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Head to head

Aprilia RS 660 vs Honda CBR500R

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Aprilia RS 660 and Honda CBR500R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Honda CBR500R undercuts the Aprilia RS 660 by about $4,150, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Aprilia RS 660 leads on power with 100 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Aprilia RS 660
Our pick
8.8

Aprilia

Aprilia RS 660
Honda CBR500R
7.6

Honda

Honda CBR500R

The verdict

The Aprilia RS 660 edges it overall at 8.8/10, but the Honda CBR500R wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Honda CBR500R

A2-legal, 47 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Aprilia RS 660

100 hp and 0.55 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Honda CBR500R

Our 7.6/10 at $7,399, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Aprilia RS 660

183 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Aprilia RS 660

Our top score in this matchup at 8.8/10.

Price & rating
Price$11,549$7,399
KickTheStand score8.8 / 107.6 / 10
Performance
Engine659cc twin471cc twin
Power100 hp47 hp
Torque67 Nm43 Nm
Power-to-weight0.55 hp/kg0.24 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Kayaba USD fork41mm SFF-BP USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockPro-Link monoshock
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, Brembo radial 4-pistonDual 296mm discs
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight183 kg192 kg
Seat height820 mm785 mm
Fuel capacity15 L17.1 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, track, touringcommuting, sport, touring, learning

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Aprilia RS 660 vs Honda CBR500R: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Honda CBR500R?

The Aprilia RS 660 makes the most power at 100 hp and 67 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Honda CBR500R?

The Honda CBR500R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $7,399.

Which is lighter, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Honda CBR500R?

The Aprilia RS 660 is the lightest at 183 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Honda CBR500R?

For a new rider we'd point to the Honda CBR500R: A2-legal, 47 hp and 192 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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