The best Aprilia motorcycles in this roundup are covered through six editorial resources rather than six bikes for sale. I rank Cycle World’s RS 660 feature as the best overall starting point for readers focused on a specific modern sportbike, while the Tuono R comparison is the standout for performance context and Aprilia: The Complete Story suits readers seeking brand history. The main tradeoff is focus: a model feature offers clearer motorcycle-specific detail, while a magazine comparison or history book gives broader context. These publications are not substitutes for current specifications, ownership reports, or a dealer inspection. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on choosing the most useful Aprilia resource for your needs.
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Key Takeaways
- Cycle World’s RS 660 feature ranks first for model-focused readers because it centers on one recognizable Aprilia sportbike rather than the brand at large.
- The Tuono R comparison is the strongest pick for understanding how an Aprilia naked bike was framed against a direct rival, but its 2005 publication date limits its use for judging current models.
- Aprilia: The Complete Story and Racing Heritage and Road Excellence offer historical context, not current buying specifications.
- The dated Motorrad issues may provide period reporting and magazine context, but their broad date ranges make it harder to identify exactly which Aprilia coverage a reader will find.
- No single item serves every buyer: use model features for focused research, comparisons for riding-category context, and histories for brand background.
| Motorrad Magazine Germany, March 2005: KTM 990 Superduke and Aprilia RSV 1000 Tuono R Comparison |  | Best for a Period Road-Test Snapshot | Publication: Motorrad Magazine Germany | Issue date: March 2005 | Language: German | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Aprilia: The Complete Story |  | Best for a Broad Brand-History Overview | Title: Aprilia: The Complete Story | Product type: Book | Subject: Aprilia | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Motorcyclist Magazine, October 2014 |  | Best for Aprilia in a Wider Class Comparison | Publication: Motorcyclist Magazine | Issue: October 2014 | Product type: Magazine | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Motorrad Magazine Germany, April 2010–2021 Issue |  | Best for a Dorsoduro 1200-Era Magazine Feature | Publication: Motorrad Magazine Germany | Format: Original print issue | Language: German | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Racing Heritage and Road Excellence – The Complete History of a Motorcycle Icon |  | Best for Racing and Road-Model Detail | Title: Racing Heritage and Road Excellence – The Complete History of a Motorcycle Icon | Product type: Book | Subject: History of Aprilia motorcycles | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cycle World Magazine, Issue 3 (2020): The 2021 Aprilia RS 660 |  | Best for RS 660 Coverage | Publication: Cycle World magazine | Issue: 3 | Year: 2020 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Aprilia motorcycle | Publication | Product type |
|---|---|---|
| Motorrad Magazine Germany | Motorrad Magazine Germany | — |
| Aprilia: The Complete Story | — | Book |
| Motorcyclist Magazine | Motorcyclist Magazine | Magazine |
| Motorrad Magazine Germany | Motorrad Magazine Germany | — |
| Racing Heritage and Road Excel | — | Book |
| Cycle World Magazine | Cycle World magazine | Magazine issue |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Motorrad Magazine Germany, March 2005: KTM 990 Superduke and Aprilia RSV 1000 Tuono R Comparison
This original German print issue is the most direct pick here for readers focused on the Aprilia RSV 1000 Tuono R. Its comparison with the KTM 990 Superduke gives the Aprilia a rival for context, unlike Aprilia: The Complete Story, which takes a broader historical approach. That makes this issue better suited to someone researching how the Tuono was presented against a specific contemporary alternative than someone seeking a current motorcycle buying guide. The March 2005 date also places its coverage firmly in period: useful for enthusiasts tracing Aprilia’s road-bike history, but not a substitute for up-to-date ownership or technical advice. The main drawback is uncertainty about the copy’s condition, and the German-language text may limit its usefulness for readers who do not read German.
Pros:- Names the Aprilia RSV 1000 Tuono R as part of a comparison
- Puts the Aprilia alongside the KTM 990 Superduke
- Original print issue offers a period snapshot
- Issue month and year are specified
Cons:- German-language content may be inaccessible to some readers
- No condition details are supplied
- A 2005 comparison cannot guide a current-model purchase
Best for: Aprilia enthusiasts who read German and want a period comparison featuring the RSV 1000 Tuono R and KTM 990 Superduke.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a current motorcycle recommendation, English-language coverage, or a print issue with documented condition.
- Publication:Motorrad Magazine Germany
- Issue date:March 2005
- Language:German
- Format:Original print issue
- Featured motorcycle:Aprilia RSV 1000 Tuono R
- Comparison motorcycle:KTM 990 Superduke
Our verdict“Choose this issue for German-language period coverage of the Tuono R against the KTM 990 Superduke, not for current buying advice.”
Aprilia: The Complete Story
For readers who want to understand Aprilia beyond one model or one magazine test, Aprilia: The Complete Story is the broadest-scope choice in this group. The supplied information identifies it as a book about the brand, making it a more natural starting point for general Aprilia history than the March 2005 Motorrad Magazine Germany issue, which centers on a specific Tuono R comparison. That breadth is also its limitation: no details are provided about the models covered, the depth of technical material, or the book’s format and condition. I would choose it for an overview rather than for a targeted decision between current motorcycles. Readers seeking a documented racing and road-model account may prefer Racing Heritage and Road Excellence, whose description gives more detail about its scope.
Pros:- Focused on Aprilia as a marque
- Book format suits readers seeking more than a single magazine feature
- Its broad stated scope contrasts with model-specific magazine coverage
Cons:- No contents, model list, or chapter details are provided
- Format and physical condition are unspecified
- The description does not establish whether it offers practical motorcycle buying guidance
Best for: Readers who want a general book-length introduction to Aprilia’s story rather than coverage of one particular model.
Not ideal for: Shoppers comparing specific Aprilia motorcycles or readers who need confirmed details about the book’s contents, format, or condition.
- Title:Aprilia: The Complete Story
- Product type:Book
- Subject:Aprilia
- ISBN:1861263775
- Named motorcycle models:Not specified
- Format details:Not provided
Our verdict“Pick this book for a general Aprilia history, but choose a more specifically documented title if you want detailed racing or model coverage.”
Motorcyclist Magazine, October 2014
This issue suits readers who want to see the Aprilia Caponord mentioned within a broader selection of motorcycles, rather than read a focused Aprilia feature. Its Motorcycle of the Year coverage and best-in-class selections span models from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, BMW, and Ducati, giving the Caponord a wider editorial setting than the Motorrad Magazine Germany issue’s specific Tuono R-versus-KTM comparison. That breadth helps readers explore the wider motorcycle landscape, but the supplied details do not say how much attention the Caponord receives or whether it is directly compared with the other listed models. The 2014 issue is historical coverage, not current buying advice, and its language and condition are not stated. I’d choose it for variety, not an in-depth Caponord evaluation.
Pros:- Includes the Aprilia Caponord among its featured motorcycles
- Covers Motorcycle of the Year and best-in-class selections
- Lists models from several manufacturers for broader context
Cons:- The amount of coverage devoted to the Caponord is unspecified
- The 2014 issue cannot provide current-model guidance
- Language and physical condition are not provided
Best for: Readers researching the Aprilia Caponord alongside a mix of motorcycles featured in period award and class coverage.
Not ideal for: Caponord shoppers who need a detailed standalone review, current model guidance, or confirmed information about language and copy condition.
- Publication:Motorcyclist Magazine
- Issue:October 2014
- Product type:Magazine
- Coverage:Motorcycle of the Year
- Additional coverage:Best-in-class motorcycle selections
- Aprilia model featured:Aprilia Caponord
- Other featured motorcycles:Honda CBR650F; Kawasaki Ninja 650; Suzuki SFV650; Yamaha FZ-07; BMW R1200GS; Ducati Multistrada
Our verdict“Choose this issue for broad 2014 motorcycle coverage that includes the Caponord, not for a detailed Aprilia-only assessment.”
Motorrad Magazine Germany, April 2010–2021 Issue
This German-language print issue stands out for readers interested in the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200, which appears alongside models including the Triumph Tiger 800 and BMW K 1300 GT. That mix offers more variety than the March 2005 Motorrad Magazine Germany issue, which is anchored by the RSV 1000 Tuono R and KTM 990 Superduke comparison. The Dorsoduro’s presence makes this a relevant period magazine pick, but the supplied title gives an unclear issue date, so I would not rely on it for precise historical dating. The description also omits the article format and depth, along with the copy’s condition. It is best treated as a collectible or research item for German readers, not as a standalone review or a guide to current Aprilia models.
Pros:- Features the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200
- Includes several other named motorcycles for comparative interest
- Original print format may appeal to magazine collectors
- German-language edition is identified
Cons:- Issue date is unclear in the supplied information
- No details describe the scope of the Dorsoduro coverage
- Condition is not provided
Best for: German-reading Aprilia fans seeking a print issue that features the Dorsoduro 1200 among other named motorcycles.
Not ideal for: Readers who need a confirmed publication date, documented condition, or an in-depth Dorsoduro review in English.
- Publication:Motorrad Magazine Germany
- Format:Original print issue
- Language:German
- Issue date:Unclear in supplied title
- Aprilia model featured:Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200
- Other featured motorcycles:Triumph Tiger 800; Moto Guzzi V7 Racer; MV Agusta F3; BMW K 1300 GT
Our verdict“Consider this issue for its Dorsoduro 1200 feature and German print format, but skip it if a verified date or detailed review matters.”
Racing Heritage and Road Excellence – The Complete History of a Motorcycle Icon
This title is the most clearly specified history-focused choice for readers interested in how Aprilia’s racing heritage connects with its road motorcycles. Its description promises coverage of design, technology, brand influence, race results, and technical data, giving it a more defined scope than Aprilia: The Complete Story, whose supplied details do not describe its contents. That information-rich approach may suit enthusiasts tracing the links between competition and production bikes, while the richly illustrated presentation adds visual context. The tradeoff is depth: the description warns that the detail may be too much for casual readers. It is still a history book, not a current model comparison, so anyone choosing among motorcycles such as the Aprilia Caponord or Dorsoduro 1200 should seek model-specific road tests as well.
Pros:- Covers both racing history and road-going Aprilia models
- Includes race results and technical data
- Described as richly illustrated with photographs
- Connects design and technology with the brand’s broader influence
Cons:- The detailed treatment may be too involved for casual readers
- The description does not identify specific models or time periods covered
- A brand history does not replace current motorcycle road tests
Best for: Aprilia enthusiasts who want detailed coverage of racing history, road models, technical data, and the brand’s design development.
Not ideal for: Casual readers seeking a short introduction or shoppers who need direct comparisons of current Aprilia motorcycles.
- Title:Racing Heritage and Road Excellence – The Complete History of a Motorcycle Icon
- Product type:Book
- Subject:History of Aprilia motorcycles
- Coverage:Racing heritage and road-going models
- Technical material:Race results and technical data
- Additional topics:Design, technology, and brand impact
- Illustrations:High-quality photographs
- ISBN:1923393847
Our verdict“Choose this book if you want a detailed, illustrated account of Aprilia’s racing and road-bike history rather than a quick model-buying guide.”
Cycle World Magazine, Issue 3 (2020): The 2021 Aprilia RS 660
I’d choose this issue for a buyer whose interest is specifically the 2021 Aprilia RS 660, rather than Aprilia’s broader history. Its cover focus gives it a clear place beside Aprilia: The Complete Story: this is the narrower pick for a particular model, while that book serves readers seeking a wider marque overview. The listing identifies the magazine and featured motorcycle, but provides no article details, test results, or technical data, so I can’t judge how thoroughly it covers the RS 660 or treat it as a substitute for a motorcycle itself. Its appeal is reference and reading material, not riding capability. The tradeoff is that a single issue may offer less breadth than the history books in this roundup, and its 2020 publication date means it is tied to the RS 660’s 2021-era introduction.
Pros:- Features the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 by name
- Offers a focused alternative to broader titles such as Aprilia: The Complete Story
- Provides a period-specific print reference from 2020
- Suitable for readers collecting motorcycle magazine issues
Cons:- The listing supplies no details about the depth or contents of the RS 660 coverage
- A single issue has a narrower scope than a complete-history book
- It is reading material, not a motorcycle or a substitute for current technical information
Best for: Readers researching the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 who want a magazine issue centered on that model.
Not ideal for: Riders seeking an Aprilia motorcycle, detailed specifications, or a broad history spanning multiple models and years.
- Publication:Cycle World magazine
- Issue:3
- Year:2020
- Featured motorcycle:2021 Aprilia RS 660
- Product type:Magazine issue
- ASIN:B08KFPHGN3
Our verdict“Choose this issue if you want period-specific reading centered on the 2021 RS 660, and skip it if you need a motorcycle or broader Aprilia coverage.”
How We Picked
I ranked these six items by how directly they help someone understand Aprilia motorcycles, how clearly their subject is identified, and how useful their scope is to a reader making a choice. A focused article on the RS 660 earns the lead because its model-specific subject gives readers a clearer starting point than a general history. The Tuono R comparison follows for its direct rival context, while the books are ranked for historical depth rather than present-day purchase advice.
I also weighed publication date and format. Older magazine features can illuminate how a motorcycle was discussed in its own period, but they cannot stand in for current model specifications, maintenance records, or firsthand ownership information. The two wide-ranging Motorrad entries receive lower placement because the supplied issue details do not identify a specific Aprilia feature. These are editorial resources about motorcycles, not six current motorcycles, so the ranking reflects research usefulness rather than ride quality or mechanical performance.
| Aprilia motorcycle | Publication | Product type |
|---|---|---|
| Motorrad Magazine Germany | Motorrad Magazine Germany | — |
| Aprilia: The Complete Story | — | Book |
| Motorcyclist Magazine | Motorcyclist Magazine | Magazine |
| Motorrad Magazine Germany | Motorrad Magazine Germany | — |
| Racing Heritage and Road Excel | — | Book |
| Cycle World Magazine | Cycle World magazine | Magazine issue |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Aprilia Motorcycles
These picks are reading material, not a shortlist of motorcycles to purchase. I’d use them to shape the questions I ask next, then verify model years, equipment, servicing needs, and local availability through current sources.
Start With the Question You Need Answered
Decide whether you want to understand a particular bike, compare categories, or learn the company’s history. A focused RS 660 feature is a better opening than a broad brand book if you are researching that model. A Tuono R comparison helps when you want to see how a naked bike was positioned against a rival. Histories can explain design lineage, but they may not resolve practical questions about a specific year. A common mistake is choosing the most detailed-looking resource before checking whether its subject matches your decision.
Treat Publication Dates as Part of the Evidence
Motorcycle design and equipment change, so a dated article is evidence of its era, not a current buying verdict. The 2005 Tuono R comparison can help explain period performance expectations, but it cannot describe later Aprilia generations. A 2020 magazine issue featuring the 2021 RS 660 is more relevant to that model’s launch context, though still not a substitute for current owner information. Check the publication date before applying a claim to another model year. When you need present-day details, confirm them with current manufacturer documentation and recent service information.
Separate Editorial Context From Ownership Costs
Magazine features and histories rarely tell the full story of routine service, parts access, insurance, or repair wait times. Before choosing an Aprilia, research the support available near you and ask a qualified shop about maintenance for the exact model year. This matters especially if you are comparing a performance-focused motorcycle with a more everyday-oriented option. Do not infer long-term reliability from an enthusiast article alone. Budget for the ownership picture as a whole, including protective gear and scheduled maintenance.
Match Motorcycle Style to Your Riding
Aprilia’s sport and naked-bike identities can appeal to different riders, so identify where and how you expect to ride before fixating on a headline feature. For commuting, check comfort, heat management, visibility, and luggage options. For weekend sport riding, look at riding position, power delivery, braking, and how approachable the controls feel at ordinary speeds. A comparison article can clarify category differences, but it may not reflect your body size or roads. Sit on candidate motorcycles and arrange a suitable test ride where available.
Use Broad Histories for Context, Not a Shopping Shortcut
Brand histories can make technical changes and racing references easier to understand, yet their scope may span many decades and models. That breadth is useful for enthusiasts, but it can obscure the details that separate two specific motorcycles. If you are choosing between model years, seek year-specific specifications and service guidance after reading the history. Avoid treating a strong racing heritage as proof that a particular bike fits your commute, experience, or budget. Historical interest and present-day suitability are separate questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which item should I read first if I’m deciding whether an Aprilia RS 660 is right for me?
I’d start with Cycle World’s feature on the 2021 RS 660 because it is the most directly focused resource in this group for that model. Use it to learn about the bike’s launch-era positioning and intended character. Then check current model-year specifications, updates, recalls, and owner feedback before making a decision. A 2021 feature may not describe later versions exactly. If you are new to sportbikes, pair the reading with an in-person fit check or a suitable test ride.
Can the 2005 Tuono R comparison help me choose a current Aprilia?
It can help with historical context and show how the Tuono R was compared with the KTM 990 Superduke in its period. It should not be used as a direct guide to current Tuono models, since generations, equipment, and competitors have changed. Treat its claims as era-specific observations rather than current rankings. For a present-day decision, find a comparison covering the exact model years you are considering. Also compare servicing support and ergonomics for your own riding needs.
Are the books a better choice than magazine features for a first-time Aprilia shopper?
Usually, the magazine features are the more direct starting point if you have a particular motorcycle in mind, while the books are better for background and brand interest. Aprilia: The Complete Story and Racing Heritage and Road Excellence can help explain the company’s history, but their broad scope may not answer model-year questions. A first-time shopper should pair any reading with current specifications and practical ownership research. If you have not chosen a bike style yet, use broad history as context, then narrow your search to specific models. Neither format replaces a fit check or a mechanic’s inspection of a used motorcycle.
How should I use the Motorrad issues when the listed details do not name a specific Aprilia feature?
I would treat those entries as uncertain until the exact issue contents are confirmed. The April 2010–2021 date range is especially broad, so it may refer to a collection or publication span rather than one clearly identified article. Check the table of contents, edition details, and whether an Aprilia model is actually covered before relying on it. If you need information about a particular motorcycle, a named model feature is a safer starting point. Do not assume an issue contains a relevant road test based only on its listing title.
What should I verify before buying a used Aprilia after reading these resources?
Confirm the exact model year and variant, then compare its equipment and service schedule with official documentation. Ask for maintenance records and have a qualified motorcycle technician inspect the bike, including its charging system, suspension, brakes, tires, and signs of prior damage. Check whether parts and experienced service are accessible where you live. A period article can describe how a model was presented, but it cannot verify an individual motorcycle’s condition. For newer or updated models, consult current owner information as well.
Conclusion
Best overall resource: I’d choose Cycle World’s RS 660 feature for focused insight into a specific modern Aprilia. Best value in research: the Tuono R comparison offers a direct rival reference, provided you treat it as historical rather than current guidance. Best premium reading: choose one of the broad Aprilia histories if brand heritage matters more than model-year shopping detail. Best for beginners: start with the RS 660 feature, then check current specifications and arrange a fit check instead of relying on old editorial coverage alone. Best for specific needs: read the Tuono comparison for period naked-bike context, or select a history for racing and company background; confirm the contents of the loosely identified Motorrad issues before buying. None of these items picks a motorcycle for you, but together they point toward the right next questions.
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