9 Aprilia RS 660 Problems You Can Fix at Own

The Aprilia RS 660 has certainly made waves in the motorcycle industry with its impressive performance and distinctive style. 

However, like any other motorbike, it’s not without its share of issues. So, in this post, I’ll walk through common problems and provide you with possible solutions.

Let’s begin!

Aprilia RS 660 Problems

Aprilia RS 660 common problems are engine halting, won’t start, unusual friction during braking, shift linkage issues, electric issues, brake pad material problems, rear brake squeaking, and Reliability concerns.

1. Engine Halting

 A common issue experienced by some Aprilia RS 660 owners is the abrupt halting of the engine. 

This can happen due to several reasons, often related to fuel, ignition, or mechanical problems. 

For example, if the motorcycle’s fuel supply is inconsistent, it might lead to engine stuttering or even complete stoppages. 

Another common cause could be issues with the ignition system like a faulty spark plug causing misfires.

Mechanical problems like a clogged air filter can also lead to the engine halting, as it can starve the engine of necessary air.

So, you should ensure there’s sufficient fuel in the tank and the fuel filter isn’t clogged. Next, inspect the spark plugs for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary. 

You should also examine the air filter should be regularly cleaned or replaced as needed. 

2. Starting Trouble

A likely reason for this could be a drained battery, which is often a result of leaving your bike unused for an extended period.

If the battery doesn’t have enough charge, it won’t be able to provide the starter motor with sufficient power to crank the engine.

Another probable cause is a faulty ignition switch, which can prevent the starter motor from receiving the electricity it needs. 

The issue may also lie with the starter motor itself, which, if worn out or damaged, might struggle to start the engine.

To resolve these issues, you should first check the battery. If it’s not holding a charge, you should replace it. 

If the battery is fine, the problem might be with the ignition switch or starter motor. While these components are more complicated, you can still perform some tests at home. 

For example, listen closely when you attempt to start the bike. A clicking or grinding sound could be a sign of a failing starter motor. 

If you suspect an issue with the ignition switch or starter motor, it’s best to consult the mechanic.

3. High Fuel Consumption

This issue could stem from various causes. One possible reason is the aggressive riding style that the RS660 encourages. 

Sprinting and high-speed rides can also lead to more fuel being burned. 

Also, the bike’s engine, while high-performance, is not designed for efficiency, leading to higher gasoline usage.

To resolve this, you can adopt a more conservative riding style. By keeping the revs low and avoiding unnecessary acceleration, you can significantly reduce fuel consumption. 

Secondly, regular oil changes, keeping your air filter clean, and ensuring your tire pressure is optimal can all contribute to better fuel efficiency.

4. Shift Linkage Issue

Some riders have reported that the shift linkage slides down and, in extreme cases, may even fall off. 

This can lead to difficulties in gear change, compromising the motorcycle’s performance and the rider’s safety. 

It appears that the bolt holding the linkage in place might be the root cause of this issue. 

The bolt might have manufacturing defects or might be incorrectly sized, which causes it to loosen over time.

One solution to this problem is to replace the faulty bolt with a new one of the appropriate size and better quality. 

Ensure to lubricate the linkage periodically to ensure its smooth operation and reduce wear and tear.

5. Electrical Issues

Two potential culprits are often behind these issues: a loose battery terminal connection and problematic relays.

Vibrations from regular use of your motorcycle can cause the battery terminals to loosen over time. 

This can lead to an inconsistent supply of power to the motorcycle’s systems, causing sudden cut-offs or erratic behaviour. 

So, you should locate the battery, and check the connections to the terminals. They should be firmly attached and free of any corrosion. If they’re loose, simply tighten them with a wrench.

Relays are essentially switches in your bike’s electrical system, directing power to where it’s needed. 

If they’re not working properly, you can experience a range of issues, including difficulty starting, power loss, or non-functioning lights. 

First, check your motorcycle’s manual to find the location of the electrical relays – they’re often in a box with the fuses. 

Once located, you can test them by swapping them with a known good relay (such as the headlight relay, which is typically the same).

6. Rear Brake Squeaking

This is often due to the brake pads vibrating against the rotor. When the friction material on the brake pad rubs against the rotor, it can create a high-frequency vibration that results in that familiar squeaking noise.

There are a few solutions to this issue. Firstly, you might consider checking the brake pads. If they’re worn down, you should replace them with new ones. 

Another method is to apply a brake lubricant on the back of the brake pads, which can help to reduce the vibration and consequently, the noise. 

Lastly, check the alignment of the brake calliper. If it’s not properly aligned with the rotor, it can create unnecessary friction and cause the squeaking.

7. Engine Failure Due to Faulty Connecting Rods

The connecting rods are responsible for transferring motion from the pistons to the crankshaft, and when they fail, the entire engine can seize, causing a sudden loss of power. 

In the case of these Aprilia models, the connecting rods were found to be defective, leading to the recall.

So, in this situation, you should replace the faulty connecting rods. However, this is not a task that can be done easily by any rider but requires technical expertise. 

The new connecting rods should be sourced from Aprilia directly or a trusted aftermarket supplier to ensure the best quality and fit.

8. Fuel Pump Problems

These problems are usually characterized by the motorcycle’s inability to start, loss of power when the vehicle is under stress, or the bike suddenly shutting down while on the move.

The primary reason for these problems is often the degradation of the fuel pump over time due to normal wear and tear, poor fuel quality, or dirt and debris in the fuel tank. 

Components within the pump can become worn or clogged, resulting in an insufficient fuel supply to the engine, thus causing performance issues.

So, you should first check if there’s dirt in the fuel filter, which you should clean or replace if necessary. If the problem persists, it may be due to the fuel pump itself. 

You could consider replacing the pump, which is a task that you can carry out yourself if you’re comfortable with motorcycle maintenance. 

Aprilia RS 660 Price

In the United States, it’s priced at around $11,300, a competitive price point considering its advanced technology, performance features, and Italian design aesthetics. 

Aprilia RS 660 Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Engine	659cc Aprilia forward-facing parallel twin, four-stroke, liquid-cooled
Engine Power	Asymmetrical aluminium swingarm, single shock with rebound and spring pre-load adjustment
Torque	49.4 ft-lb (67.0 Nm) at 8,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed with Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) up-and-down system
Suspension Front	Inverted Ø 41 mm Kayaba fork, rebound and pre-load adjustable
Suspension Rear	3.5”x17” aluminium alloy, Tubeless radial tire: 120/70 ZR 17”
Brakes Front	320 mm double disc, Brembo radial callipers with 4 horizontally opposed 32 mm pistons
Brakes Rear	220 mm disc, Brembo calliper with two Ø34 mm separate pistons
Front Wheel	5.5”x17” aluminium alloy, Tubeless radial tire: 180/55 ZR 17 (alternatively 180/60 ZR17)
Rear Wheel	5.5”x17” aluminum alloy, Tubeless radial tire: 180/55 ZR 17 (alternatively 180/60 ZR17)
Fuel Tank Capacity	3.96 gal (including 1.05 gal reserve)
Seat Height	32.3 inches (820 mm)
Wet Weight	403 lbs (183 kg)
Price	$11,499 USD / $13,995 CAD

Aprilia RS 660 Review

The RS 660 is a light, nimble, and well-balanced sport bike. It offers precise steering, good performance on various road surfaces, and a satisfying exhaust note. 

While some pre-production models had minor software glitches, they are expected to be resolved in full production. 

Owners appreciate the bike’s performance, handling, and range of electronic rider aids. 

However, there have been reports of oil leaks and quality control issues with the 2021 models. 

Overall, the RS 660 provides great value for its performance and features compared to its rivals.

What Is the Fuel Consumption of Aprilia RS 660?

The fuel consumption varies depending on the riding style – for moderate driving, you can expect to consume around 4.01 litres per 100 kilometres.

For normal riding, the consumption slightly increases to around 4.65 litres per 100 kilometres. 

If you are running at faster speeds, the consumption may rise to about 4.93 litres per 100 kilometres.

You can also check out the problems with Aprilia Shiver 750, Aprilia Shiver 900, Aprilia Tuono V4, Tuareg 660, Scarabeo 500, Scarabeo 200 & Pegaso 650

Sources: MCN | Aprilia