APRILIA RS 250 (1999-2000) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1999, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Aprilia RS 250, a sports motorcycle in its second year of production since its last upgrade. The bike, also known as the RS250GP1, celebrated Aprilia's victory in the 250cc GP racing class.

The 1999 machine benefited from the 1998 modifications, including a revised styling with a more modern approach, a new Showa front fork, height adjustability on the rear, a new instrument panel with new functionalities, and new rims and tires.

It was similar in design to Marco Melandri's RSWGP250 racing machine, packing the same engine and frame as the model manufactured between 1995 and 1997. In addition, the 1999 model had a dummy ram air intake.

Suspension-wise, the motorcycle packed a 40 mm Showa inverted fork on the front with 120 mm of travel and an adjustable monoshock tied to a magnesium swingarm on the rear, offering optimum handling capabilities.

As for the braking performance, the bike's wheels packed two 298 mm brake discs on the front and a 220 mm brake disc on the rear. The ones from the front were engaged by four-piston calipers, while the one from the rear was tied to a two-piston caliper.

In the performance department, the 1999 Aprilia RS 250 had installed a 249cc two-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 72 hp with a peak force at 11,900 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 10,700 rpm.