Aprillia RS660 vs. KTM RC390

H

Homme007

Well-known member
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Asking the Internet Gods here on what they think about the bike...

Background:
- started riding about a year ago.. still on my M2
- before even getting any M-license, the Aprillia RS660 really caught my eye
- but somehow, after I got my M2, I decided to go with the KTM RC390 because its a smaller bike and the Internet Gods seems to agree smaller bike = better for beginner rider, and the RS660 may be too much of a bike right after I got my M2
- Riding experience wise, I have been riding non-stop whenever I can to get some seat times. And I don't skimp out on just going out whenever there is low/no traffic. I ride downtown, rush hour, I even sit in traffic on the DVP holding feathering the clutch like an a-hole. Bascially, whenever I can, where ever I used to drive.. I now ride.
- Money already down for an incoming RS660

Questions:
So now that I have gotten some seat/ride town under my belt, I feel I am ready for a bigger bike. But, a few things has been coming to mind these past couple days as my money is down on a RSS660. But.... I am seconding guessing myself and want to see what you guys think...

So first question...

May be its one-sided... and call it vanity.. but ever since I picked up the RC390, the colour and the lines on the bike is just so damn sharp... its a good looking bike... I have gotten praises from total strangers -- sometimes multiple times in the course of a day -- saying the RC390 is a nice bike... even a policewoman made a point to talk to me the other day.. saying she likes my bike...

I know this is vanity more so than anything.. but I feel like the RC390 is more of an eye-catcher than the RS660... but then again... I don't own the RS660.. so I wouldn't know if people will praise the bike more than then RC390... so I want to see folks POV on this...

Second question...

a bit of me is kinda ready for a bigger bike and a bit of me is feeling I am not... especially when sometimes going on the 404/407, I feel 120km/h is already too fast for me.. and frankly.. its not like the RC390 is not getting me there... it can definitely keep up with traffic... so do I really NEED a bigger bike? I am not a squid.. not trying to prove I can do 200km/h.. so is a bigger bike really neccessary?

Third question...

Want to know for those that actually started on a smaller bike and then graduate to a bigger bike... what kind of gut feel to you have to say ... "Oh yes.. I am ready for a bigger bike..." For me.. I can tell you, its the anxiety of riding for the first time all over again... on one hand.. I know I can handle the RC390 (a smaller bike)... and I have this urge that I want something bigger with a bit more pick up. On the other.. I feel a RS660 (bigger bike) is too big for me to handle.... essentially.. I want to see what kind of objective cues you guys have or ask yourself before going up to a bigger bike?

Fourth question

Sport vs Naked.. more specifically.. RS660 or Tuono 660.. what kinds of question are you asking yourself before making that decision? Trust me.. sometimes, I wish the RC390 was not as low.. so I don't have to lean over in traffic.. I DID get into the bike game late as I am in my 40s... so last year when I first started on the RC390.. I have to stretch myself out after every ride.. its much better now.. but sometime I still feel stiff... NOT TO MENTION... compared to some of the "real" sports bike... the RC390 is already "not-that-committed" so when I ask about the RS660 vs Tuono 660.. I really want to understand the sort of questions I will be asking myself before making that choice....

As to why the RS660... frankly.. I am a techie guy... and the reason why the RS660 caught my eye is the sheer amount of tech that's on the bike.. far exceeds some of the new and current 2023 models... I feel its a nice balance of power and technology and so I choose the bike instead of say a CBR650R, Ninja 650, R7... and vs. a SuperSport 950S... the Duc comes close to the match in technology.. but cruise control.... not that I will use it much.. but as a tech guy.. sometimes I just want useless **** because I can.. :)

and... if you have kept up with reading this until now.. thank you!
 
...
 
Last edited:
Homme007 said:
Asking the Internet Gods here on what they think about the bike...

Background:
- started riding about a year ago.. still on my M2
- before even getting any M-license, the Aprillia RS660 really caught my eye
- but somehow, after I got my M2, I decided to go with the KTM RC390 because its a smaller bike and the Internet Gods seems to agree smaller bike = better for beginner rider, and the RS660 may be too much of a bike right after I got my M2
- Riding experience wise, I have been riding non-stop whenever I can to get some seat times. And I don't skimp out on just going out whenever there is low/no traffic. I ride downtown, rush hour, I even sit in traffic on the DVP holding feathering the clutch like an a-hole. Bascially, whenever I can, where ever I used to drive.. I now ride.
- Money already down for an incoming RS660

Questions:
So now that I have gotten some seat/ride town under my belt, I feel I am ready for a bigger bike. But, a few things has been coming to mind these past couple days as my money is down on a RSS660. But.... I am seconding guessing myself and want to see what you guys think...

So first question...

May be its one-sided... and call it vanity.. but ever since I picked up the RC390, the colour and the lines on the bike is just so damn sharp... its a good looking bike... I have gotten praises from total strangers -- sometimes multiple times in the course of a day -- saying the RC390 is a nice bike... even a policewoman made a point to talk to me the other day.. saying she likes my bike...

I know this is vanity more so than anything.. but I feel like the RC390 is more of an eye-catcher than the RS660... but then again... I don't own the RS660.. so I wouldn't know if people will praise the bike more than then RC390... so I want to see folks POV on this...

Second question...

a bit of me is kinda ready for a bigger bike and a bit of me is feeling I am not... especially when sometimes going on the 404/407, I feel 120km/h is already too fast for me.. and frankly.. its not like the RC390 is not getting me there... it can definitely keep up with traffic... so do I really NEED a bigger bike? I am not a squid.. not trying to prove I can do 200km/h.. so is a bigger bike really neccessary?

Third question...

Want to know for those that actually started on a smaller bike and then graduate to a bigger bike... what kind of gut feel to you have to say ... "Oh yes.. I am ready for a bigger bike..." For me.. I can tell you, its the anxiety of riding for the first time all over again... on one hand.. I know I can handle the RC390 (a smaller bike)... and I have this urge that I want something bigger with a bit more pick up. On the other.. I feel a RS660 (bigger bike) is too big for me to handle.... essentially.. I want to see what kind of objective cues you guys have or ask yourself before going up to a bigger bike?

Fourth question

Sport vs Naked.. more specifically.. RS660 or Tuono 660.. what kinds of question are you asking yourself before making that decision? Trust me.. sometimes, I wish the RC390 was not as low.. so I don't have to lean over in traffic.. I DID get into the bike game late as I am in my 40s... so last year when I first started on the RC390.. I have to stretch myself out after every ride.. its much better now.. but sometime I still feel stiff... NOT TO MENTION... compared to some of the "real" sports bike... the RC390 is already "not-that-committed" so when I ask about the RS660 vs Tuono 660.. I really want to understand the sort of questions I will be asking myself before making that choice....

As to why the RS660... frankly.. I am a techie guy... and the reason why the RS660 caught my eye is the sheer amount of tech that's on the bike.. far exceeds some of the new and current 2023 models... I feel its a nice balance of power and technology and so I choose the bike instead of say a CBR650R, Ninja 650, R7... and vs. a SuperSport 950S... the Duc comes close to the match in technology.. but cruise control.... not that I will use it much.. but as a tech guy.. sometimes I just want useless **** because I can.. :)

and... if you have kept up with reading this until now.. thank you!
Click to expand...

#1) Imo the dukes look better than the RC's in the KTM lineup. In general the italians usually look better.
the 660's come in cool colors(I like the acid yellow or the silver/red. Not a fan of all black)

#2) Is the bigger bike necessary? Im not sure, but they are fun. Pre bike butterflies are a real thing.
Middleweights/upper middleweights are IMO goldilocks bikes, not too little bike, not too much bike, just the right amount that you can get the most out of and feel like a hero

#3) There is no test you can write that will tell you if you are ready. If you have some experience riding, I think you'll be ok on an aprilia 660. The bike wont give you full power till after break in anyway. Just go easy on the throttle first couple of rides.

#4) The biggest difference between an RS and a tuono is usually the handlebar instead of the 'clip ons' they are usually placed higher and are more comfortable, and offer more leverage. With the RS 660, I believe you
get slightly more adjustable suspension and IMU+quickshifter standard, whereas on the slightly cheaper tuono model its an optional extra, after getting the extras on the tuono, you roughly pay the same as the RS, so its a matter of ergonomics/appearance choice. (PRO TIP: Check in advance to see if they have parts ready to go and installed for the tuono extras or will they have to have them shipped in from the factory, taking 4-8 weeks of riding season away from you...ask me how I know)


The aprilia 660 is a fantastic package, they're super light weight, pack a lot of HP, come with ALL the electronic goodies, look and sound amazing. And being a middleweight, they fit the goldilocks profile.
 
Homme007 said:
Asking the Internet Gods here on what they think about the bike...

Background:
- started riding about a year ago.. still on my M2
- before even getting any M-license, the Aprillia RS660 really caught my eye
- but somehow, after I got my M2, I decided to go with the KTM RC390 because its a smaller bike and the Internet Gods seems to agree smaller bike = better for beginner rider, and the RS660 may be too much of a bike right after I got my M2
- Riding experience wise, I have been riding non-stop whenever I can to get some seat times. And I don't skimp out on just going out whenever there is low/no traffic. I ride downtown, rush hour, I even sit in traffic on the DVP holding feathering the clutch like an a-hole. Bascially, whenever I can, where ever I used to drive.. I now ride.
- Money already down for an incoming RS660

Questions:
So now that I have gotten some seat/ride town under my belt, I feel I am ready for a bigger bike. But, a few things has been coming to mind these past couple days as my money is down on a RSS660. But.... I am seconding guessing myself and want to see what you guys think...

So first question...

May be its one-sided... and call it vanity.. but ever since I picked up the RC390, the colour and the lines on the bike is just so damn sharp... its a good looking bike... I have gotten praises from total strangers -- sometimes multiple times in the course of a day -- saying the RC390 is a nice bike... even a policewoman made a point to talk to me the other day.. saying she likes my bike...

I know this is vanity more so than anything.. but I feel like the RC390 is more of an eye-catcher than the RS660... but then again... I don't own the RS660.. so I wouldn't know if people will praise the bike more than then RC390... so I want to see folks POV on this...

Second question...

a bit of me is kinda ready for a bigger bike and a bit of me is feeling I am not... especially when sometimes going on the 404/407, I feel 120km/h is already too fast for me.. and frankly.. its not like the RC390 is not getting me there... it can definitely keep up with traffic... so do I really NEED a bigger bike? I am not a squid.. not trying to prove I can do 200km/h.. so is a bigger bike really neccessary?

Third question...

Want to know for those that actually started on a smaller bike and then graduate to a bigger bike... what kind of gut feel to you have to say ... "Oh yes.. I am ready for a bigger bike..." For me.. I can tell you, its the anxiety of riding for the first time all over again... on one hand.. I know I can handle the RC390 (a smaller bike)... and I have this urge that I want something bigger with a bit more pick up. On the other.. I feel a RS660 (bigger bike) is too big for me to handle.... essentially.. I want to see what kind of objective cues you guys have or ask yourself before going up to a bigger bike?

Fourth question

Sport vs Naked.. more specifically.. RS660 or Tuono 660.. what kinds of question are you asking yourself before making that decision? Trust me.. sometimes, I wish the RC390 was not as low.. so I don't have to lean over in traffic.. I DID get into the bike game late as I am in my 40s... so last year when I first started on the RC390.. I have to stretch myself out after every ride.. its much better now.. but sometime I still feel stiff... NOT TO MENTION... compared to some of the "real" sports bike... the RC390 is already "not-that-committed" so when I ask about the RS660 vs Tuono 660.. I really want to understand the sort of questions I will be asking myself before making that choice....

As to why the RS660... frankly.. I am a techie guy... and the reason why the RS660 caught my eye is the sheer amount of tech that's on the bike.. far exceeds some of the new and current 2023 models... I feel its a nice balance of power and technology and so I choose the bike instead of say a CBR650R, Ninja 650, R7... and vs. a SuperSport 950S... the Duc comes close to the match in technology.. but cruise control.... not that I will use it much.. but as a tech guy.. sometimes I just want useless **** because I can.. :)

and... if you have kept up with reading this until now.. thank you!
Click to expand...

  1. My thoughts are it doesn't matter. There are people that will like the RC390 and those that will like the RS660. In my first couple of years of riding I cared a lot about what other people thought of my bike. After 7 years of riding experience I couldn't care less what other people think - I care about what I think, how the bike meshes with me, how I feel when riding, how natural it feels to ride, how much control I have over the bike, how well I know my machine, trying to get everything to feel like it's second nature to me, etc...
  2. Not necessary, it's a personal choice. My opinion is that it depends on what you want out of the hobby. I went through a bunch of bikes in my first few years to explore and find the best fit for me - I also test rode bikes whenever I had the chance. Started on a 400cc twin, moved up to a 750cc inline 4, then 600cc inline 4, 800cc twin, a 250cc single and finally a 650cc twin. I loved the 250 around town - if I rode in town 100% of the time, that would be my pick. The 650 hit the sweet spot for me as an all-rounder. I haven't had the urge to make a change in 4 years now.
  3. For me, curiosity and cost to insure a bigger bike were the main factors. And the fact that I was single at the time and had enough time and money to spend on the hobby. In hindsight, I wasn't really ready for a 750cc inline 4, but I was curious, interested in getting a feel for a different engine configuration and got a reasonable insurance quote - so I went for it. (I still haven't ridden a triple or a V4 and would very much like to at some point...)
  4. Comfort and control would be my primary factors. What feels better to ride ergonomically, which will be more comfortable and will have me more in control of my machine for the type of riding that I plan to do.
 
The 390 is not obsolete yet, so I'd get more seat time, while figuring out what type of riding you like to do. Take it to Killarney for fish & chips, onto gravel roads, into the mountains, down east. Get some friends to take your gear in a car and take the bike camping. Commute with the bike. Learn where you like having the bike, and where you dread the ride home. Take dirt and track, and slow speed courses. Take a passenger on a short trip. Experience a breakdown. Order some OEM parts. In the meantime oversaturate yourself with shifting until it becomes second nature and you can feel when the bike needs to be shifted. Once you've done that, make a plan for where you like to ride and how much stuff you like to bring, then look for a bike that will do that.
 
I know looks are subjective but I'd say the Aprilia over the KTM all day long.

1687522442826.png
 
TSC_113 said:
I say keep the 390 and add the 660 to the fleet. More bikes are always better. And some days are 390 days and others are 660 days...
Click to expand...
Can't argue with that!
 
While you may be "ready" to move up to a bigger bike, I highly doubt you're riding the piss out of your 390. I would and currently am sticking with my 390. I've been on an R1, R6, a Monster 696 and now the 390 with an occasional rip on a Tuono v4. My only complaint with the 390 is passing power in the higher speeds but that only an issue if I'm chasing the aforementioned Tuono. Other than that, its more than enough on the street and super easy on the wallet (insurance, gas, parts). The RS660 is super nice though and I would consider it natural progression. Just gotta be careful and don't be dumb as with all things related to motorcycling.
 
I'm guessing you're getting bored with the acceleration of the RC390 and that's why you're looking to switch to something bigger.

You've already mentioned that you have jitters... Do you have need for a bigger bike? You asked that question yourself already in your initial post. Think about that. If you're in the city most of the time and can't let the bike stretch its legs a bit, why bother? I can tell you right now, if I lived in the GTA I wouldn't have my current bike. It would be totally useless in-city. I could compare it to driving a car with no roof in the rainy season of a tropical country.

Like a junkie looking for another fix, it needs to be bigger/faster/harder.
 
A perfect garage would have what, maybe 4 bikes? A cruiser. An ADV. A ripper. A naked.
 
Karfanatik said:
While you may be "ready" to move up to a bigger bike, I highly doubt you're riding the piss out of your 390. I would and currently am sticking with my 390. I've been on an R1, R6, a Monster 696 and now the 390 with an occasional rip on a Tuono v4. My only complaint with the 390 is passing power in the higher speeds but that only an issue if I'm chasing the aforementioned Tuono. Other than that, its more than enough on the street and super easy on the wallet (insurance, gas, parts). The RS660 is super nice though and I would consider it natural progression. Just gotta be careful and don't be dumb as with all things related to motorcycling.
Click to expand...
:)... just curious... how do you define "riding the piss out of" my bike? Honestly, I don't think I ever will. I have no plans for track days. For its a commuting tool instead of driving. And you are absolutely right, fundamentally.. nothing wrong with the RC390... just when it comes to pick up -- at hwy speeds, especially - it does take time to get there. So sometimes if I needed to pass another car or something (to get out of blindspots and stuff... I find myself really have to crank the throttle to catch up) But you are right, if I don't do highway... the RC390 I feel is more than enough for the local roads... and thus I am really questioning if I really *need* to get into a bigger bike... And yes.. I do realize.. with more power.. means more responsibility.. I am not about to fly by on the 407 at 200kph on the RS660 because I can. Careful always.....


LBV said:
I know looks are subjective but I'd say the Aprilia over the KTM all day long.

View attachment 61752
Click to expand...
lol.. you are right dude... The RS660 is definitely better looking than then outgoing RC390.. but the new RC390 (which I have) is no slouch...

AWGJXPAAKBBKROVGZ6HOQR3EHY.jpg


TSC_113 said:
I say keep the 390 and add the 660 to the fleet. More bikes are always better. And some days are 390 days and others are 660 days...
Click to expand...
Let's just say.. if I have a 2-3 car garage, I would keep the RC390 in a heartbeat! The RC390 is a great commuter bike.

boyoboy said:
curious, have any mechanical problems w the rc390 ?
390 just looks right
hmm 390 track bike and 660 street bike would be pretty cool..
Click to expand...
No issues so far. There is a small issue when I first took delivery of the bike (and Rembo USMC on youtube also complain of the same) that the bike is somehow kicked into neutural under hard braking. The only difference is that Rembo has a quick-shifter and I don't.. but I *think* I am experiencing the same issue. But after the first service, the issue *seemed* to have gone away.. but on occasion.. when I brake heavily -- i mean so hard that I almost tail-up -- I DO notice the gears gets kicked to Neutural... other than that.. no issues with the bike fun ride especially around the city.

Baggsy said:
The 390 is not obsolete yet, so I'd get more seat time, while figuring out what type of riding you like to do. Take it to Killarney for fish & chips, onto gravel roads, into the mountains, down east. Get some friends to take your gear in a car and take the bike camping. Commute with the bike. Learn where you like having the bike, and where you dread the ride home. Take dirt and track, and slow speed courses. Take a passenger on a short trip. Experience a breakdown. Order some OEM parts. In the meantime oversaturate yourself with shifting until it becomes second nature and you can feel when the bike needs to be shifted. Once you've done that, make a plan for where you like to ride and how much stuff you like to bring, then look for a bike that will do that.
Click to expand...
yeah.. I take the bike out almost every day... I mean.. i haven't done any 100km+ trip with it.. but on a daily basis... from Scarb to Markham.. back to North York and downtown... I put almost 80KM+ on the bike.. so a lot of seat time.. I'd like to think of myself as handy.. so I did install some stuff on the bike... slip-on is nothing to mention about.. because its easy.. but I did't install some electrical stuff on there.. and is doing some basic chain maintence... so from a "bike life" perspective.. I think I am ready....
 
LBV said:
A perfect garage would have what, maybe 4 bikes? A cruiser. An ADV. A ripper. A naked.
Click to expand...

my garage would have:

- two stroke woods bike (XC 300)
- four-stroke big bore enduro (EXC 500)
- adventure tourer (R1250GS, Desert X)
- supermoto (EXC-500 SM conversion)
- trials (maybe an electric w/ clutch)
- custom cruiser (VRod, Diavel)
- sport-touring (R1250RS)
- superbike (Panigale V4S Corse, 999R)
- retro/vintage (R80)
- naked/hooligan (Hypermotard, Streetfighter V4)

And a whole bunch of other bikes that don't neatly fit a single category. I can't even begin to put a number to how many bikes I'd have in my garage... It would always be N+1, the more I thought about it.
 
I have no experience with the RC390 but had a 390 Duke (not a real KTM) for a short while
The second worst piece of crap I have ever owned.
Less than 1 litre of oil in the sump and this comes from a country that gets +50c temps.
Engines are noted for blowing up back in the country of origin INDIA.
The cooling system held very little volume and my fan would kick in even at 6 degrees C
I called my bike Hoover because it reminded me of my mother's 1967 Hoover Vacuum for being noisy.
The dash would switch to night mode every time I drove under a cloud.
Eventually it would just shut off entirely and you would have to stop and turn the key off & then back on.
Front brake was too powerful and the rear was useless.
The engine would stall if the revs dropped to low while riding.
No engine braking because of free wheeling clutch.
I must admit it had good seating position.
I have been known to ride in the rain so lack of decent fenders was an issue.
I had to install a rear fender and extend the front one.
I purchased it to upgrade from my Suzuki GW250 (made in China)
I sold the 390 Duke and kept the GW250.
Any size bike is only as fast as your right wrist determines.
Safe riding is all in the attitude.
You are reaching the age where your arms start to shrink (or maybe stomach grows) so clip-ons may not be the way to go.
Technology is a poor excuse for riding ability.
Bottom line is to buy what pleases you. It's your money.
 
Last edited:
guzzirider said:
I have no experience with the RC390 but had a 390 Duke (not a real KTM) for a short while
The second worst piece of crap I have ever owned.
Less than 1 litre of oil in the sump and this comes from a country that gets +50c temps.
Engines are noted for blowing up back in the country of origin INDIA.
The cooling system held very little volume and my fan would kick in even at 6 degrees C
I called my bike Hoover because it reminded me of my mother's 1967 Hoover Vacuum for being noisy.
The dash would switch to night mode every time I drove under a cloud.
Eventually it would just shut off entirely and you would have to stop and turn the key off & then back on.
Front brake was too powerful and the rear was useless.
The engine would stall if the revs dropped to low while riding.
No engine braking because of free wheeling clutch.
I must admit it had good seating position.
I have been known to ride in the rain so lack of decent fenders was an issue.
I had to install a rear fender and extend the front one.
I purchased it to upgrade from my Suzuki GW250 (made in China)
I sold the 390 Duke and kept the GW250.
Any size bike is only as fast as your right wrist determines.
Safe riding is all in the attitude.
You are reaching the age where your arms start to shrink (or maybe stomach grows) so clip-ons may not be the way to go.
Technology is a poor excuse for riding ability.
Bottom line is to buy what pleases you. It's your money.
Click to expand...
Yeah. I think a lot of the issues you got was from the previous version Duke 390 and RC390.

2022 was a redesign for the RC390 (at least) and most of the problems you listen are fixed.
 
I say do it. You most likely won't regret it. I recently made a similar transition... Upgraded to my 2nd (700) bike from my first bike (400) and haven't looked back. I loved my first bike, but I don't miss it. The new bigger, faster bike is filling that role just fine.

You mentioned your 40s so you're not some early 20s guy with an ego etc.. so you should be fine adjusting to the extra power. First day you'll feel like you're taming a wild beast, but it gets easier after that.

Lastly, get the Tuono instead. You mentioned cramping and stretching etc.. Your back will thank you.

Just my 2 cents.
 
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