Aprilia RS 660 Problems — What Can Go Wrong with Your Bike?

Why do people spend a lot of money on bikes, and why do they give them special treatment? Perhaps, it is for the simple reason that bikes trigger a sense of power and freedom. 

Ideal bikes are reliable, but this does not phase out the possibility of a breakdown occurring. A breakdown, believe it or not, is capable of plunging an obsessive owner into the doldrums.

A lot can go wrong with anything but we never want that to happen, especially if we own and ride an RS 660. Aprilia, the reputed Italian company, unveiled this line to the world at EIMCA 2019. This sports bike, in addition to its unforgettable design, reigns in its aerodynamics. It produces 100 horsepower, 49 pound-feet of torque, and is street-friendly.

2021 saw a massive recall of RS 660 motorcycles for reasons regarding their engines. The recall, a commendable act, shows that even the ability to give sensations of power cannot do away with the infallible nature of things.

These bikes have excellent quality and performance, this is why it is crucial to know what could go wrong with your bike so that as the beholder, you do not get carried away by its unique beauty.

The 2021 recall situation

Approximately two years after unveiling the RS 660 to the world, instead of increased sales and appraisals, Aprilia bore the cost of replacing its engines.

The component in question was the crankshaft connecting rod. Crankshafts have been described as the 'backbone of internal combustion engine'. It is the activities of con-rods and crankshafts that causes the wheel of a vehicle to move. 

Inadequate connecting rods are detrimental to the engine. Crankshafts are supposed to be wear-resistant, but if the opposite is the case, then bike riders will be exposed to the risk of sudden stalls and crashes.

Aprilia's intervention consisted of replacing engines for free and reviewing the warranty policy. Had this not been taken care of, then engine failures would have been the most predominant problem of the RS 660 that riders encounter. Faulty connecting rods lead to engine failure, and this would have been an appalling public outcry.

The recall of 2021 is significant in the history of RS 660. One of the complaints tabled against it back then was that at high speeds the vehicle began vibrating like crazy and the alarm pressure warning light came on.

What else can go wrong with your bike?

Aprilia RS 660, is a sports bike often described as 'street-friendly'. Since it is built for action and performance, a host of problems may surface as listed below:

• Noise issues
• Engine Halting
• Fuel system problems
• ECU malfunction
• Handling problems
• Braking problems
• Vibration at high speed
• High fuel consumption
• Bad throttle
• Engine problems
• Tires
• Bike contamination issues

Problems could well be peculiar to a particular bike, based on usage and especially the manner and attitude of such usage.

When these occur, an automotive shop would be the best place to swing by. Alternatively, you can attempt to DIY, using the owner's manual.

Noise Issues

Noise issues emanating from the engine and triggered by speed defeats the whole purpose of the RS 660, originally built for excellent rides.

Where the noise is beyond what is ordinarily supposed to be heard, take the bike for preventative servicing.

High Fuel Consumption

This is a common problem with motorcycles. The reasons why a bike would overly consume fuel include:

• The air filter is dirty
• Tight brakes
• Oil leaks
• The terrain where rides are taken.

The ever-rising price of gas makes this problem very undesirable. Low-grade fuels can be a reason for such high consumption.

Engine halting

If engine halting persists, it may lead to absolute engine failure. This may happen for several reasons, for instance, faulty spark plugs. The fuel quality, if bad can trigger engine-related issues. The engine itself needs to get the necessary amount of fuel to start. Ensure that fuels are always of very good quality (fuels and any other fluid at all).

ECU malfunction

Electrical problems can be quite difficult to deal with. This is because it was systematically built to identify and solve problems. For instance, warning lights may no longer function and the engine itself may stop working.

Probable causes are wiring, coils, and battery faults. The worst part of this is that it may occur without any warning sign and may be difficult to detect.

Electrical malfunction may not be your area of expertise, so take the bike for maintenance where appropriate diagnostic tools will be used to determine the problem.

Handling problems

What is a bike ride when you have this to dampen the mood and ambiance? Sportbikes such as the RS 660 afford the chance to feel in control.

When the rider finds it hard to push the bike to maximum speed, what then has at all been achieved? Of course, the automotive shop is a reliable place to turn when this problem is beyond your capacity, but do inspect the tires to see whether they are deflated.

Braking problems

Braking problems are bad, first because they happen suddenly. It is an essential part of the motorcycle. It negatively impacts riding performance. Braking problems are dangerous as they can involve other road users in an accident. When at low speeds and squeaking occurs in the rear brake, it could have been caused by new particles in the brakes.

Vibration at high speed

Vibrations are typical of sports bikes such as the RS 660. When the vibrations start to feel like or translate to jerkings, do a thorough check of the chain, chainset, bolts, and shock absorbers. When vibrations become a necessary cause of concern, check whether the engine is overheated.

Bad throttle

Bad throttle is caused by problems in the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs. The engine relies on the spark plug, and where both cannot work together properly, acceleration will be poor.

Fuel delivery problems

Contaminated fuel can become a problem; it occurs especially when the rider uses the bike for fewer intervals. The fuel can become contaminated and clog up the system. It causes makes the system to stall.

Tracking

When it becomes difficult or impossible to track the bike straight, ensure that the wheels are aligned. This problem makes for a less than excellent riding experience, whether on a road or track.

Engine problems

The engine may have mechanical problems or cease altogether. Mechanical problems are best solved in an auto shop. Unfortunately, engine replacement is not as rare as you may think among Aprilia RS660 models and this may cause some considerations when buying this bike used.

Tires

Tires are crucial to performance. They are what take the riders through time. Tires are susceptible to wear and tear. Worn-out tires can be a source of problems. A rider should check the tires regularly to prevent any form of malfunction. Worn-out tires make for limited traction.

Bike contamination issues

A rider rides the bike through dirt and debris. This can accumulate and clog the system. It can infiltrate the air filter. Hence, the outward appearance of the motorcycle alone will not suffice.

While washing your bike with much glee and happiness, think to do the same about its internal parts. The analogy best suited to this is that of brushing our teeth. Two minutes per day is enough to clear out all the debris that may have accumulated over time.

If dirt accumulates in your engine, you will have a greater fixed cost to deal with in the long run.

The overall message here is that regular servicing and maintenance should be carried out on the RS 660. 

Other reliability problems

Reliability problems span from oil leaks to hard and tiny seats. The RS 660 is lauded for its ergonomics, but the tiny space designed for the rider may be insufficient in certain situations such as scooting back. 

The noise emanating from the engine (when above 80 mph) is a problem when a rider is just about ready to take flight or is already gliding up the road to some paradise. 

Conclusion

Sport bikes are built to be treasured and enjoyed. They are like gardens, to be tended. The RS 660 was an answer to the cry of many who now cherish and love it. However, this does not mean that life remains all cherries and peaches. 

So many things are capable of going wrong. Even things that have not been covered in this article may occur. Auto shops are reliable sources of information. 

Whether it is an oil leak or a brake problem, the RS 660 was designed to be enjoyed. Riders and owners ought to brace themselves for the responsibility of ensuring that their bikes are kept in the best conditions. This is not to deny the fact that some problems will be unexpected or out of the rider's control.