APRILIA RS 250 (1996-1997) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1996, the Italian motorcycle maker launched the Aprilia RS 250, a sports motorcycle in its second year of production, featuring the same technical, visual, and performance specifications as the previous model without any changes.

The bike debuted in 1995 as a race-oriented motorcycle with racing technology from Aprilia's racing experience. It was inspired by the Aprilia RSW250 Grand Prix machine ridden by Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, and Loris Capirossi in MotoGP races.

The maker designed the bike to resemble the MotoGP bike, celebrating their success in the championship. At its core, the bike packed a modified engine from the Suzuki RGV250 with changes like a revised ECU and Aprilia-designed expansion chambers, barrels, and airbox.

It packed the same standard features as the previous model, such as a full fairing with a medium-sized windscreen, a two-piece double seat with an optional passenger cover, a vertically-stacked dual exhaust system, and five-spoke wheels.

As for performance, the 1996 Aprilia RS 250 had its soul brought to life by a 249cc two-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine with two Mikuni carburetors feeding the pistons, boasting 72 hp at 11,900 rpm and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 10,750 rpm.

The bike's five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels were equipped with two 298 mm brake discs coupled to four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm brake disc tied to a dual-piston caliper on the rear.