Aprilia RS660 concept

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/11/06/aprilia-concept-rs-660-unveiled-at-eicma-first-look-parallel-twin-sportbike/

https://youtu.be/1FNbCOVkEg8

[flip]

I'd like to see a naked version of that!

[jas67]

Considering that Aprilia get over 200 HP from their V4, half that from a lightweight 660cc twin sport bike would be a whole lot of fun!

[Diploman]

That looks serious.  Downdraft intakes, water-cooled, ultra compact.  This could be the basis for a fast, lightweight sports bike.

[JohninVT]

How do you get at the valves to adjust them? 

[Moto]

How do you get at the valves to adjust them?

Through the nose. You pay through it for someone else to do it.

[not-fishing]

So where are the valves and how do you get to them for adjustment?   

the only way I know it's right side up is the "Aprilia" on the side - which I'm assuming is supposed to be right side up

[analog kid]

How do you get at the valves to adjust them?

Step #1: remove engine.

[Aaron D.]

That same first step is needed on at least one other Italian bike I'm familiar with.

A lot of these bikes don't need a lot of attention to clearances. I wonder about this one

[Diploman]

Maintenance accessibility of the engine is often an overlooked design criterion for designers who are seeking the most compact and lightweight machine, such as that pictured above.  My KTM 390 Duke is a lovely bike, but it suffers mightily from this "dense pack architecture" phenomenon, so much so that even changing a spork plug is an ordeal requiring much disassembly.  Checking and changing valve shims is, for the home mechanic, something of a torture.

We here often take it for granted, but Guzzi owners should be thankful for the superb accessibility of Guzzi cylinder heads and the overall ease of access and maintenance thanks to Guzzi's unique engine configuration.  Working on a KTM or Aprilia will give you a renewed appreciation for Guzzi!!

[Murray]

Maintenance accessibility of the engine is often an overlooked design criterion for designers who are seeking the most compact and lightweight machine, such as that pictured above.  My KTM 390 Duke is a lovely bike, but it suffers mightily from this "dense pack architecture" phenomenon, so much so that even changing a spork plug is an ordeal requiring much disassembly.  Checking and changing valve shims is, for the home mechanic, something of a torture.

We here often take it for granted, but Guzzi owners should be thankful for the superb accessibility of Guzzi cylinder heads and the overall ease of access and maintenance thanks to Guzzi's unique engine configuration.  Working on a KTM or Aprilia will give you a renewed appreciation for Guzzi!!

Due to the very short valve train on DOHC motors there is literally not much room for movement unlike a pushrod motor. So you'll find valve check intervals will be around 20 000kms (12 000miles) and it is perfectly normal for the motor to not actually require a shim before 60 - 80 000kms. Looking at that motor you simply go through the top after pulling the airbox and tank some of the DOHC are setup so you don't even bother the cam chain when doing the shims.

[Diploman]

If only it were really as easy as you suggest.....

[JohninVT]

If you take a look at the pictures of the engine in the frame you'll understand why I asked.   

https://2yrh403fk8vd1hz9ro2n46dd-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-aprilia-concept-rs-660-first-look-4.jpg     

[rocker59]

24,000 mile valve adjustment.

Most riders will never ride far enough to have it done.

LOL!

[Muzz]

so much so that even changing a spork plug is an ordeal requiring much disassembly. 

Why would they put something that is a cross between a spoon and a fork in a motorcycle? .........

  I know what you mean.

[Diploman]

Muzz, the spork plug is there to ensure you don't exceed the bike's spork impedance capacity.  If you get an overload, you simply open the spork plug and drain out the excess......

[Roebling3]

Avoid the valve issues and put a 2 stroke twin in its place. I read, some months back (perhaps it was Rotax?), that has a 2 stroke in development with FI + oil injection, direct to the bearings. It's alleged to exceed 2021 EU specs. A modern 650 2 stroke would put out 100hp or more. The bike, even liquid cooled, may not weigh 350#! I'd rather orange as the dominant color.
It's a race bike w/street clothes. But is your spine 'young' enough to ride serious hours? Years ago someone asked Dr. John Wittner why the Daytona's chassis cross tube wasn't closed. He responded saying; 'That's for a sandwich and your toothbrush'. (always a dentist?) Worth it for grins alone I have BTDT. I've back packed on the Daytona, the RS and many more yclept small bikes. When the grins were big enough I never felt discomfort.  R3~ 

[Murray]

The thing that used to kill spark plugs was the lead in fuel so I'd expect the plug interval to match the valve adjustments.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

It's a race bike w/street clothes. But is your spine 'young' enough to ride serious hours?

Aprilia pairs the chassis with a comfortable riding position due to more upright bars and forward footpegs, and body work that provides added wind/weather protection.

Doesn't sound like it would be too radical.

[rdbandkab]

Red engine cases..   

[Roebling3]

I love from where you cometh, Charlie! If I were to see one of those I'd likely put my more than lovely masseuse on retainer and sell a few Guzzi's. I've had a string of 2 strokes (1952 on)and lots of miles; still have 3. Two have a reasonably tolerated howl. They not only light me up, but when the occasional guy, mowing/raking his lawn, drops everything to punch the sky w/both fists, my day has been made. Still have an RS125. 270#. Goes like stink for its size. 22K miles. It's on the original 'spork' plug. Except for tires and cleaning the power valve 2X.
Those Ape folks know what they're doing.  R3~
Thank you for the pictures!  Good fortune.

[Muzz]

Muzz, the spork plug is there to ensure you don't exceed the bike's spork impedance capacity.  If you get an overload, you simply open the spork plug and drain out the excess......

Can a spork plug be retrofitted?  It sounds a most projaginate additional device to have fitted.  The Breva might be able to keep up with a 125 Aprillia then.

[fossil]

Avoid the valve issues and put a 2 stroke twin in its place. I read, some months back (perhaps it was Rotax?), that has a 2 stroke in development with FI + oil injection, direct to the bearings. It's alleged to exceed 2021 EU specs. A modern 650 2 stroke would put out 100hp or more. The bike, even liquid cooled, may not weigh 350#! I'd rather orange as the dominant color.
It's a race bike w/street clothes. But is your spine 'young' enough to ride serious hours? Years ago someone asked Dr. John Wittner why the Daytona's chassis cross tube wasn't closed. He responded saying; 'That's for a sandwich and your toothbrush'. (always a dentist?) Worth it for grins alone I have BTDT. I've back packed on the Daytona, the RS and many more yclept small bikes. When the grins were big enough I never felt discomfort.  R3~

That should be Rotax. That´s exactly the technology they use in outboard engines for years now (Evinrude E-TEC) and also in snowmobiles (Rotax E-TEC). Rotax and Evinrude are both BRP - brands.

[jas67]

I just read, forget where, that it should make about 100 HP, and weight about 330#.

That'll be a helluva lot of fun on the track!!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If you take a look at the pictures of the engine in the frame you'll understand why I asked.   

https://2yrh403fk8vd1hz9ro2n46dd-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-aprilia-concept-rs-660-first-look-4.jpg   

Looks like there's plenty of room around the cam cover:


http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2018/11/aprilia-concept-rs-660-points-to-new-direction-for-italian-brand/2/

[Tusayan]

A north-eastern Italian vertical twin with an aluminum beam chassis, the result being a bike that handles very well but probably doesn't feel as good as a v-twin otherwise.  Where have I seen this before?    Piaggio owns both names, they should call this one a Laverda.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

A north-eastern Italian vertical twin with an aluminum beam chassis, the result being a bike that handles very well but probably doesn't feel as good as a v-twin otherwise.  Where have I seen this before?    Piaggio owns both names, they should call this one a Laverda.

I was thinking the same thing!

[vintage53]

HI Charlie.

I was thinking the name "Gilera"

Piaggio owns that one too.  🤔

[vintage53]

[Roebling3]

I've complained (including to A. Bampa), for years that Piaggio should allow MG to raid Aprilia's parts bins for off the shelf power train and suspension pieces. Ditto body kits from Ghezzi et Brion. They could have a sport bike w/very little investment, but w/character and modern handling. In fact: How distant can all the electronics for engines, ABS, TC control and instruments be from Aprilia to MG? Start with a set of fully adjustable fat forks, radial brakes. Start somewhere, for Pete's sake. R3~