Why the Aprilia RS 660 Factory Took the Crown at MCN’s 2026 Middleweight Sports Bike Shootout!

If you caught MCN’s latest middleweight sports bike shootout filmed at Bridgestone’s high-speed proving grounds near Rome, you already know the middleweight class has officially evolved. Far from the soft, budget-friendly commuters of the past, today’s "welterweights" deliver superbike-tier electronics, premium suspension, and serious performance.

MCN pitted four key contenders head-to-head on both the road and the circuit: the Aprilia RS 660 Factory, Yamaha R7, Suzuki GSX-8R, and the CFMoto 675SR-R.

Here is how the test played out—and why Aprilia swept the overall victory.
 

1st Place: Aprilia RS 660 Factory (The Unanimous Winner)

Dripping in Öhlins suspension, a lightweight frame, and top-tier electronics, the RS 660 Factory was crowned the undisputed overall victor of the group test.

• The Numbers: 105 hp (most powerful on test), 183 kg (lightest on test).
• On Track: MCN praised its telepathic cornering, incredible chassis stiffness, and raw speed down the straights. The Öhlins setup squashes down smoothly on corner exits, hooking up for immediate drive.
• On Road: Extremely smooth power delivery and refined fueling make it surprisingly civilized for daily road riding, paired with an intoxicating induction roar.
• MCN Verdict: It pushes the Suzuki for best road bike while being drastically faster and more capable on track than anything else in the class.

2nd Place: Yamaha R7 (The Pure Track Weapon)

• The Numbers: 73 hp, 188 kg, £8,900.

• The Riding Experience: The moment you throw a leg over the R7, it feels every bit like a true supersport machine. With low clip-on handlebars, high footpegs, and a tall seat height, it places the rider in the most aggressive position of the group—almost identical to an R6. On track, this translates to razor-sharp direction changes, endless ground clearance, and mid-corner confidence that rivals full-on race bikes.

• The Trade-Off: While its CP2 engine is punchy and versatile, MCN noted that it is significantly outpowered by the Aprilia down the straights, forcing you to carry maximum corner speed to keep up. On the road, its firm setup, cramped riding position, and small tank range make it far less forgiving for everyday commuting or longer distance rides compared to its rivals.

3rd Place: Suzuki GSX-8R (The Ultimate Everyday Road Bike)

• The Numbers: 82 hp, 205 kg, £8,999.

• The Riding Experience: The Suzuki was hailed by MCN as the undisputed king of the road in this test. Its 776cc parallel-twin engine produces a mountain of low-end and mid-range torque, giving it effortless roll-on acceleration in almost any gear. Paired with a roomier, more upright riding position and plush suspension, it acts like a modern-day sports tourer that you can easily ride all day without fatigue.

• The Trade-Off: What makes the GSX-8R a dream on public roads becomes its limiting factor on the track. When pushed hard on a circuit, its softer shock begins to wallow, and the low-set footpegs run out of ground clearance quickly. It remains an easy, approachable bike for track novices, but faster riders will quickly find its mechanical limits.

4th Place: CFMoto 675SR-R (Great Engine, Flawed Chassis Tech)

• The Numbers: 89 hp, 195 kg, £6,999.

• The Riding Experience: On paper, the Chinese-built triple offers incredible value. Its three-cylinder engine is an absolute highlight—delivering an addictive intake roar, a meaty mid-range punch, and a distinctive character that sets it apart from the sea of parallel twins in this segment. The overall look, aggressive styling, and high spec level make it feel like a classic supersport from a decade ago.

• The Trade-Off: Unfortunately, its track performance was heavily compromised by electronic and chassis shortcomings. MCN testers experienced severe issues with an over-intrusive ABS system that temporarily cut braking pressure when stopping hard, creating unsettling "run-on" moments into corners. Combined with limited ground clearance and under-damped suspension on rougher surfaces, MCN placed it firmly in fourth, noting that while it is fun on the road, the tech needs further refinement before taking it onto a circuit.

Which Aprilia RS 660 is Right for You?

As an Official Aprilia Dealer, we stock both variants of Aprilia's award-winning middleweight platform—and right now, there’s even more reason to ride one home.
 

Limited-Time Offer: £750 Extra Advantages

For a limited time, when you buy a new RS 660 or RS 660 Factory at On Yer Bike, you can take advantage of £750 towards your new bike. You can customize the savings to fit your needs by choosing either:

• A £750 Accessories Contribution to deck out your bike with official Aprilia performance gear.
• A £750 Trade-In Bonus added on top of your part-exchange valuation.
   

Aprilia RS 660 Factory

If you want the ultimate track-day weapon and fast road machine, the RS 660 Factory is the flagship model tested by MCN. It comes standard with fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 forks and an Öhlins STX46 rear shock, a lightweight lithium battery, single-seat tail unit options, and Aprilia's full APRC electronics suite.
 

Standard Aprilia RS 660

Looking for the same 105 hp twin-cylinder thrill, razor-sharp chassis, and full APRC electronics package (including cornering ABS, traction control, and quickshifter), but at a lower entry price? The standard Aprilia RS 660 offers incredible value for riders who want high-end supersport performance tailored for everyday road riding.

Ready to claim your £750 promotion and ride MCN's Middleweight Bike of the Year?

Visit On Yer Bike near Aylesbury to explore our stock, apply your £750 bonus, or book a test ride today!

Visit On Yer Bike near Aylesbury to explore our current range of new and used Aprilia RS 660 stock or book a test ride today!
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which middleweight sports bike won MCN’s 2026 group test?

A: The Aprilia RS 660 Factory took 1st place overall, praised by MCN for its 105 hp output, lightweight 183 kg wet weight, Öhlins suspension, and razor-sharp track performance.

Q: What is the difference between the Aprilia RS 660 and the RS 660 Factory?

A: The RS 660 Factory is the track-focused flagship model featuring fully adjustable Öhlins NIX30 front forks and an Öhlins STX46 rear shock, a lightweight lithium battery, and single-seat tail options. The standard RS 660 features Kayaba front suspension and Sachs rear suspension, offering the same 105 hp twin-cylinder engine and full APRC electronics package at a lower price point.

Q: What bikes were tested in the MCN 2026 middleweight shootout?

A: The test featured four key middleweight contenders: the Aprilia RS 660 Factory, Yamaha R7, Suzuki GSX-8R, and CFMoto 675SR-R.

Q: What is the current promotion on the Aprilia RS 660 at On Yer Bike?

A: On Yer Bike is currently offering £750 of Extra Advantages on new RS 660 and RS 660 Factory models. You can choose to apply this as a £750 accessories contribution or as a £750 trade-in bonus added directly to your part-exchange valuation.

Q: Is the Aprilia RS 660 a good road bike?

A: Yes. Despite its supersport handling on track, MCN highlighted that the RS 660's smooth fueling, refined throttle response, and comfortable ergonomics make it one of the best everyday road bikes in its class.

Q: Where can I test ride the Aprilia RS 660?

A: You can book a test ride or view the range in person at On Yer Bike, located near Aylesbury, UK—your official dealer for Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, and Ducati.