Much has been written about the little Aprilia RS250 on this site, about its “GP machine for the masses” character and handling, and its snarly little two-stroke v-twin borrowed from the Suzuki RGV250 and revised for improved power. Introduced in 1995 and produced in several iterations that were road-legal up until about 2002, the RS250 represents a purity of purpose and a balance of power, handling, and character we may never see again.
The “Cup” in the name refers to a one-make racing series run in the USA as emissions laws were strangling the little two-stroke and forcing it into an early grave. Cup races pit riders [or drivers] against each other using virtually identical machinery, making for fantastically close competition and drawing positive attention to the manufacturer.
This example is almost perfect, considering its original mission as a race bike and would make an ideal mount for a track-day junkie who still want their ride to look as good as it goes. If your fairing is currently held together by zip-ties, this is probably not the bike for you.
From the original eBay listing: 1999 Aprilia RS250 Cup for Sale
In excellent condition. Not quite “show room” but close. A few small nicks and scratches but no dings or dents or major detracts from its overall appearance. Clean and well cared for by older enthusiasts. This bike is in exceptional condition and has been ridden conservatively all it’s life by an older rider. We raced one back in the day and finished 2nd in the Aprilia Cup Championship in 2000. Bike located in South Carolina. Nothing like the sound and smell of a 2-stroke! Re-live the “Aprilia Cup” on your own RS250. This is a great, low maintenance track bike for any track junkie. At around 60 – 65 bhp it’s an easy ride.
Well, the power may not be overwhelming, but handling is top shelf, making this is a great bike to hone your skills in the art of cornering. And the nice, but-not-perfect condition just makes it even more ideal for use as a track bike: a few scratches mean you won’t be gutted when you forget it doesn’t have a side-stand and drop it in the pits…
This is one of my favorite color combinations for the RS250, and the chrome “racing” on the fairing is just a tiny touch of gaudy that works well with the otherwise muted design. I very much prefer the earlier, more traditional dash with the separate tach and easily-removed speedo/idiot light cluster, although this design is very clear and includes a lap-counter to chart your progress.
I really, really want one of these.
-tad
good god thats a smexy little thing….
Really, really want! Had the chance to buy one new, I was doing moto x at the time. What was I thinking?
Sooo Italian!
1 day prices will return to sane levels, until then rose colored glasses will drive glossy eyed buyers and buyers remorse driven sellers.
Even an RS250 Cup bike is a $4000 to $5000 bike at most. Paying more is foolish.
There is a reason that even good rider RG400/500RZV500/NS400’s are being broken up at a rate of 2 or 3 a week in Japan and sold off as spares, none of these 2 stroke bikes where ever designed for the long haul and are worth more as spares than complete bikes because of stupid speculation buying in the West..
The sooner dreamy eyed speculators get their fill and move on from the 2 stroke market, the sooner the prices can settle down and the actual folks who want to buy and ride and enjoy these fickle bikes can get back into the market again.
2 stroked do not like to stand and not be ridden – any bike standing for years will be a money pit to get back in safe riding condition again.
I will have to agree with RC45, sold off my three RS250’s due to tank swelling and fit and finish issues. Bodywork graphics aren’t clearcoated and tend to look ragged even with the best care. Fun bikes to ride but not going to last the long haul. Time will not be kind to these little rockets.
If by revised and improved you mean peakier and more difficult to keep in the powerband I agree
I agree with you 100% Shane. That is exactly why I sold mine off. The tank started swelling and it was starting to look ragged no matter how hard I tried to keep up the finish. RC45 also correct that these don’t like to just sit around. I was only averaging 2-3 track days a year on it, it served its purpose and it was time to move on. I bought it for $4000 in 2005 and sold it for $6500 in 2012. I was shocked that I got that for it considering it was about a 8.5/ 10.
The bike was really difficult to ride fast but really rewarding when you got everything right. I am glad that I learned how to ride on a slow awesome handling bike like this. Sure taught me alot. And it would sure draw a crowd at a track day.
Good luck to the seller!
RC45, I couldn`t agree more. Those damn Westies are ruining it for us all with their stupid spec buying and market manipulation.
I for one can`t wait till the market settles down so us purists can get back to what these bikes were built for. Upwards of $35k for an RG500 – thats redonkulous !
this isnt worth 7k + unless it has a clean title
This example appears to be a low mile clean example. Minnesota, law changes a few years ago opened the window for street tagging these. without having to pay sales tax on the purchase. These are also now AHRMA racing legal, so they can be used for they can also be used for their original intended purpose. After the death of 2 strokes and 2 stroke racing in the U.S., the uses for these bikes is returning and if you look at the prices 2 stroke road bikes have reached in the U.S. the prices these are starting to draw makes sense in my opinion.
A bike is worth what someone will pay for it. This is capitalism, there is no room for emotion.
As for the bikes being broken in Japan for parts, check the U.S.D. prices on this site; http://www.goobike.com click on the English tab. Looks like the values are rather high for ’80’s bikes, two or four stroke. It is all supply and demand.
One two stroke machine was built for touring, and is as durable as any bike from the 70’s era. That would be the Suzuki GT750. Mine has 40K plus miles and is still running strong. All bikes are vulnerable to the ravages of stasis. This is mitigated by good storage practices. Ride ’em or just look at ’em, who am I to judge.
Life is a great Ride.
Here you go.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/miyabeepluscoltd-jp/m.html?item=400877275134&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562
Spongebib just broke up another RZV500, an RS250 and a couple TZR250 3MA’s this week. He has a Walter Wolf RG400 and 2 more 3XV’s ready to chop up.
The foolish speculation buying in the USA is causing the pool of available bikes to dry up by way of breaking up for spares.
And in reality these bikes are NOT worth the values this bubble is producing. Then again, I see lots of asking prices but who knows how many actually change hands for these foolish inflated prices.