Aprilia’s middleweight naked bike, the Tuono 660, has become t-h-a-t much sharper in 2023 thanks to a new Factory variant that brings a handful of key performance upgrades. So, let’s ride the damn thing…
What we like:
- Comprehensive electronics
- Lovely engine at its best
- That sound
Room for improvement:
- Styling very restrained
- Stiff
- Rowdy at low revs
The flagship Factory variant sits atop Aprilia’s Tuono 660 middleweight naked bike range above the standard LAMS approved version, which continues from $21,490. The current full-power Tuono 660 will be effectively replaced by the Factory variant.
The bike also joins the fully faired RS 660, priced from $22,590 in LAMS configuration or $22,590 with the full-power tune, as well as the Tuareg 660 adventure bike ($22,530) which draws power from a similar 659cc parallel-twin engine.
Distinguishing the Tuono 660 Factory compared to the standard variant is sportier suspension and a stronger power-to-weight ratio, among other upgrades.
The Factory debuts a unique black and red colour scheme, as well as fully adjustable Kayaba suspension up front (110mm travel) and a Sachs rear shock with a remote reservoir at the rear (130mm travel).
Thanks to the inclusion of a lithium battery, the Factory is two kilograms lighter than the standard Tuono 660, weighing in at 181kg (wet).
Aprilia has also specified the bike with a solo seat (pillion seat can be optioned), and a tooth has been removed from its countershaft sprocket to increase acceleration.
The bike retains its 659cc parallel-twin delivering 70kW (100hp) and 67Nm, matched with an up/down quickshifter and advanced rider modes with a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) for cornering ABS and lean-angle sensitive traction control.
Five rider modes toggle wheelie control, engine braking, engine mapping, traction control and ABS settings. Cruise control is fitted as standard.
Carry over Brembo brakes measure 320mm at the front, while a two-piston calliper squeezes a 220mm disc at the rear.
Also included as standard are full LED headlights, with automatic activation, and unique daytime running lights with integrated indicators.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
