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

Aprilia RS 660 vs Suzuki GSX-8R

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

The Aprilia RS 660 and Suzuki GSX-8R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Suzuki GSX-8R undercuts the Aprilia RS 660 by about $2,110, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Aprilia RS 660 leads on power with 100 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
Suzuki GSX-8R
7.9

Suzuki

Suzuki GSX-8R

The verdict

The Aprilia RS 660 edges it overall at 8.8/10, but the Suzuki GSX-8R wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Suzuki GSX-8R

A2-legal, 83 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Aprilia RS 660

100 hp and 0.55 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Suzuki GSX-8R

Our 7.9/10 at $9,439, 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$9,439
KickTheStand score8.8 / 107.9 / 10
Performance
Engine659cc twin776cc twin
Power100 hp83 hp
Torque67 Nm78 Nm
Power-to-weight0.55 hp/kg0.40 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Kayaba USD fork41mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesDual 320mm discs, Brembo radial 4-pistonDual 310mm discs, Nissin 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight183 kg205 kg
Seat height820 mm810 mm
Fuel capacity15 L14 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, track, touringcommuting, sport, learning, touring

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 Suzuki GSX-8R: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?

The Aprilia RS 660 makes the most power at 100 hp and 67 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?

The Suzuki GSX-8R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $9,439.

Which is lighter, the Aprilia RS 660 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?

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 Suzuki GSX-8R?

For a new rider we'd point to the Suzuki GSX-8R: A2-legal, 83 hp and 205 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

More comparisons