Piaggio’s just confirmed a raft of new bikes for 2020 at the EICMA show. Alongside the widely anticipated (and widely seen) Aprilia 660, there’s a Aprilia Tuono 660 Concept, an updated Aprilia RSV4, a tweaked Tuono V4 1100 and a kitted out version of Moto Guzzi’s V85 TT called the TT Travel.

APRILIA RS 660

Unveiled as a concept at EICMA last year, Aprilia’s just confirmed its new RS660 is going into production for 2020.

Advert

Aprilia's new mid-sized sportbike. The RS660.

Built around an entirely new technical base, the 660 parallel twin powered machine is capable of kicking out 100bhp – and weighs in at a comparatively spritely 169kg.

There’s no denying it’s something a little different from the Italian factory – but it’s still sticking to what it knows, creating a refined, fast and lightweight chassis and a punchy and powerful engine, which is kept check thanks to a complete package of APRC active electronic controls derived from the RSV4 (including a Ride-by-Wire throttle).

It’s constructed from a lightweight aluminium frame and swingarm, which uses the engine as a load-bearing element. For suspension, there’s an adjustable shock at the rear and an adjustable upside-down Kayaba fork with 41 mm stanchions at the front. Braking is looked after by a a pair of 320 mm steel discs, a pair of radial callipers and a radial cylinder from Brembo up front.

Advert

The RS 660 is also equipped with an advanced six-axis inertial platform which works to monitor the bikes relationship to the road – recording and processing inputs before sending the data to a control unit that intervenes to optimise the control parameters. And best of all, the APRC has also been developed to support performance on track – in addition to helping ensuring safe, engaging riding on the road.

The Aprilia RS 660 APRC includes:

ATC: Aprilia Traction Control – adjustable traction control with precise, high-performance intervention logic.

Advert

AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control – the adjustable wheelie control system.

ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control – this is very convenient on longer trips because it lets you maintain a set speed without touching the throttle.

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.

AEB: Aprilia Engine Brake – the system to control engine braking when closing the throttle.

AEM: Aprilia Engine Map – the various mappings change the character and method of engine power delivery.

There’s also advanced multimap Cornering ABS, five Riding Modes (three for the road and two for the track) – which are all selected using a TFT digital instrument cluster (which is also smartphone compatible).

APRILIA TUONO 660 CONCEPT

Building on the base of the RS660 – Aprilia’s also revealed a naked version of the bike called the Tuono 660. But at this stage, it’s only a concept.

With its excellent power to weight ratio, top quality technical features, exceptional electronics and 95bhp twin cylinder motor – we’re really excited about the prospect of this new baby-Tuono going into production.

Part of Aprilia’s new family of motorcycles which are being designed and built around the Italian factories new 660 cc twin-cylinder engine – the Tuono 660 is essentially a more road focused version of the recently released RS660. The chassis is pretty much the same, aside from the fact it offers a raised riding position as the result of a set of wide handlebars.

As we know, the primary focus for Aprilia when creating its new 660 projects (both for RS and Tuono 660 Concept) was to create motorcycles with excellent power-to-weight ratio. This is why Noale’s technicians chose to employ a light aluminium frame with its new parallel twin-cylinder 660cc in-line engine which has been derived from the front bank of the 1100cc V4 that equips the Tuono V4 and RSV4 1100 Factory.

It’s a top quality bit of kit, with adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes with 320mm diameter discs, radial-mount callipers and pump – in addition to Aprilia’s seriously sophisticated APRC electronics system. As far as we’re concerned, next year can’t come soon enough.

MOTO GUZZI V85 TT TRAVEL

Building on the massive success of its new mid-sized adventure bike, the V85 TT – Moto Guzzi’s just released an updated version called the Travel which comes with panniers, a high windshield and heated grips as standard.

Taking its classic adventure bike one step further, Moto Guzzi has listened to punters and kitted out the V85 TT ready for touring. There are no big changes – the Italian factory’s just pilfered its parts and accessories collection and added a higher Touring windshield, a pair of panniers (37 litres for the right-hand case, which can hold a full-face helmet, and 27.5 litres for the left), heated hand grips and a pair of additional LED lights. The range of special equipment is rounded out with Moto Guzzi MIA, the multimedia platform that allows the rider to connect a smartphone to the vehicle, extending the functions of the instrument cluster even further.

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel is also offered in an exclusive Sabbia Namib colour, with a grey frame – and comes kitted out Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres as standard.

We loved the V85 TT when we rode it out on the launch last year – and have a good feeling about the changes that Moto Guzzi has made to make the machine an even more capable tourer. To check out our thoughts on the bike, click HERE.

https://www.morebikes.co.uk/56880/launch-ride-first-impressions-of-moto-guzzis-new-v85-tt/

APRILIA RSV4 1100 FACTORY AND RSV4 RR

Aprilia’s updated its RSV4 1100 Factory and RSV4 RR for 2020 – and it’s just shown the two bikes off at the EICMA show. For 2020, the big news is that both bikes get new (even more sophisticated) semi-active suspension – but we’ll break down each new model in detail.

Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory

Building on the base of a hugely successful (and well respected) machine, the updated RSV4 1100 Factory for 2020 gets aerodynamic winglets on its fairing. They work to exploit the downforce of the channelled air, allowing the winglets to increase stability at high speeds, which helps reduce the tendency to wheelie out of the corner, while also increasing stability during hard braking. Clever stuff.

Aprilia RSV4 sportbike. New motorcycle unveiled at EICMA.

That’s not all. After two years of development in close contact with Öhlins technicians – there’s now semi-active suspension on the top-of-the-range RSV4 1100 Factory. The Smart EC 2.0 system by Öhlins has been fine tuned for the RSV4 thanks to intense development work by Swedish and Italian technicians, who spent a great deal of time out on the track and open road. Aprilia’s research shows the new setup helped improve average lap speeds by half a second, when compared to the previous version of the RSV4 1100 Factory.

The Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system allows simple and even customised calibration of the fork and shock absorbers with two operating modes: semi-active mode and manual mode. Thee maps adjust the suspension in different ways and select the semi-active contribution. A1, A2 and A3. The first, developed for use with slick tyres, particularly suits circuits with a very smooth surface; the second, for use with compound tyres and at tracks with uneven asphalt; the third is dedicated to the road, characterised by freer hydraulics that better absorb imperfections in the road surface. In manual mode, the 3 maps (M1, M2 and M3) provide as many predefined calibration types without semi-active assistance, in the same way as mechanical suspension systems operate.

The braking system remains unchanged – with the top of line Brembo Stylema brakes more than up to the job with the new bike.

The RSV4 1100 Factory with a full tank of fuel weighs in at 199 kg – that’s thanks in part to the adoption of the Akrapovič titanium exhaust tailpipe and ultra-light lithium battery.

Power for the 2020 machine is up to 217hp at 13,200 rpm, while maximum torque is up to 122 Nm at 11,000 rpm.

The Aprilia RSV4 1000 RR and RSV4 1100 Factory are fitted with a dynamic controls package designed and patented by Aprilia. Each of the two models benefits from specific calibration of all controls in line with the different performance levels the two bikes can boast. APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the well-known dynamic control package derived directly from winning World Superbike technology, one of the most complete and refined currently available on the market.

The fourth evolution of Aprilia APRC includes;

ATC: Aprilia Traction Control – adjustable on the fly (without having to release the throttle) across 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick and boasting high performance operating logic.

AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control – the wheelie control system that can be adjusted to 3 levels, has extremely precise operating strategies. Like the ATC, wheelie control can be adjusted on the fly without closing the throttle, using the left side switchgear.

ALC: Aprilia Launch Control – for use on the track only, with 3 settings, uses highly effective operating strategies.

AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift – the electronic gearbox that allows shifting without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, also equipped with the downshift function, to allow clutchless downshifting. Its open-throttle downshifting feature is exclusive.

APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter – the system that lets you select and limit the top speed allowed in pit lane at the track or simply to make it easier to comply with posted speed limits on the road.

ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control – Electronic management has allowed cruise control to be introduced, which is convenient on longer trips because it lets you maintain the set speed without touching the throttle.

In addition to the fourth generation APRC system, RSV4 RR and Factory come as standard with advanced multimap cornering ABS, Aprilia RLM (Rear Liftup Mitigation) system and three engine maps (Sport, Track, Race) which are all switchable through the bike’s colour TFT instrument panel which comes kitted out with Aprilia’s MIA multimedia platform that allows the rider to connect a smartphone to the bike via Bluetooth.

Aprilia RSV4 RR

The Aprilia RSV4 RR is the top of the line, track-ready version of the RSV4. With its “race replica” performance – Aprilia is now offering a Track kit for the bike which will improve the standard machine’s weight, handling, aerodynamics and, last but not least, its appearance.

It’s worth noting that the RSV4 RR is technically unchanged for 2020 when compared to the previous version. Its 999.6cc Italian engine still kicks out 201hp at 13,000rpm and 115 Nm at 10,500rpmand it still comes with a Sachs suspension trio which comprises a fork with 43 mm stanchions, a shock absorber with separate “piggy back”, and a steering damper.

It comes kitted out with a pair of cast aluminium wheels and a Brembo braking system up front that relies on a pair of new 5 mm thick steel discs with a diameter of 330 mm, gripped by the monobloc M50 callipers fitted with high friction coefficient brake pads.

There are two new colour schemes for 2020 though – in the form of Rivazza Grey or Arrabbiata Black, which both come with a pair of red wheel rims.

APRILIA RSV4 1100 Factory: Technical Specifications [in brackets the data referring to RSV4 RR]

Engine type	Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Bore and stroke	81 x 52.3 mm [78 x 52.3 mm]
Total engine capacity	1077 cc (999.6 cc)
Compression ratio	13.6:1
Maximum power at crankshaft	217 HP (159.6 kW) at 13,200 rpm [201 HP (148 kW) at 13,000 rpm]
Maximum torque at crankshaft	122 Nm at 11,000 rpm [115 Nm at 10,500 rpm]
Fuel system	Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. 4 Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-By-Wire engine management. Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: Track, Sport, Race
Ignition	Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils
Starter	Electrical
Exhaust	4 into 2 into 1 layout, two lambda probes, lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 4)
Alternator	Flywheel mounted 450 W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication	Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Transmission	6-speed cassette type gearbox 1st: 39/15 (2.600) 2nd: 33/16 (2.063) 3rd: 34/20 (1.700) 4th: 31/21 (1.476) 5th: 34/26 (1.307) [31/23 (1.348)] 6th: 33/27 (1.222) [34/27 (1.259)] Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)
Clutch	Multi plate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
Primary drive	Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)
Secondary drive	Chain: Drive ratio: 41/16 (2.562)
Traction management	APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), cruise control (ACC) and speed limiter (APT), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently
Frame	Aluminium dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements Available adjustments: headstock position and rake engine height swingarm pin height Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins steering damper [Sachs steering damper]
Front suspension	Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins NIX fork. Æ 43 mm stanchions, with TIN surface treatment. [Sachs fork with Æ 43 mm stanchions]; Aluminium radial calliper mounting bracket. Adjustable spring pre-load and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. 125 mm [120 mm] wheel travel
Rear suspension	Double braced aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Öhlins TTX monoshock with Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring pre-load, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. [Sachs monoshock adjustable in: hydraulic compression and rebound damping, spring pre-load and centre-to-centre distance]. 115 mm [130 mm ] wheel travel.
Brakes	Front: Dual 330-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo Stylema® [M50] monobloc radial callipers with 4 Æ 30 mm opposing pistons. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
Rear: 220 mm diameter disc; Brembo calliper with two Æ 32 mm separate pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering function, adjustable to 3 maps equipped with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) (can be disabled).
Wheels	Forged aluminium alloy wheels, completely machined, with 5 split spoke design. [Aprilia in aluminium alloy wheels with 3 split spoke design]. Front: 3.5”x17” Rear: 6”x17”
Tyres	Radial tubeless. front: 120/70 ZR 17 rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17)

Dimensions	Wheelbase: 1439 mm [1441.6 mm] Length: 2052 mm [2055 mm] Width: 735 mm Saddle height: 851 mm [853 mm] Headstock angle: 24.5° [24.6°] Trail: 103.8 mm [101.9 mm]
Dry weight Kerb weight	177 kg [180 kg] 199 kg [204 kg] with a full tank
Consumption	6.50 litres/100 km [6.67 litres/100 km]
CO2 emissions	155 g/km [156 g/km]
Fuel tank capacity	18.5 litres (including 4-litre reserve)

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR AND FACTORY

Much like the RSV4 Factory and RR, the new Tuono V4 1100RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory isn’t dramtically overhauled for 2020. There are a couple of key changes though, including the addition of new electronic suspension.

The Tuono V4 family is made up of two distinctly unique models. The Tuono V4 1100 RR is essentially the base model – while the Tuono V4 1100 Factory is the more exclusive version which comes kitted out with components that are largely derived from the Aprilia RSV4 RF superbike. The Factory features a series of carbon-fibre details, semi-active electronic suspension which has been developed by Öhlins and fine-tuned with the collaboration of Aprilia engineers.

And the new Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system allows simple and even customised calibration of the fork and shock absorbers with two operating modes on the units: semi-active mode and manual mode, both of which can be selected using the buttons on the handlebar. The user can choose between 3 mappings: Track, Sport and Road.

In the semi-active mode, suspension performance is managed by the Smart EC 2.0 system which actively intervenes during operation thanks to an algorithm that processes the data transmitted from the vehicle to the dedicated ECU in real time. In this mode, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory suspension adjusts its hydraulic calibration, second by second, to the type of route and the riding style used. In manual mode, on the other hand, the 3 maps provide as many predefined calibration types without semi-active assistance, in the same way as mechanical suspension systems operate. Both in the semi-active and manual mode, the user is still left with the possibility, within the three aforementioned logic maps, to fine tune suspension calibration based on personal taste and riding style.

The Aprilia Tuono V4’s on-board electronics remain unchanged though – but in case you’re not that intimate with the previous model, here’s what it’s doing under the surface.

– ATC: Aprilia Traction Control – adjustable on the fly (without having to release the throttle) across 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick, with precise and high performance operating logic.

– AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control – the wheelie control system that can be adjusted to 3 levels, has extremely precise operating strategies. Wheelie control can be adjusted on the fly without closing the throttle, like the ATC, thanks to the practical left-hand electronic block.

– ALC: Aprilia Launch Control – for use on the track only, with 3 settings, uses extremely effective operating strategies.

– AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift – the electronic gearbox that allows shifting without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, also equipped with the downshift function, to allow for clutchless downshifting. Its open-throttle downshifting feature is exclusive.

– APL: Aprilia Pit Limiter – the system that lets you select and limit the top speed allowed in pit lane at the track or simply to make it easier to comply with posted speed limits on the road.

– ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control – this is very convenient on longer trips because it lets you maintain the set speed without touching the throttle.

The engine has been slightly tweaked for 2020, helping the Italian V4 increase its overall reliability and performance, without sacrificing any of its character. The engine gets a new exhaust system with a silencer that has a double oxygen sensor and a built in valve.

It comes with premium quality braking and suspension systems, including Brembo’s up front which are pulled from the RSV4. And as you now know, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory comes with the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension system, which incorporates the steering damper, NIX fork and electronically adjusted TTX shock absorber.

The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in either Sachsenring Red or Magny-Cours Grey – while the Tuono V4 1100 Factory is offered in the new Atomico Racer colour scheme.

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory: Technical Specifications

[in brackets data for Tuono V4 1100 RR]

Engine type	Aprilialongitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Bore and stroke	81 x 52.3 mm
Total engine capacity	1077 cc
Maximum power at crankshaft	175 HP (129 kW) at 11,000 rpm
Maximum torque at crankshaft	121 Nm at 9,000 rpm
Fuel system	Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. 4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 4 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management that the rider can select on the fly: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Race)
Ignition	Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils
Starter	Electrical
Exhaust	4 into 2 into 1 layout, two oxygen sensors, lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 4).
Alternator	Flywheel mounted 450 W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication	Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Transmission	6-speed cassette type gearbox 1st: 39/15 (2.600) 2nd: 33/16 (2.063) 3rd: 34/20 (1.700) 4th: 32/22 (1.455) 5th: 34/26 (1.308) 6th: 33/27 (1.222) Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)
Clutch	Multiplate wet clutch with slipper system
Primary drive	Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)
Secondary drive	Chain: Drive ratio: 42/15 (2.8)
Traction management	APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), cruise control (ACC) and speed limiter (APL), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently
Frame	Aluminium dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements. Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins steering damper [Sachs steering damper]
Front suspension	Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins NIX fork with TIN surface treatment. [Sachs upside-down “one by one” fork, Ø 43 mm stanchions]. Forged aluminium radial calliper mounting bracket. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. 120 mm [117 mm ] wheel travel.
Rear suspension	Double braced aluminium swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology. Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins monoshock absorber with piggy-back [Sachs monoshock absorber with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, hydraulic compression and rebound damping]. APS progressive linkages. Wheel travel: 130 mm
Brakes	Front: Dual 330-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor with 6 pins. Brembo M50 monobloc radial callipers with 4 Ø30mm opposing pistons. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake lines.
Rear: 220 mm diameter disc; Brembo floating calliper with two 32-mm Ø isolated pistons. Sintered pads. Master cylinder with built in reservoir and metal braided hose. Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering function, adjustable on 3 maps, featuring RLM strategy and can be disengaged.
Wheels	Cast aluminium wheels with 3 split spoke design. Front: 3.5”x17” Rear: 6.00”x17”
Tyres	Radial tubeless. Front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 200/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 200/55 ZR 17) [190/55 ZR 17]
Dimensions	Wheelbase: 1450 mm Length: 2070 mm Width: 810 mm Saddle height: 825 mm Headstock angle: 24.7° Trail: 99.7 mm
Dry weight	185 kg
Kerb weight Consumption	209 kg (with a full tank) 7.71 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity	18.5 litres (including 4-litre reserve)

About
Latest Posts

Tony Carter

Tony has been riding motorcycles for over 35 years and he's been a motorcycle writer for over 25 of those. He's ridden almost every motorcycle you can think of at most places around the world and he's partial to some racing, too. A Taurus, Tony doesn't believe in horoscopes (but then that's exactly what a Taurus would say!) but he does believe in Mandalorians and their right to earn a living.