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Head to head

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R vs Aprilia RS 660

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

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Aprilia RS 660 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R leads on power with 127 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.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
8.2

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Aprilia RS 660
Our pick
8.8

Aprilia

Aprilia RS 660

The verdict

The Aprilia RS 660 edges it overall at 8.8/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 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-6R

127 hp and 0.64 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$11,299$11,549
KickTheStand score8.2 / 108.8 / 10
Performance
Engine636cc four659cc twin
Power127 hp100 hp
Torque70.8 Nm67 Nm
Power-to-weight0.64 hp/kg0.55 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork, adjustable41mm Kayaba USD fork
Rear suspensionUni-Trak monoshock, adjustableMonoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, radial 4-piston, ABSDual 320mm discs, Brembo radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight198 kg183 kg
Seat height830 mm820 mm
Fuel capacity17 L15 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forsport, tracksport, track, touring

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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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R vs Aprilia RS 660: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R or the Aprilia RS 660?

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R makes the most power at 127 hp and 70.8 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R or the Aprilia RS 660?

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $11,299.

Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 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 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 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.

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