By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Honda CBR650R (RH01) vs Aprilia RS 660 Extrema (MY2023)
Honda CBR650R vs Aprilia RS 660 Extrema: one garage spot. Here's what should decide it.
You'll notice the throttle first: the Honda CBR650R's four pulls cleanly down low and saves its rush for the top. The Aprilia RS 660 Extrema's already pulling hard by the midrange. Then it keeps spinning up with a rorty bark.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the RS 660 Extrema if…
Racetrack use
Better bet: RS 660 Extrema
The RS 660 Extrema suits track days much better. Most of that is more suspension adjustment and a sportier chassis. Book the first one and see.
The CBR650R has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: CBR650R
Day to day, the CBR650R works out slightly cheaper to own. The saving is small.
The RS 660 Extrema has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: RS 660 Extrema
On a twisty road, the RS 660 Extrema edges ahead. Put it down to better suspension and lighter steering. Not by enough to settle it alone.
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: RS 660 Extrema
Day in, day out, the RS 660 Extrema nudges ahead in traffic. It isn't a big enough gap to plan around.
Which one's the smarter buy
Depends what you want it for
The CBR650R costs less, but the RS 660 Extrema brings different value. Neither is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
CBR650R
Through a fast sweeper, the CBR650R's nose tips in with little effort at the bar and then it's planted all the way round. There's strong bite at the front lever, and it builds as you squeeze. At low revs the engine's soft on the throttle and doesn't wake up until the tach climbs high. Up top, the tach needle races.
RS 660 Extrema
On the RS 660 Extrema, the clip-ons sit raised and the pegs low, and there's a sporty crouch between them. Leaned over, the chassis stays put. The twin's hunting for revs out of every exit.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The RS 660 Extrema has the lower wet weight: 397 lb (180 kg) vs 456 lb (207 kg).
- Cornering ABS: standard on the RS 660 Extrema, not offered on the CBR650R.
- Ride Modes: standard on the RS 660 Extrema, not offered on the CBR650R.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CBR650R
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, flexible inline-four engine
- Strong, progressive brakes
Trade-offs
- Needs revs for excitement
- Noticeable vibration at highway speeds
RS 660 Extrema
What owners say
Strengths
- Loaded with electronic rider aids
- Sweet, free‑revving parallel‑twin engine
- Comfortable yet sporty riding position
Trade-offs
- Limited dealer support can make ownership difficult in remote areas
- Rear brake squeak
- Reliability concerns due to past oil leaks and recalls
What they cost used
These prices compare a 3-year-old CBR650R with a 3-year-old RS 660 Extrema.
- CBR650R
- about $9,200
- RS 660 Extrema
- about $11,400
At three years old, the Honda CBR650R sits around $9,200 while the Aprilia RS 660 Extrema runs about $11,400. That's a $2,200 gap in the CBR650R's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 8,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| CBR650R | RS 660 Extrema | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 32.3 in (820 mm) |
| Wet weight | 456 lb (207 kg) | 397 lb (180 kg) |
| CBR650R | RS 660 Extrema | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 649 cc | 659 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | Parallel twin |
| Power | 95 hp (70 kW) | 100 hp (74 kW) |
| Peak power at | 12,000 rpm | 10,500 rpm |
| Torque | 47 lb-ft (64 Nm) | 49 lb-ft (67 Nm) |
| CBR650R | RS 660 Extrema | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.4 L) | 4.0 US gal (15 L) |
| CBR650R | RS 660 Extrema | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 310 mm | 320 mm |
| Wheelbase | 57.1 in (1450 mm) | 54.1 in (1375 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| CBR650R | RS 660 Extrema | |
|---|---|---|
| Cornering ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Wheelie Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Option | Standard |
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
