

This allows the Tuono to be restricted to 47bhp and meet A2 licence laws. But it’s barely noticeable and actually feels a little livelier thanks to lower final drive gearing, which puts the emphasis on response and acceleration rather than eking out the last few mph of top speed.

There are five riding modes, too and the 'Dynamic' setting is just that. It gives instant throttle response and makes the engine more lively as the revs rise. On the other hand, the 'Commute' option keeps everything smooth and predictable, which is exactly what you want when picking a route through city streets or through rows of cars.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Being a brand-new motorcycle, it's difficult to assess long-term reliability. That said, when we tested the Aprilia RS660 at its launch in late 2020, the pre-production models did have a few starting problems and engine warning lights flashing.

Aprilia assured us at the time that they were minor software glitches and, riding the production version on UK roads, there were no obvious problems. Some have criticised the finish in certain areas, though, which could potentially also translate to the Tuono.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Costing £9700 at its 2021 launch, the Aprilia Tuono 660 is just £449 cheaper than it's fully-faired RS sibling. It also doesn't get a quickshifter or cornering ABS as standard.

A rear shot of the Aprilia Tuono 660

This asking price also puts it in direct competition with KTM's parallel-twin 890 Duke, which is £51 cheaper at £9649 and produces a more impressive claimed 114bhp - some 20 more than the Tuono. At almost £10,000 it's also likely to be too expensive for many younger riders considering taking their A2 licence test.

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

To help keep the Tuono in check, you also get traction control, wheelie control, cruise control and engine braking systems. The colour TFT instruments and LED headlights are also taken straight from the RS660. And, while our test bike was fitted with a quickshifter and cornering ABS, these do not come as standard on the middleweight Tuono.

Away from the electronic gizmos, the small windshield also works quite well and deflects windblast as high as the shoulders. That said, some may argue this is not really a naked at all...


Aprilia Tuono 660 accessories

Aprilia Tuono 660 with optional luggage

Aprilia have always done things in style and the Tuono 660 is no different. It comes in three striking colour options: black/red, grey/red or 'acid gold' with black. All have red wheels and black fork legs.

There are also loads of bolt-on accessories available, including soft luggage and a carbon Akrapovič exhaust that unusually replaces the well-hidden, belly-mounted standard silencer with a much more prominent pipe in a conventional position on the right hand side.

Specs

Engine size 659cc
Engine type liquid cooled 4v parallel-twin
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 820mm
Bike weight 183kg
Front suspension 41mm USD Kayaba, adjustable for rebound and pre-load
Rear suspension Monoshock, adjustable for rebound and pre-load
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs, four-piston radial calipers
Rear brake Single 220mm disc, twin-piston calipers
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £180
New price £9,700
Used price £6,800 - £7,500
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 94 bhp
Max torque 49.5 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2021: Aprilia Tuono 660 launched.

Other versions

In 2022 you can pick between standard Tuono 660 or the Factory. A fully-faired RS660 model shares the same basic engine, frame and more. Then there's the adventure bike version, the Aprilia Tuareg 660.

Owners' reviews for the APRILIA TUONO 660 (2021 - on)

6 owners have reviewed their APRILIA TUONO 660 (2021 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your APRILIA TUONO 660 (2021 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
5 out of 5 Tuono 660 pleasure.
05 June 2023 by Simon M

Year: 2022

Replacement for my stolen MT10, NCB desimated so decided on a lower insurance group bike and have been delighted.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Rides nicely for me and is incredibly comfortable.

Engine 5 out of 5

Plenty of torque, never noticed the much discussed flat spot. Despite less than 100bhp I believe as a real world bike it is more than enough and does what a bike should do- makes you happy.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Seems good quality but the feel of the plastics on the belly pan seems rough and awkward to keep clean.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not had it serviced as mine was a 22 plate used so the 1st service had been done, what is incredible is 65mpg even riding enthusiastically.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I'm an analogue sort of chap so the advanced electronics are lost on me. I was happy with having a gear indicator on my first new Suzuki Gt 750 back in the day and never wanted much more.

Buying experience: Bought from Wheels motorcycles, pleasant experience.

5 out of 5 Comfortable, fun and gorgeous middleweight naked Euro
26 September 2022 by Tim

Year: 2021

Would recommend, but not be a good choice for tall riders taller than 6.0'

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Awesome 4-piston front Brembo brakes. Rear brake squeaks a bit during the first couple hundred miles.

Engine 5 out of 5

Very peppy engine and good direct power.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

A minor nit - your break in service wrench icon will show up on the TFT automatically at 1000km. Even if you do the break in oil and filter change on your own, you cannot clear the icon without a dealer.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Electronics are very impressive for the price. Quick shifter addition is very fun. 4/5 here since installation of optional OEM equipment is nearly impossible to do on your own. Installation of the IMU and quick shifter requires a dealer mechanic and an ECU flash / map update - it doesn't even come with printed or digital instructions.

Buying experience: Experience at the dealer in Tulsa, OK was very good, but just wish I had a dealer closer to where I live.

3 out of 5 Great bike let down by unreliability and poor factory support.
26 September 2022 by OW

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £185

Lovely bike, but poor reliability in my case. Poor support from the factory. Would not recommend unless you like to gamble.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Good for the price, but the rear shock could be improved.

Engine 4 out of 5

Lovely engine and great sound, only let down by being made of chocolate.

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Before the first service, the engine light came on with no related running issues. It was resolved at first service by tightening the lambda sensor which had worked loose. The ignition switch cable housing split not long after so was taped up whilst awaiting the replacement unit to keep any water out. Part ordered but not yet seen. At 2500 miles and 6 months in, the bike developed a serious low speed stalling problem so would repeatedly stall at lights/junctions and during slow speed turns in first gear and neutral. Dealer took it in and diagnosed a valve-related issue. Over two months later the parts required to complete the repair (full head etc) had still not all turned up. The bike had already had an engine replacement before I bought it, so I would not have expected such an issue requiring such major work so early in the life of this one.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Only had first service done, so not entirely sure of other services. Fairly frugal on fuel. Happy with the running costs really.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Great for the money, could do with the QS as standard though. I ordered one but cancelled the order as it was never going to turn up.

Buying experience: Bought from On Yer Bike, Aylesbury, whom I cannot fault for their service and support.

5 out of 5 Go and ride one, you’ll love it!
03 August 2021 by Gaz

Version: N/A

Year: 2021

I’ve been without a bike for a a good few years and finally got to scratch the well established itch. Purchased the Tuono new, with a free IMU, for an OTR price of £9300. Put simply, this bike is brilliant. It sounds great, handles oh so well and pulls amazingly. Am I happy with my purchase? Absolutely! This bike gives me a smile every time I ride it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brakes are Brembo and they are nothing short of great, really responsive. Ride quality is engaging, comfortable and offers plenty of opportunity to have fun. It’s handling is spot on, so flickable. It makes eating up those twisty roads a breeze.

Engine 5 out of 5

Power delivery is decent all round. Being a twin, it pulls and is very torquey. No matter what gear you’re in, give the right hand a twist, the Tuono will give you some grunt and get you up the road!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The build quality feels really good, it’s solid up top despite its light weight. The only thing I have found that I’d like Aprilia to change is a bit of scratchy plastic down below the engine. Other than that, it’s spot on. Reliability hard to gauge but no issues so far.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not sure on the service costs yet, but I’d expect a couple of hundred pounds for the first few. MPG? It’s not bad… However, I didn’t buy it to get a million miles from the tank, I got it to put a smile on my face whilst I whizz across some roads around the North of England.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The TFT display is very bright, easy to read and is well set out. LED headlights are standard with DRL and built in front indicators. Good quality rubber in the form of Pirelli’s Diablo Corsa 2. Genuinely this is a well equipped bike. The IMU gives a few extras, it’s on promo at the moment (to Sept 2021) from Aprilia, meaning you buy a new Tuono, you get it gratis.

5 out of 5 A perfect, fun and capable mid-weight
27 June 2021 by Tony Dare

Year: 2021

This is a fun bike that can do everything and well. It has excellent brakes, fantastic handling and good enough acceleration for any situation. It's comfortable and sounds great. I can't think of many downsides, other than fiddly to fill up with petrol.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I moved down from a BMW 1250GS so it's very different. The suspension is good enough but you do feel the bumps. Otherwise, very comfortble for 1-2 hours with no breaks. Haven't tried longer rides yet.

Engine 5 out of 5

Abosolute peach. Sounds beautiful and revs smoothly. In dynamic mode, this bike comes alive, while commute mode is very user friendly.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Haven't had it long enough to say but all perfect for now.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Haven't got to the first service yet.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Full electronics package and ok TFT. Feels a bit basic after the GS but I don't really feel like it's missing anything. I had free IMU included in Paris.

Buying experience: Paid 10,500 euros from a dealer. No problems.

5 out of 5 Italian Middleweight Mastery
05 April 2021 by Andrew Kennedy

Version: Iridium Grey

Year: 2021

Best: - Handling is so confidence inspiring - Beautifully balanced - Engine is punchy yet smooth, sounds great with lots of chracter - Styled beautifully - Ride modes and customisation - Full Brembo brakes are very sharp and strong Worst: - Flat spot between 5-6k revs - No oil level sight glass - No hazard lights - No quickshifter as standard - Right hand side of swing arm is prone to chafing on boots unless you buy the official cover or other protection. - Windblast on motorways is fairly noticeable - Looks a little budget in places in terms of fasteners etc.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The bike is at its best in pretty much any town/b-road scenario, acceleration is great, plenty of punch and handling is sublime carving down twisty b-roads it just instills so much confidence. Took a pillion yesterday and overall comfort was reported as being good, legs ached a little after though. Brakes are superb, so sharp and strong with plenty of feel.

Engine 5 out of 5

Absolutely love the engine, there's more than enough power and torque for the road and you never want for a bigger bike. It sounds great, with echoes of its bigger V4 siblings yet still has its own unique twin cylinder cross plane tone. So much grunt but still has nice smooth refinement to it.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Solidly built but I think some fasteners will be prone to corrosion quite easily looking at the quality of them.Early days so far but no glitches as yet.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Not had a service yet, but seems reasonable on fuel so far, I've been enjoying the honeymoon phase and been getting 56mpg so far but I'm sure as run in concludes and do some longer runs that will get even better.

Equipment 4 out of 5

I like the switchable ride maps and ability to tailor one exactly how you want it in terms of throttle response, traction control, engine braking etc. Cruise control was a surprise and works really well. The led headlights work really well with the drls, haven't really seen how good they are at night yet but in a tunnel they worker great. I just wish it came with a quickshifter as standard as it would really compliment hammering up and down the gearbox in twisty spirited riding, but I'll be getting my dealer to fit it as soon as Aprilia release the kit.

Buying experience: I bought from Motorcycles Direct as they were doing an offer with £400 off so was £9300 plus road tax and reg fee, and also part exchanged my old bike. Andy there was great to deal with and made the whole lockdown purchase smooth and efficient.

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