NEW: Best Beginner Motorcycles of 2026, our top picks for your first ride.
Head to head

Aprilia RS 660 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Aprilia RS 660 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Aprilia RS 660 undercuts the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R by about $6,250, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R leads on power with 203 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Aprilia RS 660
Our pick
8.8

Aprilia

Aprilia RS 660
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
8.5

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

The verdict

The Aprilia RS 660 edges it overall at 8.8/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Aprilia RS 660

A2-legal, 100 hp.

Most exciting

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

203 hp and 0.98 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Aprilia RS 660

Our 8.8/10 at $11,549, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Aprilia RS 660

183 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Aprilia RS 660

Our top score in this matchup at 8.8/10.

Price & rating
Price$11,549$17,799
KickTheStand score8.8 / 108.5 / 10
Performance
Engine659cc twin998cc four
Power100 hp203 hp
Torque67 Nm114.9 Nm
Power-to-weight0.55 hp/kg0.98 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Kayaba USD fork43mm Showa BFF USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockHorizontal back-link monoshock
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, Brembo radial 4-pistonDual 330mm discs, Brembo M50
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight183 kg207 kg
Seat height820 mm835 mm
Fuel capacity15 L17 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forsport, track, touringsport, track

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

Still torn between them?

Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.

Open the bike finder

Aprilia RS 660 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R makes the most power at 203 hp and 114.9 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Aprilia RS 660 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $11,549.

Which is lighter, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The Aprilia RS 660 is the lightest at 183 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

For a new rider we'd point to the Aprilia RS 660: A2-legal, 100 hp and 183 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

More comparisons