Loyle’s Moto2 Inspired Aprilia RS660 Factory

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Aprilia came out swinging in 2021 with their RS660. The Italian machine instantly became the bike to have in the lightweight class. It was better than the other options by a mile. That level of dominance wasn’t enough, though—after four years, APE decided to raise the bar and release the “Factory” version. Öhlins suspension and larger throttle bodies, adding roughly 10 hp, make this new Factory version the perfect starting platform. Ben Loyle started with this model for exactly that reason.

The build list is pretty simple, but it really makes the bike stand out. Let’s start with the obvious: the race fairings. Eisenbeisser Racing in Germany produces a very clean Moto2 kit for a few bikes, and the RS660 is one of them. The kit comes with all the mounting hardware, an aluminum fairing stay, and a carbon fiber air intake. The RS660-style tail doesn’t exactly match these Moto2 fairings, so the Armour Bodies race tail was the way to go, as it eliminates the RSV4-style tail fins. Paint and decals finish it off, done by Inline4Designs.

A full Hindle exhaust paired with the UP Map for tuning makes the already fast APE not just quicker, but also allows the shifter to be set to a GP shift pattern.

The chassis is amazing from the factory, but why not make it better? TWF Racing revalved the Öhlins NIX30 fork cartridges and 46mm shock. The heavy, boat-anchor stock wheels were replaced with OZ GASS forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Power Cup 2 tires. Robem Engineering supplied the top triple clamp—which isn’t necessary, but it definitely cleans up the cockpit when using traditional-style clip-ons. Ben went with Gen 3 Renthal units.

These bikes are truly some of the best for track riding out there and Loyle’s has the pieces to make it better.

This post has already been read 112 times!