APRILIA RS 250 (1997-1998) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Aprilia RS 250 was a sports motorcycle that debuted in 1995 and manufactured until 2002. It was a race-oriented motorcycle developed using technology from Aprilia's racing experience. The Aprilia RSW250 Grand Prix machine ridden by Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, and Loris Capirossi in MotoGP races inspired the bike.

In 1997, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Aprilia RS 250, a sports motorcycle in its third year of production, packing the same specifications as previous models without any significant modifications.

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

In the performance department, the 1997 Aprilia RS 250 delivered 72 hp at 11,900 rpm and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 10,750 rpm from a 249cc two-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine managed by two Mikuni carburetors.

Suspension-wise, the bike's riding experience was offered by a 41 mm inverted fork on the front, offering 120 mm of travel, and an adjustable monoshock with 130 mm of travel on the rear.

The bike's braking power was achieved by two 298 mm brake discs mounted on the 17-inch front wheel and a 220 mm disc mounted on the 17-inch rear wheel. The front discs were coupled to four-piston calipers, and the rear disc was tied to a two-piston caliper.