Muy buen video bro, yo soy mecánico de automóvil , y te digo qué haces muy buen trabajo en tu RS660, con tus videos ayudas mucho a otros que tenemos Aprilia , saludos y gracias por tus videos ✌️
My recommendation just from experience if reusing the stock steering stem bolt is to mark it and torque to the same mark. The steering stem bolt tightness has a similar affect to preloading/tensioning the steering bearings and greatly affects the steering. Often, when you bolt it to factory spec, it doesn't feel the same. Just my 0.02
With experience, “feel”, is sometimes better than the manual specs. For example, thats very true for the RS660 oil pan bolts. They are listed as 12 Nm torque and a lot of people find that they need to go higher in order to avoid oil leaks. My steering stem feels great at 100 Nm which is also what Aprilia recommends.
or you can just uploadt yourself "adjusting by eye" and calling things easy while you bend your master cylinder support and pur clip ons in such a position you won't be able to grab them.
Hello Mike, and congrats, best rs I ve seen so far. I'm planning to do this exact upgrade, as weel as upgrading the rearsets. How does it handle right now? Which fork ring did you have it set to? Did you need to also adjust fork settings? Thanks!
Thank you! I’m actually planning to change the rear sets too. The handling of the RS660 is great! Its very smooth and kind of forgiving. Its difficult to explain over a comment my suspension set up. Suspension set up will be different for everyone. Even if the rider remains the same, the settings will be different on two different RS660’s. I tuned my bike, but I had Dave Moss perfect it. I will make a video on suspension tuning soon. But to answer your question, yes, I adjusted front fork preload and rebound, and rear sock preload and rebound.
@@ALFAVITAGA Honestly, it's going to be similar especially for bikes with suspension quirks. Like the rebound adjuster on the rear shock doesn't change as much until you get to 4 clicks out and then the change to 3 clicks is massive. The fork rebound seems to adjust pretty progressively. I have those set I think at 4 clicks out and as the oil ages I can change it to 3 or 2 slicks out. Likewise with the shock. Preload depends on your weight, but remember it also effects your ride height and therefore geometry.
Hi Mike and thank you for your videos, which are really helpful! I also installed the bonamic clipons, the only problem I have is that the brake lever (TWM lever) touches against the fairing when I steer. I've already tried to vary the inclination but it always touches...do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much!
The two brands I have confirmed they clear the fairings with no issues, are Spider and Rizoma. I haven’t seen the Bonamici levers. If you have tried all the height positions maybe they just don’t clear.
Hey man! I find the carbon part next to your ignition super flashy and neat. What is that part called and from where can one order it? Any help would be much appreciated!
The stock handlebars on the RS660 are perfect for someone that is looking for a more comfortable sporty ride. But if you are looking for a more involved aggressive body position it is best to lower the clip ons. Thats why I did it.
Do you think they are alright on track. As I've seen most people use smaller shorter profile for track. Which only ones I've seen are womotech. Also any reason why you went with spider triple clamp instead of woodcraft triple to go with the clip ons
Obviously the stock handlebars are more comfortable. But not that much more. It feels a lot better with the lower clip ons and triple. Better body position and turns.
Makes sense. I had a bike previously with your setup and I found it a little harsh on my back. But then again the APRILIA’s seat positioning is not that aggressive.
You may have addressed this but wondering approximately how much lower was this setup? I'm thinking about an inch or a bit more? If you could let me know that would be great. Thanks!
I didn’t measure how much it drops exactly. But the Bonamici clip on goes flush with the top fork where the triple sits. I would say it drops about 1.5 times the diameter of the stock clip on. Its the lowest clip on you can go before it starts rubbing on the fairing.
It depends on the needs. For street riding the stock clip ons are more comfortable. But for aggressive street riding and track riding the aftermarket lower clip ons give more feedback and better body position.
Yes they are. To remove them you need a 1/4 inch drive Hex Bit(I don’t remember the hex size. 4-5mm?) with a 1/4 inch extension and a 1/4 drive ratchet.
@@ALFAVITAGA Awesome thanks. One last question. Do you feel it's low enough, or do you feel a no rise clip-on would be better if you had to do it again? Having a hard time deciding between these or a zero rise clip-on. Thanks again!
@@dj0100 The main reason I chose the rise, is to clear the stock fairing. If you go with a no rise clip ons, they will rub on the fairings and the bars wont steer. The no rise clip ons are made for race fairings. Essentially you have no choice but to chose the rise, if you are keeping the stock fairings. If I converted my bike to a track bike, I would then choose the no rise clip ons. For aggressive street and canyon riding, the rise clip ons are the perfect medium between the stock bars and the more aggressive no-rise clip ons.
The purpose of the triple clamp and clip ons is to improve ergonomics. By lowering the clip ons, it offers a better arm angle on a full tuck position, allowing you to be more aerodynamic. On turns, it improves your upper body position by allowing it to hang off the side of the bike. (See pictures on my front page banner). By changing the clips ons you also have the option to have longer handlebars. The longer they are, the easier it is to counter steer. The shorter they are the more aerodynamic you are. The stock RS660 handlebars offer a great middle point of a comfortable but sporty position. If this is your first bike, I strongly recommend to leave the stock handle bars on, until you excel into this sport to the point that you will know on your own that you need to replace them. Have fun and be safe! ✌️
@@ALFAVITAGA Thanks for clarification. I'm Subscribed to your channel. Question is there a Particular year to avoid on RS660 ? I read some issues on those first 800 earlier models.. you have a beautiful bike man. This will be my 1st bike. Im 54 now hopefully it will be a good bike for my weekend ride. Thanks for your help
@@mr2dsp Thank you! The RS660 is the perfect bike for all ages. Regarding reliability, there was a recall on the first production models on the con rods. This was resolved quickly and the owners under this recall had their entire engines replaced. If you are buying a new RS660 there is nothing to worry about as it will be under warranty. If you are buying a used one, just ask for the dealer service records for any reliability issues on that bike.
@@GenghisKhan311 The purpose of the triple clamp and clip ons is to improve ergonomics. By lowering the clip ons, it offers a better arm angle on a full tuck position, allowing you to be more aerodynamic. On turns, it improves your upper body position by allowing it to hang off the side of the bike. By changing the clips ons you also have the option to have longer handlebars. The longer they are, the easier it is to counter steer. The shorter they are the more aerodynamic you are. The stock RS660 handlebars offer a great middle point of a comfortable but sporty position. But if you need absolute feedback and control you must change them.
The stock handlebars are part of the character of this bike. Which is comfort. For someone that wants the RS660 to commute or have long rides the stock handlebars are perfect. As perfect as they are though it doesn’t give you the aggressive position needed for track use or in general hard street riding. I find that the lower clip ons give you a more controlled body position in the turns. It helps you bring your upper body lower and in to the turn, minimizing lean angle resulting into faster cornering. The Bonamici clip ons are also longer than the stock. This also results in less push on the handlebar to counter steer, which make the bike more agile. Even with these aftermarket clip ons, its still more comfortable than say an R6. So for me this is a must upgrade to every RS660 especially being a cost effective upgrade.
@@ALFAVITAGA I understand the explanation and I see it with a better posture than the standard one. I really like the way it looks on the bike. Can't this Aprilia adjust the height of the forks?
@@uxjordan It can, but its not advisable to adjust fork height just so the body position drops. A change in fork height will change the trail/rake values and this should be done only for competitive track riders and for very specific goals. Also these changes would be at a minimum between 1-4mm if that. Anything larger and the bike will be a disaster in handling. Take for instance drag racers. They drop the forks so low that they bikes are only meant for straight lines. Changing handlebars is the best and safest option to drop the body position. And yes, the aftermarket ones look so much better in my opinion.
@@fuastoreyes921 The upgraded triple clamp and clip ons came with some light plastic bar ends that don’t really qualify as bar ends. I had no vibration issues with them but I changed them to lever guards anyway.
@@FutureProductionz239 Well technically both as you must remove the stock triple that has the clip ons attached. But how low it will go depends on the clip ons. These Bonamici clip ons have a rise to them to clear the stock fairing. No other clip ons clear the stock fairing. If you go with a track race fairing then you can go lower with zero rise clip ons.
I’m a little confused on what you are asking me exactly. Do you need to know the width of the circular base of the clip on that fits into the fork? If yes, then the width of that circle is the diameter. I can’t attach a photo on a comment to mark the point of which you need to measure. Can you be a little more specific so I can provide you the correct measurement?
@@ALFAVITAGA yeap its kind of hard to explain i know the diameter.i was wondering what is the width of the clamp that hugs the fork like the metal ring lets say.i have a custom project nad want to use the same clip ons but i have clearance issues
@@konstantinoskourini Ok I think I understand now what you’re asking. You need to know the thickness/width of the “ring” or “clamp” that fits on the fork. I will measure it and let you know.
The stock handlebars are part of the character of this bike. Which is comfort. For someone that wants the RS660 to commute or have long rides the stock handlebars are perfect. As perfect as they are though it doesn’t give you the aggressive position needed for track use or in general hard street riding. I find that the lower clip ons give you a more controlled body position in the turns. It helps you bring your upper body lower and in to the turn, minimizing lean angle resulting into faster cornering. The Bonamici clip ons are also longer than the stock. This also results in less push on the handlebar to counter steer, which make the bike more agile. Even with these aftermarket clip ons, its still more comfortable than say an R6. So for me this is a must upgrade to every RS660 especially being a cost effective upgrade.
Your rs660 is amazing, definitely the cleanest one I’ve seen. Great video.
Thank you I appreciate that. More mods coming up. ✌️
Muy buen video bro, yo soy mecánico de automóvil , y te digo qué haces muy buen trabajo en tu RS660, con tus videos ayudas mucho a otros que tenemos Aprilia , saludos y gracias por tus videos ✌️
Thank you my friend. Thats the goal! 👌✌️
My recommendation just from experience if reusing the stock steering stem bolt is to mark it and torque to the same mark. The steering stem bolt tightness has a similar affect to preloading/tensioning the steering bearings and greatly affects the steering. Often, when you bolt it to factory spec, it doesn't feel the same. Just my 0.02
With experience, “feel”, is sometimes better than the manual specs. For example, thats very true for the RS660 oil pan bolts. They are listed as 12 Nm torque and a lot of people find that they need to go higher in order to avoid oil leaks. My steering stem feels great at 100 Nm which is also what Aprilia recommends.
or you can just uploadt yourself "adjusting by eye" and calling things easy while you bend your master cylinder support and pur clip ons in such a position you won't be able to grab them.
Thankyou mike, for making this video ! ❤🎉
You are welcome!! ✌️
Amazing! Great job. Super useful!
Appreciate that! ✌️
Thanks for making the video, Mike!
My pleasure. More coming up! ✌️
Great instructions video Ty
✌️
good job mike bravo
Thank you brother! 💪
Amazing video mike!
Thank you ✌️
Good install vid, keep it up 👍🏻
Thanks brother! 💪
Hello Mike, and congrats, best rs I ve seen so far. I'm planning to do this exact upgrade, as weel as upgrading the rearsets. How does it handle right now? Which fork ring did you have it set to? Did you need to also adjust fork settings? Thanks!
Thank you! I’m actually planning to change the rear sets too. The handling of the RS660 is great! Its very smooth and kind of forgiving. Its difficult to explain over a comment my suspension set up. Suspension set up will be different for everyone. Even if the rider remains the same, the settings will be different on two different RS660’s. I tuned my bike, but I had Dave Moss perfect it. I will make a video on suspension tuning soon. But to answer your question, yes, I adjusted front fork preload and rebound, and rear sock preload and rebound.
@@ALFAVITAGA thanks for the reply Mike, enjoy your rs, cheers from Italy!
@@gabrielepiccini5364 Thank you! You too! ✌️
@@ALFAVITAGA Honestly, it's going to be similar especially for bikes with suspension quirks. Like the rebound adjuster on the rear shock doesn't change as much until you get to 4 clicks out and then the change to 3 clicks is massive. The fork rebound seems to adjust pretty progressively. I have those set I think at 4 clicks out and as the oil ages I can change it to 3 or 2 slicks out. Likewise with the shock. Preload depends on your weight, but remember it also effects your ride height and therefore geometry.
@@DearMajesty I’m still good on the front fork at 7 clicks out. But rear Im at 3 clicks out. Sooner or later that rear shock will have to go.
Hi Mike and thank you for your videos, which are really helpful! I also installed the bonamic clipons, the only problem I have is that the brake lever (TWM lever) touches against the fairing when I steer. I've already tried to vary the inclination but it always touches...do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much!
The two brands I have confirmed they clear the fairings with no issues, are Spider and Rizoma. I haven’t seen the Bonamici levers. If you have tried all the height positions maybe they just don’t clear.
Hey man! I find the carbon part next to your ignition super flashy and neat. What is that part called and from where can one order it? Any help would be much appreciated!
Thank you! I was able to find it on AF1 Racing under decals. Here’s the link: www.af1racing.com/2H000874-OEM-Aprilia-Decal-54-World-Championships
Nice video my friend
Thank you my friend! 💪
Great video. Why though? With the clip-ons. Higher or lower?
The stock handlebars on the RS660 are perfect for someone that is looking for a more comfortable sporty ride. But if you are looking for a more involved aggressive body position it is best to lower the clip ons. Thats why I did it.
@@ALFAVITAGAAh, I see now. What is that, like an inch lower?
Hi Mike, do you know if I could use non-raised semi-handlebars with the original fairing? spider for example
Non-raised don’t fit. They don’t clear the stock fairings.
Nice video! Question, what frame sliders are you using? They look pretty low-profile
Evotech Performance Frame Sliders ✌️
Do you think they are alright on track. As I've seen most people use smaller shorter profile for track. Which only ones I've seen are womotech.
Also any reason why you went with spider triple clamp instead of woodcraft triple to go with the clip ons
Hey Mike. Quick question - Any need to drill any holes in the clip-ons for any of the controls? I'm switching my Factory to clip-ons later this week.
No need for drilling. All the controls clamp on the clip ons with no issues. 👌
It’s less comfortable riding with those clip ons? Also does the bike feel better with the triple tree?
Obviously the stock handlebars are more comfortable. But not that much more. It feels a lot better with the lower clip ons and triple. Better body position and turns.
Makes sense. I had a bike previously with your setup and I found it a little harsh on my back. But then again the APRILIA’s seat positioning is not that aggressive.
You may have addressed this but wondering approximately how much lower was this setup? I'm thinking about an inch or a bit more? If you could let me know that would be great. Thanks!
I didn’t measure how much it drops exactly. But the Bonamici clip on goes flush with the top fork where the triple sits. I would say it drops about 1.5 times the diameter of the stock clip on. Its the lowest clip on you can go before it starts rubbing on the fairing.
@@ALFAVITAGA Thanks so much for replying! Appreciate that and going to do this mod for sure for improved body positioning on track. Cheers!
Of course! You will love the difference ✌️
Are these the clip-ons with 10mm rise? I'm trying to buy a set but don't want clearance issues with the stock fairing.
I don’t know the exact rise but these are the ones: cbcmoto.com/shop/ols/products/bonamici-aprilia-rs660-clip-ons-51mm
@@ALFAVITAGA thanks for the quick response! You the man!
The OG clip ons was in a way better rider Position.
It depends on the needs. For street riding the stock clip ons are more comfortable. But for aggressive street riding and track riding the aftermarket lower clip ons give more feedback and better body position.
I like more the stock
The stock is definitely unique looking.
Nice video! Are the clip-ons replaceable?
Yes they are. To remove them you need a 1/4 inch drive Hex Bit(I don’t remember the hex size. 4-5mm?) with a 1/4 inch extension and a 1/4 drive ratchet.
@@ALFAVITAGA Awesome thanks. One last question. Do you feel it's low enough, or do you feel a no rise clip-on would be better if you had to do it again? Having a hard time deciding between these or a zero rise clip-on. Thanks again!
@@dj0100 The main reason I chose the rise, is to clear the stock fairing. If you go with a no rise clip ons, they will rub on the fairings and the bars wont steer. The no rise clip ons are made for race fairings. Essentially you have no choice but to chose the rise, if you are keeping the stock fairings. If I converted my bike to a track bike, I would then choose the no rise clip ons. For aggressive street and canyon riding, the rise clip ons are the perfect medium between the stock bars and the more aggressive no-rise clip ons.
@@ALFAVITAGA Awesome thanks!
Hi I'm buying a RS660 next year. What is the purpose of this. Im a New to this Hobby
The purpose of the triple clamp and clip ons is to improve ergonomics. By lowering the clip ons, it offers a better arm angle on a full tuck position, allowing you to be more aerodynamic. On turns, it improves your upper body position by allowing it to hang off the side of the bike. (See pictures on my front page banner). By changing the clips ons you also have the option to have longer handlebars. The longer they are, the easier it is to counter steer. The shorter they are the more aerodynamic you are. The stock RS660 handlebars offer a great middle point of a comfortable but sporty position. If this is your first bike, I strongly recommend to leave the stock handle bars on, until you excel into this sport to the point that you will know on your own that you need to replace them. Have fun and be safe! ✌️
@@ALFAVITAGA Thanks for clarification. I'm Subscribed to your channel. Question is there a Particular year to avoid on RS660 ? I read some issues on those first 800 earlier models.. you have a beautiful bike man. This will be my 1st bike. Im 54 now hopefully it will be a good bike for my weekend ride. Thanks for your help
@@mr2dsp Thank you! The RS660 is the perfect bike for all ages. Regarding reliability, there was a recall on the first production models on the con rods. This was resolved quickly and the owners under this recall had their entire engines replaced. If you are buying a new RS660 there is nothing to worry about as it will be under warranty. If you are buying a used one, just ask for the dealer service records for any reliability issues on that bike.
Whats the benifit?
@@GenghisKhan311 The purpose of the triple clamp and clip ons is to improve ergonomics. By lowering the clip ons, it offers a better arm angle on a full tuck position, allowing you to be more aerodynamic. On turns, it improves your upper body position by allowing it to hang off the side of the bike. By changing the clips ons you also have the option to have longer handlebars. The longer they are, the easier it is to counter steer. The shorter they are the more aerodynamic you are. The stock RS660 handlebars offer a great middle point of a comfortable but sporty position. But if you need absolute feedback and control you must change them.
Hello one question,why did you change this piece? with the new model does the handlebar look more RS style? lower?
The stock handlebars are part of the character of this bike. Which is comfort. For someone that wants the RS660 to commute or have long rides the stock handlebars are perfect. As perfect as they are though it doesn’t give you the aggressive position needed for track use or in general hard street riding. I find that the lower clip ons give you a more controlled body position in the turns. It helps you bring your upper body lower and in to the turn, minimizing lean angle resulting into faster cornering. The Bonamici clip ons are also longer than the stock. This also results in less push on the handlebar to counter steer, which make the bike more agile. Even with these aftermarket clip ons, its still more comfortable than say an R6. So for me this is a must upgrade to every RS660 especially being a cost effective upgrade.
@@ALFAVITAGA I understand the explanation and I see it with a better posture than the standard one. I really like the way it looks on the bike. Can't this Aprilia adjust the height of the forks?
@@uxjordan It can, but its not advisable to adjust fork height just so the body position drops. A change in fork height will change the trail/rake values and this should be done only for competitive track riders and for very specific goals. Also these changes would be at a minimum between 1-4mm if that. Anything larger and the bike will be a disaster in handling. Take for instance drag racers. They drop the forks so low that they bikes are only meant for straight lines. Changing handlebars is the best and safest option to drop the body position. And yes, the aftermarket ones look so much better in my opinion.
Is that woodcraft clip ons?
Woodcraft is the triple clamp. The clip ons are Bonamici.
Where did you buy the carbon part for the ignition lock?
From AF1 Racing.
Does it’svibrate a lot when you ride. I’ve noticed when I removed the bar end weights , feel a lot vibration on the stock bars
The bar ends are there to minimize vibration. Without them it will vibrate more.
@@ALFAVITAGA yea , I know , my question was if it would be the same with the upgraded triple clamp and clip ons . I want to put the hand guards .
@@fuastoreyes921 The upgraded triple clamp and clip ons came with some light plastic bar ends that don’t really qualify as bar ends. I had no vibration issues with them but I changed them to lever guards anyway.
@@ALFAVITAGA cool . Thank you . And I appreciate the feedback . Godbless on the new bike .
Thank you! ✌️
Does it clear the fairings at full turn?
Yes, they clear both sides ✌️
What size do i have to look for to drop it lower? Is it the triple tree or the clipons that make it lower?
@@FutureProductionz239 Well technically both as you must remove the stock triple that has the clip ons attached. But how low it will go depends on the clip ons. These Bonamici clip ons have a rise to them to clear the stock fairing. No other clip ons clear the stock fairing. If you go with a track race fairing then you can go lower with zero rise clip ons.
M8 hello great vid as usual!!!can you please tell me how wide is the sleeve on the base of the clip on?not its diameter its width.thanx in advance
I’m a little confused on what you are asking me exactly. Do you need to know the width of the circular base of the clip on that fits into the fork? If yes, then the width of that circle is the diameter. I can’t attach a photo on a comment to mark the point of which you need to measure. Can you be a little more specific so I can provide you the correct measurement?
@@ALFAVITAGA yeap its kind of hard to explain i know the diameter.i was wondering what is the width of the clamp that hugs the fork like the metal ring lets say.i have a custom project nad want to use the same clip ons but i have clearance issues
@@konstantinoskourini Ok I think I understand now what you’re asking. You need to know the thickness/width of the “ring” or “clamp” that fits on the fork. I will measure it and let you know.
@@ALFAVITAGA thanx m8 much appreciated
@@konstantinoskourini The thickness of the ring is 5mm. But the thickness where the two screws tighten the ring is about 15mm. Hope this helps.
May i know what is your lever series n brand?
They are made by Spider Racing for the RS660.
Qual è il vantaggio di montare quella piastra?
The stock handlebars are part of the character of this bike. Which is comfort. For someone that wants the RS660 to commute or have long rides the stock handlebars are perfect. As perfect as they are though it doesn’t give you the aggressive position needed for track use or in general hard street riding. I find that the lower clip ons give you a more controlled body position in the turns. It helps you bring your upper body lower and in to the turn, minimizing lean angle resulting into faster cornering. The Bonamici clip ons are also longer than the stock. This also results in less push on the handlebar to counter steer, which make the bike more agile. Even with these aftermarket clip ons, its still more comfortable than say an R6. So for me this is a must upgrade to every RS660 especially being a cost effective upgrade.
@@ALFAVITAGA hai ottenuto una posizione più sportiva. Molto bene.
@@ZERODOSI correct
for my taste this clamp has not a plaisant design, and probably not lighter than the stock one.
It’s a few grams heavier than stock. But it was the only one I could find that uses a steering lock.