Aprilia RS 660 vs Ducati Panigale V2
The middleweight supersport segment represents the sweet spot in motorcycling—machines that deliver genuine superbike performance without the intimidating power or punishing ergonomics of liter-class monsters. Two Italian thoroughbreds dominate this conversation: the Aprilia RS 660 and the Ducati Panigale V2. Both represent the pinnacle of Italian engineering, yet they approach the supersport brief from fascinatingly different perspectives. This deep dive explores every aspect of these magnificent machines to help you understand which Italian stallion deserves a place in your garage.
Table of Contents
The Heritage and Philosophy
Aprilia RS 660: The Precision Instrument
Aprilia has earned its reputation through relentless racing success and technological innovation. The RS 660 emerged from Aprilia’s racing DNA, specifically drawing inspiration from the RSV4 superbike. However, rather than simply scaling down a larger machine, Aprilia created something genuinely new—a parallel-twin supersport that emphasizes precision, electronics, and everyday usability alongside track capability.
The RS 660 represents modern thinking about what a supersport should be. It’s designed for riders who want cutting-edge technology, exceptional handling, and enough performance to thrill without requiring professional-level skills to exploit safely. Aprilia targeted the enthusiast who rides to work on Monday and attacks canyon roads or track days on weekends.
Ducati Panigale V2: The Emotional Powerhouse
Ducati needs no introduction. The Bologna-based manufacturer has built its entire identity around desirability, emotion, and the iconic L-twin engine configuration. The Panigale V2 continues this tradition, serving as the “baby Panigale” that brings authentic superbike looks, soundtrack, and character to a more accessible package.
The V2 philosophy emphasizes raw emotion—the sound, the vibration, the visual drama. Ducati hasn’t just built a capable middleweight; they’ve crafted an experience. It’s for riders who want their motorcycle to stir emotions every time they twist the throttle, who value Italian exoticism and the Ducati badge as much as lap times.
Engine and Performance: Two Approaches to Speed
Aprilia RS 660’s Parallel-Twin Excellence
The RS 660’s heart is a 659cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing approximately 100 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. These numbers might seem modest compared to the Ducati, but they tell only part of the story.
This engine is a technical masterpiece. Derived from the RSV4’s V4 by essentially using half the engine, it features a 270-degree firing order that mimics V-twin characteristics while maintaining parallel-twin compactness. The result is character-filled power delivery with broad torque across the rev range.
The power delivery is wonderfully linear and predictable. There’s no sudden power spike to catch you off-guard—just smooth, building thrust that encourages confident riding. The engine pulls cleanly from low revs, making city riding surprisingly manageable, then delivers exhilarating acceleration through the mid-range before signing off at around 11,500 rpm.
Fuel efficiency is impressive, achieving around 18-20 km/l in mixed riding—remarkable for a machine with genuine supersport credentials. The engine’s refinement level is exceptional, with minimal vibration even at sustained high speeds.
Ducati Panigale V2’s Superquadro Twin
The Panigale V2 wields a 955cc Superquadro L-twin engine generating approximately 155 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 104 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. These are significantly higher figures that translate into noticeably stronger straight-line performance.
The Ducati’s engine character is distinctly different. The L-twin configuration produces that signature Ducati sound—a mechanical symphony that’s addictive and emotionally stirring. The 90-degree V-twin delivers stronger low-end and mid-range punch, creating a more aggressive power delivery that feels forceful and exciting.
However, this extra performance comes with trade-offs. The engine runs hotter, which becomes noticeable in traffic. Fuel consumption is thirstier, averaging around 14-16 km/l. The additional power also demands more respect and skill to exploit safely, particularly for less experienced riders.
The Panigale V2 delivers a more intense riding experience. Every throttle input feels more dramatic, every gear change more significant. It’s intoxicating and addictive but requires greater rider commitment.
Chassis and Handling: Where Magic Happens
Aprilia RS 660’s Agile Platform
The RS 660 rides on an aluminum beam frame with a steel trellis rear subframe, achieving a dry weight of approximately 169 kg. This makes it exceptionally light and agile. The 1,370mm wheelbase provides excellent stability without sacrificing maneuverability.
Suspension consists of fully adjustable 41mm Kayaba USD forks up front and a Kayaba monoshock at the rear. While not the top-tier Öhlins components found on some competitors, the Kayaba units work brilliantly, offering excellent feedback and control across various riding conditions.
The handling is nothing short of sensational. The RS 660 changes direction with minimal effort, feeling almost telepathic in its responsiveness. Corner entry is confidence-inspiring, mid-corner stability is rock-solid, and the chassis communicates constantly about traction levels. It’s a motorcycle that makes average riders feel heroic and gives skilled riders a precision instrument.
The riding position strikes an excellent balance—sporty enough for track work yet comfortable enough for several hours of riding. The clip-ons aren’t overly aggressive, and there’s reasonable space for moving around on the bike.
Ducati Panigale V2’s Racing Heritage
The Panigale V2 employs a monocoque aluminum frame where the engine serves as a stressed member. At approximately 176 kg dry weight, it’s slightly heavier than the RS 660, though still impressively light. The 1,436mm wheelbase is longer, prioritizing stability over sheer agility.
Suspension is high-end: fully adjustable 43mm Showa USD forks and a Sachs monoshock. The components are top-quality, providing excellent control and adjustability for different riding styles and conditions. The Panigale V2 can be fine-tuned extensively to match rider preference.
Handling characteristics lean toward stability and precision rather than knife-edge agility. The Panigale V2 feels planted and confidence-inspiring at high speeds, particularly on fast, flowing circuits. It requires slightly more effort to change direction compared to the RS 660, but it rewards smooth, committed inputs with exceptional corner speed.
The riding position is more aggressive, with lower clip-ons and higher footpegs. This enhances track capability but makes street riding more physically demanding, particularly in traffic or on longer journeys. It’s a proper supersport stance that looks the part but demands fitness and commitment.
Electronics and Technology: The Digital Divide
Aprilia RS 660’s Tech Showcase
Aprilia has equipped the RS 660 with electronics that shame many machines costing significantly more. The suite includes:
- Ride-by-wire throttle with three riding modes (Commute, Dynamic, Individual)
- Six-axis IMU enabling cornering ABS and traction control
- Aprilia Traction Control with three levels of intervention
- Wheelie control with three levels
- Engine brake control adjustable across three settings
- Cruise control—rare on supersports and invaluable for touring
- Quickshifter (up and down, seamless and slick)
- 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity via Aprilia MIA system
The electronics integrate beautifully, intervening smoothly when needed without feeling intrusive. The TFT display is clear and configurable, showing comprehensive information including lean angle, acceleration forces, and more.
The Aprilia MIA system connects to your smartphone, enabling navigation, music control, and call management directly through the instrument cluster. It’s genuinely useful technology that enhances everyday usability.
Ducati Panigale V2’s Sophisticated Systems
Ducati hasn’t skimped on electronics either:
- Riding modes (Street, Sport, Race)
- Ducati Traction Control EVO with eight levels
- Cornering ABS EVO with slide-by-brake functionality
- Ducati Wheelie Control with eight levels
- Engine Brake Control with three levels
- Ducati Quick Shift up/down
- Full LED lighting with distinctive Ducati DRL signature
- 4.3-inch TFT display
The Ducati systems are sophisticated and effective, though the interface feels slightly less intuitive than Aprilia’s. The electronics work seamlessly on track, allowing you to push hard with confidence. However, the Panigale V2 lacks cruise control and integrated smartphone connectivity—features Aprilia includes.
Both machines offer exceptional electronic packages, but Aprilia edges ahead in sheer breadth of features and everyday usability.
Braking Performance: Stopping Power
Aprilia RS 660
Braking hardware includes twin 320mm discs gripped by Brembo M4.32 radial calipers up front, with a single 220mm disc and two-piston caliper at the rear. The system provides excellent stopping power with good feel at the lever. The cornering ABS works brilliantly, allowing aggressive braking while leaned over without upsetting chassis balance.
Ducati Panigale V2
The Panigale V2 features twin 320mm discs with Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers—a step up from the RS 660’s setup. The rear uses a 245mm disc. Braking performance is phenomenal, with incredible power and excellent feedback. The Cornering ABS EVO system is among the best in the business, providing remarkable confidence when braking hard into corners.
The Ducati’s braking edges ahead in ultimate performance, though both systems inspire tremendous confidence.
Design and Aesthetics: Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
Aprilia RS 660’s Modern Lines
The RS 660 features sharp, angular styling that’s distinctly modern. The triple LED headlights create an aggressive face, while the fairing design balances aerodynamics with visual appeal. It looks purposeful and technical rather than overtly emotional. The build quality is excellent, with tight panel gaps and quality finishes throughout.
Ducati Panigale V2’s Italian Sculpture
The Panigale V2 is simply stunning. It carries authentic superbike styling with dramatic proportions, sexy curves, and that single-sided swingarm that’s pure visual drama. The underseat exhaust is gorgeous, and the overall design is unmistakably Ducati. It’s a motorcycle that stops conversations in parking lots. The red paint with white wheels epitomizes Italian motorcycle beauty.
Design preference is subjective, but the Panigale V2 undeniably has more emotional appeal and exotic presence.
Price and Value: Investment Considerations
Pricing Reality
The Aprilia RS 660 typically retails around ₹13-15 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, while the Ducati Panigale V2 commands approximately ₹16-18 lakh (ex-showroom). Both represent significant investments, but the price gap is substantial.
Ownership Costs
Aprilia service intervals are reasonable, and parts availability has improved significantly. The RS 660’s fuel efficiency helps control running costs. Ducati ownership traditionally commands premium service costs, and the Panigale V2’s Desmodromic valve system requires specialized maintenance that can be expensive. Parts are premium-priced, though Ducati’s Indian network has expanded.
Insurance costs favor the RS 660 due to lower replacement value. Fuel costs will be higher with the Panigale V2’s thirstier engine.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Italian Masterpiece
These are both exceptional motorcycles that represent the pinnacle of middleweight supersport engineering. The choice depends entirely on your priorities.
Choose the Aprilia RS 660 if:
- You want cutting-edge electronics and technology
- Everyday usability matters alongside track performance
- You prioritize handling agility and precision
- Lower ownership costs are important
- You value fuel efficiency and comfort for longer rides
- You’re a newer rider stepping up to supersport performance
Choose the Ducati Panigale V2 if:
- Raw power and performance are paramount
- You crave emotional connection and exotic character
- Visual drama and brand prestige matter
- You have the skill to exploit serious performance
- Track days are your primary focus
- Budget is less of a constraint
The RS 660 is the more rational choice—more affordable, more versatile, and arguably better value. The Panigale V2 is the emotional choice—more powerful, more beautiful, and more intoxicating. Both will deliver riding experiences that justify their Italian heritage. Your heart and head will battle over this decision, and whichever wins, you’ll end up with an extraordinary motorcycle.
