By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati Panigale V2 (MY2025-S) vs Aprilia RS 660 (MY2020)
Ducati Panigale V2 vs Aprilia RS 660: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
On a lazy roll-on in a tall gear, the Ducati Panigale V2 doesn't wait for revs before it pulls. The Aprilia RS 660 throbs along there, a twin that's still gathering itself. Higher up, the RS 660 rushes hard for redline.
So which one do you buy?
The Panigale V2 has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Small edge: Panigale V2
The Panigale V2 nudges ahead once you're on a closed course. What tips it: more suspension adjustment and a sportier chassis. Hardly a big enough gap to bank on.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: Panigale V2
On a winding road, the Panigale V2 comes out a touch ahead. Credit better suspension and harder acceleration. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
The RS 660 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Inches ahead: RS 660
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the RS 660 pulls a nose in front. Put it down to a smaller footprint. Your own commute could easily flip it.
What makes each one tick
Panigale V2
A steep rake and short trail have the Panigale V2 flicking from one lean angle to the next like a small Grand Prix bike. The clip-ons sit up high, and the rider's torso isn't folded into a full race crouch. It squirts out of every corner.
RS 660
The RS 660's light aluminum frame doesn't get nervous as the pace climbs. At corner entry, there's only a light push on the bar before the nose tucks in. Raised clip-ons and lower pegs mean the cockpit isn't as cramped as a pure supersport's. Mid-corner, it stays on its line.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The RS 660 has the lower seat: 32.3 in (820 mm) vs 32.9 in (835 mm).
- The Panigale V2 makes more peak power: 120 hp (88 kW) vs 100 hp (74 kW).
- The Panigale V2 makes more peak torque: 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) vs 49 lb-ft (67 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
On running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Panigale V2
What owners say
Strengths
- Accessible, torque‑rich power delivery
- Extraordinary chassis agility
- Full superbike‑spec electronics
- Surprisingly comfortable ergonomics
- Improved power‑to‑weight ratio
Trade-offs
- Softer top‑end than expected from a Panigale
RS 660
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful engine with strong top-end
- Comfortable yet sporty ergonomics
- Superb handling and agility
- Premium electronics package
Known problems to check before you buy
Panigale V2
- ABS fuse reversal (recall 25V838) Recall 25V838000 A supplier wiring error can reverse the ABS pump’s 25A and 10A fuses, causing the pump fuse to blow during prolonged ABS activation. This may lead to wheel lock‑up and loss of control. An ‘ABS error’ warning appears on the dashboard. 1,016 units affected in the US, ~1.2% defect rate.
RS 660
- Squeaky rear brake A high-pitched squeal from the rear brake occurs during deceleration, attributed to harmonic vibration between the brake pad compound, caliper piston, and disc surface.
- Oil leaks from various seals Some owners have reported oil weeping from engine seals, particularly the cam chain tensioner area and valve cover gasket.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Panigale V2 | RS 660 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.9 in (835 mm) | 32.3 in (820 mm) |
| Wet weight | 407 lb (185 kg) | 403 lb (183 kg) |
| Panigale V2 | RS 660 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 890 cc | 659 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | Parallel twin |
| Power | 120 hp (88 kW) | 100 hp (74 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,750 rpm | 10,500 rpm |
| Torque | 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) | 49 lb-ft (67 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,250 rpm | 8,500 rpm |
| Panigale V2 | RS 660 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.0 US gal (15.1 L) | 4.0 US gal (15 L) |
| Panigale V2 | RS 660 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 190/55-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 57.7 in (1465 mm) | 53.9 in (1370 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
