Yamaha YZF-R9 vs Aprilia RS 660
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha YZF-R9 and Aprilia RS 660 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Aprilia RS 660 undercuts the Yamaha YZF-R9 by about $950, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha YZF-R9 leads on power with 117 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.
Yamaha
Yamaha YZF-R9
Our pickAprilia
Aprilia RS 660The verdict
The Aprilia RS 660 edges it overall at 8.8/10, but the Yamaha YZF-R9 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Aprilia RS 660
A2-legal, 100 hp.
Yamaha YZF-R9
117 hp and 0.60 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Aprilia RS 660
Our 8.8/10 at $11,549, the most bike per dollar.
Aprilia RS 660
183 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Aprilia RS 660
Our top score in this matchup at 8.8/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Yamaha YZF-R9 vs Aprilia RS 660: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha YZF-R9 or the Aprilia RS 660?
The Yamaha YZF-R9 makes the most power at 117 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha YZF-R9 or the Aprilia RS 660?
The Aprilia RS 660 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $11,549.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha YZF-R9 or the Aprilia RS 660?
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 Yamaha YZF-R9 or the Aprilia RS 660?
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.