Riders are trading their Yamaha R7 keys for 2025 Aprilia’s RS 660. Sales data tells the story—Yamaha’s R7 sales dropped 18% in Q2 2024, while Aprilia RS 660 pre-orders surged by 32%.
Let’s find out why the RS 660 is stealing the spotlight and what it means for riders craving performance without compromise.
The Power Gap
The heart of any sportbike is its engine, and here, the 2025 Aprilia RS 660 throws a knockout punch. Its 659cc parallel-twin churns out 105 hp (up from 100 hp in 2024) thanks to Euro5+ compliance tweaks like larger throttle bodies and a redesigned exhaust.
Compare that to the Yamaha R7’s 72 hp, and the difference is stark. Dyno tests reveal the RS 660 delivers ~95 hp at the rear wheel—nearly 30 hp more than the R7.
On the road, this translates to adrenaline-pumping acceleration. One rider said: “The R7 felt gutless after just one ride on the RS 660.” And it’s not just street riders noticing—Aprilia’s RS 660 has dominated MotoAmerica’s Twins Cup, securing 17 podiums in 2024 alone.
Young gun Alessandro Di Mario even clinched the championship title on the bike, proving it’s a track weapon disguised as a street machine.
Aprilia’s Electronics vs. Yamaha’s “Retro” Approach
Let’s talk tech—because the RS 660 is a rolling smartphone next to the R7’s flip phone. Aprilia’s 2025 model packs a six-axis IMU, enabling cornering ABS, wheelie control, and five ride modes (including a new Track mode). Launch control debuts this year, perfect for drag-strip bragging rights.
Meanwhile, the R7 sticks to basics: standard ABS and a slipper clutch. No traction control. No ride modes. Not even a quick-shifter unless you pay extra.
During a recent track day at Buttonwillow, I tested both bikes back-to-back. The RS 660’s electronics felt like a co-pilot—smoothing out my aggressive throttle inputs mid-corner. The R7 is fun but raw. As one track reviewer noted, “The R7’s tech feels stuck in 2019.”
Is the RS 660 Actually a Better Value?
Yes, the Yamaha R7 starts at $9,199—$2,500 cheaper than the RS 660’s $11,649 base price.
- The RS 660 holds 78% of its value after two years (vs. the R7’s 65%).
- For track junkies, the RS 660 Factory ($13,999) includes Öhlins suspension—a $2,350 premium over the standard model. Try upgrading an R7 to match that, and you’ll spend more.
I spoke to a rider in Colorado who traded his R7 for an RS 660 Factory: “The Öhlins suspension transformed the bike. I’d have spent $3k+ upgrading the Yamaha anyway.”
Öhlins vs. “Good Enough”
Speaking of Öhlins, the RS 660 Factory’s 43mm NIX 30 fork and STX 46 shock are game-changers. On twisty roads like California’s Angeles Crest Highway, the setup offered buttery damping and razor-sharp feedback.
The R7’s KYB suspension isn’t bad, but it lacks adjustability. One MotoAmerica racer told me, “The Factory model’s suspension is 80% of why I chose Aprilia. The other 20%? It just looks fast standing still.”
Community Voices
Motorcycle communities and Online forums like r/motorcycles and r/Aprilia reveal a generational divide. Older riders praise Yamaha’s bulletproof CP2 engine (and rightfully so—it’s indestructible). But younger riders crave innovation. A viral Reddit thread titled “Traded my R7 for an RS 660—Zero Regrets” racked up 1.2K upvotes, with comments like:
“The R7 is reliable, but the Aprilia makes me feel like Rossi on a budget.”
Even Yamaha diehards are tempted. At a recent bike night in Austin, an R7 owner admitted: “I test-rode the RS 660 and spent the next week debating selling my Yamaha.”
Yamaha’s Counterpunch: Too Little, Too Late?
Yamaha isn’t oblivious. Their 2025 YZF-R9 ($12,499) packs a 117 hp triple and tech-like cornering ABS—but it’s priced closer to the RS 660 Factory. Problem is, the R9’s arrival sidelines the R7 as Yamaha’s “entry-level” option. As one dealer told me: “The R7 is for newbies. The R9 and RS 660? That’s where the real riders are looking.”
Reliability: Aprilia’s Comeback Story
Aprilia’s checkered past. Early RS 660 models had issues—oil leaks, a 2021 engine recall—but 2022+ bikes show marked improvement. Yes, a 12,000-mile valve check costs $1,200+ versus the R7’s $500-$800. But as an Aprilia rider noted: “You’re paying for passion. And honestly, it’s worth every penny.”
A Split in the Sportbike Universe
The truth? Nobody’s “ditching” Yamaha—they’re choosing sides. The R7 remains king for new riders and budget-focused buyers. But for those craving tech, track-ready performance, and Italian flair, the RS 660 is irresistible. As the market fractures, Yamaha’s R9 and Aprilia’s RS 660 Factory will battle for supremacy.
