Honda CBR650R 2021 vs. Aprilia RS 660 2021

The Honda CBR650R 2021 and the Aprilia RS 660 2021 are both supersport motorcycles that offer impressive performance and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Honda CBR650R is equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 649cc. It produces 95 horsepower and 63 Nm of torque. The engine features a DOHC configuration with four valves per cylinder. The compression ratio is 11.6, and it has a bore and stroke of 67mm and 46mm, respectively. On the other hand, the Aprilia RS 660 comes with a twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 659cc. It delivers 100 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque. The engine also features a DOHC configuration with four valves per cylinder. The compression ratio is higher at 13.5, and it has a bore and stroke of 81mm and 63.93mm, respectively.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles are equipped with upside-down telescopic forks in the front. However, the Honda CBR650R features Showa suspension with a 41mm diameter, while the Aprilia RS 660 comes with Kayaba suspension with the same diameter. In the rear, both motorcycles have a swing arm suspension with a monoshock. The Honda CBR650R offers preload adjustment, while the Aprilia RS 660 provides additional rebound adjustment. The rear suspension is made of aluminum in both motorcycles.

Honda CBR650R 2021

When it comes to the chassis, the Honda CBR650R has a steel frame with a twin-tube design. It has a rake angle of 64.5 degrees and a trail of 101mm. On the other hand, the Aprilia RS 660 features an aluminum frame with a load-bearing engine design. It has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.9 degrees and a trail of 104.6mm.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes in the front. The Honda CBR650R has a front disk diameter of 310mm, while the Aprilia RS 660 has a larger diameter of 320mm. Both motorcycles feature radial brake technology.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Honda CBR650R comes with ABS as its only assistance system. On the other hand, the Aprilia RS 660 offers a more extensive electronics package. It includes ABS, riding modes, launch control, ride-by-wire, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 180mm. The front and rear tire diameters are 17 inches for both motorcycles. The Honda CBR650R has a wheelbase of 1450mm, while the Aprilia RS 660 has a shorter wheelbase of 1370mm. The seat height is higher in the Aprilia RS 660 at 820mm compared to 810mm in the Honda CBR650R. The kerb weight, including ABS, is lower in the Aprilia RS 660 at 183kg compared to 208kg in the Honda CBR650R. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of around 15 liters.

Aprilia RS 660 2021

In terms of strengths, the Honda CBR650R offers a resilient four-cylinder engine, a comfortable seating position, an improved chassis for 2021, a cool look, and ease of operation. On the other hand, the Aprilia RS 660 boasts a powerful engine, an extensive electronics package, a sporty chassis, a nice sound, low weight, and a sporty look.

As for weaknesses, the Honda CBR650R can feel sluggish below 8,000 revolutions, and its LCD display may appear old-fashioned. The Aprilia RS 660, on the other hand, has a poorly readable rev counter.

In conclusion, both the Honda CBR650R 2021 and the Aprilia RS 660 2021 are impressive supersport motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Honda CBR650R offers a comfortable and versatile riding experience, while the Aprilia RS 660 provides a more aggressive and performance-oriented ride with its powerful engine and advanced electronics package. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.