The Aprilia RS 660 35kW is a lightweight middleweight sport bike engineered for riders seeking responsive handling and accessible performance. Its compact 659cc twin-cylinder engine delivers smooth power without overwhelming newer or smaller-framed riders, while its agile chassis and 235 km/h top speed make it ideal for both track days and spirited road riding. Known for its refined Italian engineering and friendly character, the RS 660 bridges the gap between learner bikes and full-power supersports.
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Performance is an accessible sport bike designed for intermediate riders seeking genuine performance and agility. Its 649cc parallel-twin engine delivers 67.3 horsepower with responsive handling characteristics, making it ideal for both street riding and track days. Known for its excellent balance of power, affordability, and nimble middleweight dynamics, it serves riders transitioning from smaller bikes to true performance machines.
Both are sport bikes, so this is a like-for-like choice.
2026 Aprilia RS 660 35KW: It's built primarily for spirited cornering and sporty road riding rather than outright top-end speed, thanks to the detuned 46.9 HP twin in a lightweight chassis.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Performance: Designed as an accessible sport bike for everyday sporty riding, commuting, and occasional weekend twisty-road fun rather than outright track domination.
Verdict: Choose the 2026 Aprilia RS 660 35KW if you want lighter weight. Choose the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Performance if you want more power and a lower seat. Check the full table below for every figure, and the size comparison for fit.
| Specification | 2026 Aprilia RS 660 35KW | 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| Category | Sport | Sport |
| Color Options | Acid Gold, Racing Black, Tribute Purple | Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black |
| Comments | Six-axis inertial platform, APRC package containing ATC (traction control), AWC (wheelie control), AEB (engine braking), AEM (engine maps) and ACC (cruise control). | - |
| Engine | ||
| Capacity: | 659.0 ccm (40.21 cubic inches) | 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches) |
| Engine Type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | Parallel Twin, four-stroke |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg) | ✓4.50 litres/100 km (22.2 km/l or 52.27 mpg) |
| Bore x Stroke | 81.0 x 63.9 mm (3.2 x 2.5 inches) | 83.0 x 60.0 mm (3.3 x 2.4 inches) |
| Compression | 13.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Ignition | Eletric | - |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | 8 |
| Lubrication System | - | Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 46.9 HP (34.3 kW) @ 6000 RPM | ✓67.0 HP (49.1 kW) @ 8000 RPM |
| Torque | ✓67.0 Nm (6.8 kgf-m or 49.4 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM | 65.8 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.5 ft.lbs) @ 6700 RPM |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 0.2775 HP/kg (dry) | 0.3764 HP/kg (dry) |
| Top Speed | 235.0 km/h (146.0 mph) | - |
| Chassis & suspension | ||
| Frame | Aluminium dual beam chassis with removable seat support subframe | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension | Kayaba 41-mm stanchion fork, aluminium radial calliper mounting bracket. Adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Aluminium asymmetric swingarm. Adjustable monoshock in spring reload, rebound braking | Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload |
| Front Wheel Travel | 120 mm (4.7 inches) | 124 mm (4.9 inches) |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 130 mm (5.1 inches) | 130 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 24.1° | 24.0° |
| Trail | 104 mm (4.1 inches) | 99 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | - | 130 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Clutch | Multi-plate wet clutch with mechanical slip system | Wet multi-disc, Assist and Slipper |
| Brakes & wheels | ||
| Front Brakes | Double disc. ABS. Brembo | Double disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. Petal-type disc. |
| Front Brakes Diameter | 320 mm (12.6 inches) | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc. ABS. Brembo. | Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper. Petal-type disc. |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Front Tyre | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55-ZR17 | 160/60 x 17 |
| Rear Brakes Diameter | - | 220 mm (8.7 inches) |
| Dimensions & weight | ||
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm (53.9 inches) | 1410 mm (55.5 inches) |
| Overall Length | 1995 mm (78.5 inches) | 2055 mm (80.9 inches) |
| Overall Width | 745 mm (29.3 inches) | 739 mm (29.1 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1150 mm (45.3 inches) | 1146 mm (45.1 inches) |
| Seat Height | 820 mm (32.3 inches) | ✓790 mm (31.1 inches) |
| Dry weight | ✓169.0 kg (372.6 pounds) | 178.0 kg (392.4 pounds) |
| Wet Weight | ✓183.0 kg (403.4 pounds) | 193.0 kg (425.5 pounds) |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.00 litres (3.96 US gallons) | ✓15.10 litres (3.99 US gallons) |
"Best" (✓) reflects that single spec only, not overall suitability - a bike can win on paper and still be the wrong choice for you. Ties are all marked; specs with no clear better/worse direction (e.g. displacement, wheel size) are never marked, only tinted where bikes differ.
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Specs are pulled from the same categories used throughout the site: engine and transmission (capacity, power, torque, gearbox), physical measures (weight, seat height, fuel and tank capacity), frame and dimensions, speed and acceleration, and brakes, suspension, frame and wheels (including tyres) - plus general information and maintenance data where it's on record for a bike.
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