.....from a surprising manufacturer: Aprilia RS660.
Claimed 100hp, claimed 372lbs, 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, RBW, electronic cruise control, up/down quickshifter, clip-ons above the triple clamp, TFT dash, and ~$11,500USD. I’m intrigued.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/aprilia-rs660/?fbclid=IwAR1YLCKZUG21ioyQ40joRMBlmNXN-ADigHjdXT-AjIrtCufF7It18cRrrTY
Great looking bike. But wouldn't place it in the VFR's Sports Touring category. Honda Australia shows no Sports Touring category at all since the demise of the VFR800 and 1200 - bloody sad affair!
And it is a parallell twin not a V4... So not really anything like the VFR.
Nice looking bike, but it looks way more sportbike than sport-tourer. The clip-ons are below the top of the tank and the footpegs look pretty high. I'm unsure what market Aprilia is going for with a parallel twin, but it's an intriguing design, especially loaded with all that tech.
Am I the only one who thinks the future VFR is going to look more like this? https://www.damon.com/
...Sorry for the sacrilege... No offense intended.
3 hours ago, GebruikerAm I the only one who thinks the future VFR is going to look more like this? https://www.damon.com/
...Sorry for the sacrilege... No offense intended.
I'd like to try one...but I don't think Honda is this adventurous.
18 hours ago, ducnut.....from a surprising manufacturer: Aprilia RS660.
Claimed 100hp, claimed 372lbs, 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, RBW, electronic cruise control, up/down quickshifter, clip-ons above the triple clamp, TFT dash, and ~$11,500USD. I’m intrigued.
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/aprilia-rs660/?fbclid=IwAR1YLCKZUG21ioyQ40joRMBlmNXN-ADigHjdXT-AjIrtCufF7It18cRrrTY[image: 5C4C1EC9-16FE-4F95-A678-D441E5BDBBA9.jpeg]
I liked the looks of this until I saw it's a...parallel twin 650? I see Aprilia's manufacturing story there (half of the V-4) but I'm just not sure I'd want one based on that.
It's pretty clear it's intended competition is the Ninja 650R as well, which is not exactly a VFR, but could fill some of the same niches. When I bought my VFR in 2002, the choices I had at Honda were the VFR, a CBR 600RR (still a pretty new thing), or an F4i. Pretty close race between the F4i and the VFR for all of the riding I intended to do that year. This could also be in that niche and I could see getting one...if it were a V-twin or a four cylinder something or other. Obviously I'd want a V-4 but I would take a twin from Aprilia here.
5 hours ago, ShipFixerIt's pretty clear it's intended competition is the Ninja 650R as well, which is not exactly a VFR, but could fill some of the same niches. When I bought my VFR in 2002, the choices I had at Honda were the VFR, a CBR 600RR (still a pretty new thing), or an F4i. Pretty close race between the F4i and the VFR for all of the riding I intended to do that year. This could also be in that niche and I could see getting one...if it were a V-twin or a four cylinder something or other. Obviously I'd want a V-4 but I would take a twin from Aprilia here.
Honda makes a nice looking parallel twin 650 now, too, both in fully faired and naked versions. If Aprilia is jumping in, maybe this segment is more popular than I thought.
It's funny you mention the F4i. I also considered that bike when I was bike shopping in 2006. Of course, I ended up with my 2004 VFR, but I really liked the F4i, however I bet the annual insurance premium would have been 2-3x higher since the F4i seems like more of a sportbike than a sport-tourer. Thinking about it now, you hardly ever see those bikes (and the earlier models), despite their relative popularity back then. I don't think these were throw-away bikes, so I bet many were crashed by squids, or tucked away and forgotten over the years.
Are you thinking of their 500 parallel twin? If I had to pick between the Aprilia and the Honda today...probably the Honda based on it being an I4 and a Honda, but if the Aprilia revs smoothly (a big if with a parallel twin), then maybe...
parallel twins are utilitarian, boring and uninspiring imo. especially compared to a V-4.
14 hours ago, ShipFixerAre you thinking of their 500 parallel twin? If I had to pick between the Aprilia and the Honda today...probably the Honda based on it being an I4 and a Honda, but if the Aprilia revs smoothly (a big if with a parallel twin), then maybe...
Honda makes both a 500 and 650 parallel twin, both in naked and full-fairing configurations. I've done a test sit on one of the 650 faired versions, and the ergonomics are pretty sporty. Not like the old Kawasaki Ninja 650, which (if I remember correctly) was the first popular 650 parallel twin sporty bike - but which seemed like a very watered down sportbike. By comparison, the Honda CBR650R *looks* like a sportbike, though not as hard-edged as an actual CBR600RR.
1 hour ago, TimCHonda makes both a 500 and 650 parallel twin, both in naked and full-fairing configurations.
I believe the 650 Honda is an inline 4. The 500 and 700/750nc's are parallel twins....
1 hour ago, slo1I believe the 650 Honda is an inline 4. The 500 and 700/750nc's are parallel twins....
You are right. My apologies to ShipFixer. I checked Honda's website again. I must have been looking at the wrong bikes earlier.
As for parallel twins, I think they've come a long way in the last 10-12 years. I test rode a (maybe) 2015 BMW F800GT a few years ago and its engine was wheezy and unimpressive. After some changes and tuning by BMW, the same basic engine in the 2020 F750GS was much better. I don't know what a 650 parallel twin fares, but it might be okay.
Yamaha's mt07/xsr700/tenere700/tracer700 is a crossplane parallell twin which sounds amazing and is actually quite fun and torqy with its 70 whp and about the same torque (Nm). So I wouldn't be upset per se by a paralell twin, but the characteristics would need to be right.
5 minutes ago, iLikeThatYamaha's mt07/xsr700/tenere700/tracer700 is a crossplane parallell twin which sounds amazing and is actually quite fun and torqy with its 70 whp and about the same torque (Nm). So I wouldn't be upset per se by a paralell twin, but the characteristics would need to be right.
Yeah, they seem ok for stuff like adventure bikes where it's a low to midrange torque game. The fact that almost all of the bikes in that genre are heading that way tells us something. But for sport bikes...eh...I'll stick with options that are happy at high revs.
I think if Honda was in tune with the market, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is the perfect example target of where the VFR should be.....
If Honda would add a gallon of gas capacity to the VFR1200 and lose 60 lbs, I would be in for one - even if it doesn't look as cool (IMO) as the Ninja...
Gebruiker, 9/19/2020 at 6:05 AM
Zero who?! lol
Grum, 9/18/2020 at 6:49 PMGreat looking bike. But wouldn't place it in the VFR's Sports Touring category. Honda Australia shows no Sports Touring category at all since the demise of the VFR800 and 1200 - bloody sad affair!
With the clip-ons being above the clamp, I’d place it similarly to the 3rd Gen seating position, which is quite sporty, especially compared to a 6th Gen. I’ve yet to see or sit on the RS, though. With Helibars and lowered pegs, it might be a pretty nice ride.
iLikeThat, 9/19/2020 at 3:50 AMAnd it is a parallell twin not a V4... So not really anything like the VFR.
Alternative; not replacement.
TimC, 9/19/2020 at 6:52 AMNice looking bike, but it looks way more sportbike than sport-tourer. The clip-ons are below the top of the tank and the footpegs look pretty high. I'm unsure what market Aprilia is going for with a parallel twin, but it's an intriguing design, especially loaded with all that tech.
Every generation of VFR, 800cc or smaller, is below the top of the tank. The HeliBars on my 5th Gen are right at the top of the front of the tank. Lowered foot pegs, just like many put on their VFR, would help the peg situation.
The tech is a huge bonus, to me. With higher bars, lower pegs, a Sargent seat, and it’s lighter weight, it would make for a more premium SV (I own a 1st Gen “S” model) that could offer most of the qualities of the VFR.
squirrelman, 9/19/2020 at 5:54 PMparallel twins are utilitarian, boring and uninspiring imo. especially compared to a V-4.
Search YT for videos of this thing. It sounds like an uneven firing order, like the Yamaha MT and Honda AT, and nothing like a boring Kawasaki. AP Moto Arts, Hordpower, and others build Yamaha engines that truly rip. By what Aprilia are claiming, the building seems to already be done, so the RS should rip.
I see the F4i being mentioned. That bike is very similar in seating position to the VFR of the era, was less expensive, faster, and lighter. It was the best 600cc Honda produced, IMO. Shockingly, Honda offer something similar in the current CBR650R and a bike similar to the F2/F3 in the current CBR650F and for similar price tags in today’s dollars. That’s hard to beat.
The market has proven there’s no real desire for a replacement VFR, especially at Honda’s pricepoints, so we’ll need to seek alternatives if wanting a new bike. And, leftover 8th Gens are getting slim (in the USA). The aforementioned Ninja 1000SX is currently at the top of the open-class in sport-touring bikes. But, for me, it sure is ugly and looks/feels a bit cheap as Kawasakis usually do. The Suzuki GSX-S1000F lacks today’s tech and refinement, but, is lighter than the VFR.
All the above brings me back to this Aprilia RS660. If it’s similar to a 3rd Gen VFR seating position, sounds good, makes good power, and has nice build quality and detailing, it might not make a bad alternative. Though, I think, a price closer to $10K USD makes more sense.
I rode/raced EX500s for years ... and until the SV came out, and later the EX650"r", was a fun bike to race in multi classes. Once the "newer" stuff started coming out, the classes changed a lot Nationally, and eventually at my local club level ... then things just got too frustrating. Not to mention, this guy out of Nevada started building a "SV500" for his team and sold some as well, and that just really took all the wind out of the sails of us "budget racers".
My biggest issue with things like the smaller parallel twins, or even the Vtwins, is they're nearly always considered "entry level bikes", therefore they try to keep the prices down, and as a result you get a cheaper built machine, meaning mainly GARBAGE suspension. Fine for the actual entry level riders, or people just using them as transportation or whatever ... but if you want to have fun, or go to the track, you'll need to get out your tools, and more importantly, YOUR WALLET!!
The Aprilia is surely nice, but no "budget twin". I think the idea is to compete overseas in some of the lightweight stuff, and eventually, this may be the direction some of the support classes go in WSB and maybe even Moto3?? It's much closer to a full on 600SS bike than a " lightweight budget twin".
1 hour ago, MJHI rode/raced EX500s for years ... and until the SV came out, and later the EX650"r", was a fun bike to race in multi classes. Once the "newer" stuff started coming out, the classes changed a lot Nationally, and eventually at my local club level ... then things just got too frustrating. Not to mention, this guy out of Nevada started building a "SV500" for his team and sold some as well, and that just really took all the wind out of the sails of us "budget racers".
My biggest issue with things like the smaller parallel twins, or even the Vtwins, is they're nearly always considered "entry level bikes", therefore they try to keep the prices down, and as a result you get a cheaper built machine, meaning mainly GARBAGE suspension. Fine for the actual entry level riders, or people just using them as transportation or whatever ... but if you want to have fun, or go to the track, you'll need to get out your tools, and more importantly, YOUR WALLET!!
The Aprilia is surely nice, but no "budget twin". I think the idea is to compete overseas in some of the lightweight stuff, and eventually, this may be the direction some of the support classes go in WSB and maybe even Moto3?? It's much closer to a full on 600SS bike than a " lightweight budget twin".
I think, that’s a pretty accurate assessment.
Zoran definitely knows his stuff, with the SV. There’s always going to be innovative, cost-no-object guys like him. The same could be said of Richard Stanboli, Chuck Graves, Erion Brothers back in the day, and others. The good thing is they’re the ones figuring it out for the rest of us, if one can afford their stuff.
Suspension costs aren’t too bad. I’ve had aftermarket stuff on my last 4 bikes. I look at it as a cost to having the bike the way I want it. Truthfully, for how I and most people use a bike, springs, valves, and a shock are all one needs and that’s ~$1400. I’ve had cartridges and, on the street, they weren’t much different than just valves. Likewise, the performance difference between a Penske 8900 and 8983 isn’t much. It’s only at the highest of level track use will one notice things and that’s a minority of people and use, in this market segment. For sure, I’m not ever going to be turning the lap times I used to.
I sure hope to see elite classes running this type of bike. The MA twins class is some of the best racing in the states.
17 minutes ago, ducnutI think, that’s a pretty accurate assessment.
Zoran definitely knows his stuff, with the SV. There’s always going to be innovative, cost-no-object guys like him. The same could be said of Richard Stanboli, Chuck Graves, Erion Brothers back in the day, and others. The good thing is they’re the ones figuring it out for the rest of us, if one can afford their stuff.
Suspension costs aren’t too bad. I’ve had aftermarket stuff on my last 4 bikes. I look at it as a cost to having the bike the way I want it. Truthfully, for how I and most people use a bike, springs, valves, and a shock are all one needs and that’s ~$1400. I’ve had cartridges and, on the street, they weren’t much different than just valves. Likewise, the performance difference between a Penske 8900 and 8983 isn’t much. It’s only at the highest of level track use will one notice things and that’s a minority of people and use, in this market segment. For sure, I’m not ever going to be turning the lap times I used to.
I sure hope to see elite classes running this type of bike. The MA twins class is some of the best racing in the states.
Agreed on pretty much all you wrote ... especially the Zoran stuff! Not to mention he's quite the character! I had always hoped to get onto one of his bikes, but I was already just pretty much a part time racer when he was making his rise. There's another guy I know that had a nice chassis he made, for an EX500 motor(for some reason?), and I got to ride his "street version. It was a very nice build, but was very much overkill. His idea was to have a chassis with interchangeable pieces, so as to be able to use different "drivetrains". I disassemble my SRX6's motor and handed it over to him, but he said the layout was not friendly for the AK-1 chassis. Again, would be overkill, but A LOT of fun!!
Here's a little blurb on his stuff ...
32 minutes ago, ducnutI think, that’s a pretty accurate assessment.
Zoran definitely knows his stuff, with the SV. There’s always going to be innovative, cost-no-object guys like him. The same could be said of Richard Stanboli, Chuck Graves, Erion Brothers back in the day, and others. The good thing is they’re the ones figuring it out for the rest of us, if one can afford their stuff.
Suspension costs aren’t too bad. I’ve had aftermarket stuff on my last 4 bikes. I look at it as a cost to having the bike the way I want it. Truthfully, for how I and most people use a bike, springs, valves, and a shock are all one needs and that’s ~$1400. I’ve had cartridges and, on the street, they weren’t much different than just valves. Likewise, the performance difference between a Penske 8900 and 8983 isn’t much. It’s only at the highest of level track use will one notice things and that’s a minority of people and use, in this market segment. For sure, I’m not ever going to be turning the lap times I used to.
I sure hope to see elite classes running this type of bike. The MA twins class is some of the best racing in the states.
Plus the way I always "upgraded" my stuff, was also was the "budget racer method" ... just get stuff from a good 600/750/etc, and make it fit/work! I'm likely going to pilfer stuff(complete front end) from one of my old racebikes, and put it on my Gen 6 VFR ... the rear shock may kill my budget for keeping it "cheap", but the bike was gotten for a great price, so I won't mind too much.
I seen somewhere, likely in Italy, they are already set to have like a Spec Class for these bikes, the Aprilia RS660. Wouldn't be shocked to see some of them in the states soon enough. They also have a 250 twin version, so might be good for the MA Junior Cup and/or the bigger Twins classes. Also agree, those classes have some of the best/closest racing!!
I wonder if this bike's target buyer is the overseas crowd which sees government limited hp figures. This bike seems to have just 100 hp, which is enough for me but low for many US sportbike buyers. I know there have been some terrific and popular smaller displacement sportbikes available internationally that we don't get here in the US. With graduated licensing and overall power restrictions in some countries, but where buyers still want great looking sportbikes loaded with tech features, this new Aprilia might fare pretty well, especially being from an Italian brand. Anyway, I hope to see one at my local Aprilia dealer eventually.
I agree that it's hard to find a replacement (or alternative) to a V-4 engine. And yes, I agree that a crossplane parallel twin is a bit of a far cry from the V-4 experience.
But here's an in-between engine candidate, the Triumph "T-plane" triple. Surprisingly the T-plane triple engine has exactly the same firing order as the VFR engine, just without the 4th cylinder. The T-plane fires like this: 1-0-3-0-0-2-0-0- and it sounds a lot like the VFR's V-4 engine.
At the end of this video there's a few seconds of full-throttle T-plane 3 cylinder acceleration to listen to. You'll be surprised how much it sounds like a VFR V-4 engine.
This is not a boring old twin.
The Aprillia has a 270° crank, and sounds and behaves like a V twin, just more compact.
Don't underestimate the new generation of twins with the crossplane cranks, they have huge amounts of torque and are just as intoxicating as the V4 was in its day.
With the power to weight ratio, latest equipment and all the electronics, they will leave the poor old VFR far behind.
But it's not a sports tourer, they are out of fashion I'm afraid, and it doesn't seem like anyone is in a hurry to bring them back. Sad really.
I couldn't find a replacement, it's why I bought a 1050 Sprint.
13 hours ago, GreginDenverI agree that it's hard to find a replacement (or alternative) to a V-4 engine. And yes, I agree that a crossplane parallel twin is a bit of a far cry from the V-4 experience.
But here's an in-between engine candidate, the Triumph "T-plane" triple. Surprisingly the T-plane triple engine has exactly the same firing order as the VFR engine, just without the 4th cylinder. The T-plane fires like this: 1-0-3-0-0-2-0-0- and it sounds a lot like the VFR's V-4 engine.
At the end of this video there's a few seconds of full-throttle T-plane 3 cylinder acceleration to listen to. You'll be surprised how much it sounds like a VFR V-4 engine.
You're right. That does sound similar to a V4. Pretty cool illustrations of the different firing orders, too. Thanks for posting that link.
As I've mentioned in a couple other places on the forum, I recently bought a BMW boxer twin. One huge reason I dig it is the engine, which has similar characteristics to my VFR in my opinion, even including the engine braking. The V4 is smoother overall, but they're both a blast to ride. Sounds like maybe I should look at a triple in the future, too.
Anyway, I just couldn't buy an inline 4 or parallel twin that lacked as much character after having ridden a V4 for 14 years. 😉
Nothing like the VFR. Designed as a street friendly sport bike, not a sports-tourer. Might get one though, looks fun.
Gebruiker, 9/19/2020 at 6:05 AMAm I the only one who thinks the future VFR is going to look more like this? https://www.damon.com/
...Sorry for the sacrilege... No offense intended.
ShipFixer, 9/19/2020 at 9:55 AMI'd like to try one...but I don't think Honda is this adventurous.
I'd like to try one too, but $25K for base model and $40K for premium version is a bit much...then watch the first few episodes of Long Way Up and see what you'd be up against. I'm ready to give it a go, when the electric infrastructure is there to support something beyond a daily commuter.
ShipFixer, 9/19/2020 at 12:55 PMI'd like to try one...but I don't think Honda is this adventurous.
All the manufacturers must be looking at the possibilities. Not sure how they'll emulate the purr and whine of the engine. 🙂
vfrcapn said:
I'd like to try one too, but $25K for base model and $40K for premium version is a bit much...then watch the first few episodes of Long Way Up and see what you'd be up against. I'm ready to give it a go,
It won't be long to wait. We know how quickly this technology is advancing.
Well...I said "try one." 😜 I don't plan on buying a $25K anything bike any time soon!
Of course just as I typed that I realized my bicycles are getting into crazy territory anyway, so who knows...
Videos are surfacing. Sounds good!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/apriliaRS660/permalink/781029602728769/
Ari Henning’s review.
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2021-aprilia-rs-660-first-ride-motorcycle-review?fbclid=IwAR222VOAf8t5i0fT6XC3M_2AkPYQHGqD8RE1QjJlkwZ0c4cGd8Gj8X1OPro
The pics appear to roughly resemble the seating position of a 6th Gen.
There’s a video of one, with an SC Project full-exhaust, on FB, but, I can’t get it to share to here. Anyway, it sounds gnarly.
Right at 400lbs wet weight.
I rode this 790 for a few hours last month. Parallel twin. True, not as much character as the v4, and I'm not buying one, but it's still a very good engine. Lots of power in a tiny package. Power was very much on par with the vfr. It was a nice bike! I hate to say it, but it had tech that makes my VFR seem like an antique.
[image: 7335.jpeg]
Sparkie, 10/26/2020 at 12:48 PMI rode this 790 for a few hours last month. Parallel twin. True, not as much character as the v4, and I'm not buying one, but it's still a very good engine. Lots of power in a tiny package. Power was very much on par with the vfr. It was a nice bike! I hate to say it, but it had tech that makes my VFR seem like an antique.
From a tech perspective the 8th gen is antique. My 2017 Ducati SuperSport (base model) has far superior ABS, Traction Control, and ride modes.
Funny about the 790, I had a buddy that bought one and only kept it long enough to trade it in for the 890 when it released. He said the 890 was a better machine in many ways. Funny how a year difference can do so much.
do we really need trendy rich guys bragging here about how much better their ducatis are ?? 😬
9 hours ago, lazyeyeFrom a tech perspective the 8th gen is antique. My 2017 Ducati SuperSport (base model) has far superior ABS, Traction Control, and ride modes.
Funny about the 790, I had a buddy that bought one and only kept it long enough to trade it in for the 890 when it released. He said the 890 was a better machine in many ways. Funny how a year difference can do so much.
If the Supersport had cruise control, it’d be tough to beat.
That 890 is in another league, from all reports. But, my paid-for 800XCx will have to be good enough for me, as I’m done with the ever escalating offerings.
7 hours ago, ducnut
If the Supersport had cruise control, it’d be tough to beat.
That 890 is in another league, from all reports. But, my paid-for 800XCx will have to be good enough for me, as I’m done with the ever escalating offerings.
I'd mentioned before that I considered buying a used late model, low mileage Duc Supersport S from a local BMW/Honda shop. I was seriously considering it, but the lack of warranty and no local dealers kept me from it. It was already having a fueling issue, but it was also a sportier bike than I wanted to replace my VFR. Still, man what a sexy bike.
The local Big 4 dealer also sells Aprilia. I'll have to keep an eye out for one of these new RS660s there, though I wonder how many dealers in non-metropolitan areas and rich suburbs will pass on ordering them just to put on the sales floor. That's a pricey ornament to just sit around until the right buyer walks in. 😕
1 hour ago, MagnetoI appreciate your honesty - lining up with my original skepticism quite nicely - but suggest deleting the last post 😉
Why?
4 hours ago, ducnutNow that I’ve had time to be around the RS660, it’s disappointing. The fit, finishes, and detailing simply aren’t worthy of $11,300USD. Sitting next to a Triumph Trident, which is $3200 less money, the Aprilia looks like a Chinese import. I don’t know what the position is called who creates those aspects of a bike, but, Aprilia need to hire a new person(s). The 660 kickstand is a pinched tube that looks like something fitting of a bike-in-a-box. The seat cushions have detailing in the foam and the cheap-feeling vinyl is pulled right over them. They could’ve used a nicer material, in multiple pieces and sewed together, to creat interest and form-fitment. The stitching and bunching of material is terrible, as well. The plastic guard on the left side of the swingarm adds to the cheapness of the Harbor Freight shade of tool silver used on the rearsets and swingarm. Cheap hardware is very obvious against the nice hardware, like the stem nut. The whole cockpit just looks cheap. It’s shameful the bike was released like this.
Sounds like your summary of exterior fit & finish matches what goes on inside.
I have friend that races RSV4 and has nothing but trouble: engine mechanicals, electronics, etc. Back in '90s, he raced AMA on TZ250. He says that all-out race-bike was more troublefree than RSV4. Would RS660 have 1/2 as much trouble since it's 1/2 of RSV4?
4 hours ago, ducnut
Why?
Drinking Bud while employed at Miller? 😆
9 hours ago, DannoXYZI have friend that races RSV4 and has nothing but trouble: engine mechanicals, electronics, etc. Back in '90s, he raced AMA on TZ250. He says that all-out race-bike was more troublefree than RSV4. Would RS660 have 1/2 as much trouble since it's 1/2 of RSV4?
For sure, they’re finicky, for those who don’t have the knowledge of exactly how they function. We constantly have owners come in with issues, because they tried something they read on the internet and it triggered the ECM. Aprilia’s bikes don’t tolerate being fettled by laymen. What’s worse is when customers tell techs, with multiple national championships, how the stuff works or how to do their job. 🙄
We have had issues with Aprilia’s datatool connecting with the three RS660’s we’ve received. The shop has accumulatively lost ~10hrs of labor, because of it. And, of course, Aprilia doesn’t reimburse for that. It’s a perfect example of how carrying certain products can run a dealership into the ground. The parts side of things is just as bad and I cringe when a customer tells me they need something for a Piaggio product. Likewise, their strong arm tactics on the sales side are inexcusable, as well. They, as a whole, are probably the worst we have to deal with.
5 hours ago, MagnetoDrinking Bud while employed at Miller? 😆
Meh. The ownership and employees have zero issues telling the manufacturers exactly how it is. It’s the only way they’ll understand how to improve their product and processes or why the dealership dropped the franchise. Though, what I have learned is the eyetalians do things their own way, regardless of feedback, and is why franchised dealerships are scarce. It’s just not worth it to carry their products and put up with the headaches.
Understand, it's a popular uprising 🙂
villagers with their pitchforks and flaming torches!!!
Gebruiker, 9/19/2020 at 9:05 AMAm I the only one who thinks the future VFR is going to look more like this? https://www.damon.com/
...Sorry for the sacrilege... No offense intended.
...and you will be able to choose the type of sound the bike makes!
Yep, sound of silence....
Wald, 4/4/2021 at 7:31 PM...and you will be able to choose the type of sound the bike makes!
...Maybe they'll put these things back into production. VFR-RRoom!
[image: s-l1600.thumb.jpg.a8eeabc1819fcfc11f1dce15ecf1fdba.jpg]
ducnut, 4/4/2021 at 1:34 AMNow that I’ve had time to be around the RS660, it’s disappointing. The fit, finishes, and detailing simply aren’t worthy of $11,300USD. Sitting next to a Triumph Trident, which is $3200 less money, the Aprilia looks like a Chinese import. I don’t know what the position is called who creates those aspects of a bike, but, Aprilia need to hire a new person(s). The 660 kickstand is a pinched tube that looks like something fitting of a bike-in-a-box. The seat cushions have detailing in the foam and the cheap-feeling vinyl is pulled right over them. They could’ve used a nicer material, in multiple pieces and sewed together, to creat interest and form-fitment. The stitching and bunching of material is terrible, as well. The plastic guard on the left side of the swingarm adds to the cheapness of the Harbor Freight shade of tool silver used on the rearsets and swingarm. Cheap hardware is very obvious against the nice hardware, like the stem nut. The whole cockpit just looks cheap. It’s shameful the bike was released like this.
Sorry to hear that. I own two Aprilias and, while the fit and finish isn't quite "Honda-like", it's generally pretty good. But these are older, niche models (RS250 and SXV550), which may have been built differently than the latest models.
Ciao,
JZH
38 minutes ago, JZHSorry to hear that. I own two Aprilias and, while the fit and finish isn't quite "Honda-like", it's generally pretty good. But these are older, niche models (RS250 and SXV550), which may have been built differently than the latest models.
Ciao,
JZH
I had a ‘19 Tuono owner in looking at one, today. He agreed with the few bits I pointed out.
In comparison, there are many new Triumph models on the floor, including the Trident. There simply is NO comparison in detailing, fit, and finish. I’d take a Trident over the RS/Tuono, any day. In fact, we have two RS660’s sitting (buyer backouts) with no interest, while we sold our last Trident (4 in two days), today. Triumph won’t be able to meet demand, for some time, I don’t think.
How about if you just dropped almost $30K US for a new V4 Multistrada, to find out the valve guide material in many of the engines is made of peanut butter, and Ducati is giving everyone a completely new engine. Oh, and don't ride it until the engine shows up... hope you enjoyed the first 300 miles...
39 minutes ago, vfrcapnHow about if you just dropped almost $30K US for a new V4 Multistrada, to find out the valve guide material in many of the engines is made of peanut butter, and Ducati is giving everyone a completely new engine. Oh, and don't ride it until the engine shows up... hope you enjoyed the first 300 miles...
How about sell an out-of-state buyer a new Multistrada, he stops for gas on his way home, and the bike decides to no longer recognize the key fob? 🙃
This is sounding like the old joke - "you store it at the dealer service department and pick it up once in a while to go for a ride." :ohmy:
Eyetalians have certain way of doing things. I briefly owned Ferrari Mondial in '90s. Had to be careful and close door gently...
... otherwise mirror would fall off!!!
Thanks for bringing up this video by VisioRacer. I subscribe to his channel, pretty good source.