Suzuki has a long-standing relationship with the smaller Italian brands, providing their well-engineered powerplants to the likes of Bimota, Cagiva, and Aprilia. It makes sense: big companies may have excess production capacity, and it’s practical for smaller companies to purchase powerful, reliable, thoroughly-developed engines and transmissions and instead focus on frames and styling. In the…
Update 3.20.2017: Back on eBay after first being on RSBFS in August 2014 for $11k. Current bid is just under $7k reserve not met. Links updated. -dc I’ve always loved the look of the Aprilia RS 250, but I’m only a recent convert to the stink and rattle of two-strokes. Well, technically, I’m a hypothetical…
Before returning to the MotoGP top class in 2012, Aprilia tested in the World Endurance Championship with their RSV Mille and 1000 models. This commemorative is of their efforts at the legendary Bol D’or 24 Hours, held each September in France. The limited edition color scheme is matched to a quick handling, 143-horse V-twin. 2007…
Back when two-strokes ruled the entry-level sportbike class in Europe, Aprilia’s RS125 was designed to appeal to new riders who wanted something sporty, but were limited in terms of displacement and outright power by strict licensing laws that prevented the purchase of bikes that in the USA would be considered “learner bikes.” Sponsor logos and…
The engine of any motorcycle is its living, beating heart and the powerplant of Aprilia’s funky RSV Mille R was, at the time, as unconventional as the bike’s styling. A 90° v-twin is generally considered ideal for sporting applications, as the angle between the cylinders provides “perfect primary balance” where the unpleasant vibrations caused by…
The fact that it’s offered by a SoCal preparation shop specializing in Suzuki might be a reminder that the Aprilia RS250 used the 249cc two-stroke twin from the RGV250. As enhanced by Aprilia’s intake, top end, and exhaust, the RS250 had power that put 4-strokes with triple the displacement to shame. This first-year race…
Holding up Aprilia’s presence in the beginner market, the Minarelli- engined RS50 was surprising robust, and ready for almost any speed mod. With just break-in miles, this Cali-registered RS50 has thankfully seen none of that. 2003 Aprilia RS for sale on eBay A scooter only to DMV, the Aprilia can make 65 mph out of…
A mix of sleek styling and proven Japanese power, the Aprilia RS250 was the Italian company’s entry into the hotly-contested quarter-liter sportbike class battles and intended to take the fight to Honda’s NSR250, Yamaha’s TZR250, and Suzuki’s RGV250. The monochromatic style was a far cry from the vivid speedblock and tiger-stripe designs of the Japanese…