Aprilia RS 660 and RS 457 Lead Italy’s Sports Bike Market

Lightweight performance machines dominate with over 21% market share and growing global demand.

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Aprilia continues to assert its dominance in the sports bike segment, with the RS 660 and RS 457 emerging as the best-selling sports motorcycles in Italy. Together, the two models account for more than 21% of the market share, highlighting the brand’s strong position in the small and mid-displacement category.

The success is not limited to Italy. Aprilia’s RS range has also gained significant traction in international markets, particularly in the United States, where the brand recorded double-digit growth over the past year, and across Europe, where the RS 660 remains one of the top-selling sportbikes.

A winning formula: lightweight, performance, and accessibility

Aprilia’s approach to modern sportbikes has played a key role in this achievement. By focusing on lightweight construction, high-performance engines, and advanced electronics, the Italian manufacturer has created motorcycles that are both accessible to new riders and exciting for experienced enthusiasts.

The RS range represents a new generation of sportbikes designed not only for track performance but also for everyday usability. This balance has made models like the RS 660 and RS 457 highly appealing to a wide range of riders.

RS 660 continues to set the benchmark

The Aprilia RS 660 remains a standout model in the segment, consistently topping sales charts in Italy. Often regarded as the pioneer of the modern midweight sportbike category, the RS 660 blends performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

Its success is also reflected on the track, with strong performances in championships such as MotoAmerica’s Twin Cup and the British Superbike SportBike class. Looking ahead, the RS 660 is set to compete in the World Superbike Championship’s new SportBike class in 2026, further reinforcing its racing credentials.

The model has also proven its capabilities in real-world conditions, highlighted by an impressive lap time set during the Aprilia All Stars event at Misano, achieved on a standard production bike.

RS 457 targets the next generation of riders

Positioned as an entry point into the Aprilia sportbike family, the RS 457 has quickly gained popularity, particularly among younger riders.

Built on an entirely new platform, the RS 457 combines lightweight design, user-friendly handling, and advanced technology. Its twin-cylinder engine delivers the maximum power allowed for A2 riders, while maintaining an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

With features such as ride-by-wire throttle, multiple riding modes, traction control, and optional quickshifter, the RS 457 offers a premium riding experience in a highly accessible package. The model is also available in a GP Replica version, inspired by Aprilia’s MotoGP machinery.

Global growth driven by racing success

Aprilia’s growing success in the sportbike segment is closely tied to its strong presence in MotoGP, where the brand achieved its best-ever results in 2025. Strong performances on the world stage have helped boost the appeal of its road-going models, particularly the RS lineup.

In Europe, Aprilia has emerged as a leading manufacturer in the fully-faired sportbike category, while in the US, it continues to gain ground as one of the fastest-growing brands in the segment.

With the RS 660 and RS 457 leading the charge, Aprilia is proving that modern sportbikes can be lightweight, technologically advanced, and accessible, without having to compromise performance or riding excitement.