Aprilia took an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it mentality” when motivating their RS250 two-stroke race replica, and packed Suzuki’s proven RGV250Γ “Gamma” engine and six-speed gearbox into their machine, albeit with extra tuning for a claimed 70hp. While that number may be theoretically possible, it seems pretty optimistic and might make for a short-lived and exceptionally high-strung machine in practice. Suffice to say, the RS250 was a worthy competitor for machines from Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha.
While I love trellis frames, it’s hard to argue with the beautifully sculpted aluminum alloy beam frame seen here, paired with a distinctive, asymmetrical “banana” swingarm intended to allow the expansion chambers to tuck up close to the side of the bike for maximum cornering clearance. And while bikes from the Japanese manufacturers used components that were similar on paper, they were far less sensual in execution.
The RS250 was restyled in 1998 and featured pointier nose and tail sections, reflective silver-on-flat-black graphics, and a new dash that matched their RSV. I definitely prefer this earlier bodywork and the older-style dash seen here that is clearly set up with easy removal of the the speedo and idiot-light dash for racing. Or so you can honestly say things like, “No officer, I have no idea how fast I was going.” And while race-replicas are often garish beasts to quickly identify them on a crowded racetrack, this era RS250 is pretty subtle. Best of all, this example has a New York State Title, which definitely adds to the bike’s desirability and means you can do more with your little race-rep than just display it as the previous owner has apparently done, or thrash the daylights out of it on track.
From the original eBay listing: 1995 Aprilia RS250 Loris Reggiani Replica for Sale
#265 of 500 made!
I woke up today and decided at the age of 55, it was time to grow up. Walked into my man cave which is full of toys, and rolled out my extremely rare RS-250 to sell. She has only 3176 kilometers (1904 miles). What could be better than that? A CLEAN & CLEAR NYS STREET LEGAL TITLE!
But probably the BEST THING about this bike is that it runs and rides perfectly. Starts with just a kick and idles smooth as glass! Being a 40 plus year motorcycle enthusiast and owner of a bike shop, my toys are always ready to ride – even though I rarely play with them.
There are a few minor cosmetic flaws that I never got around to addressing. Left rear tail graphic was scratched in transport, windscreen cracked and right side fairing has a drip of white paint on it. That’s pretty much it. Paint is extremely nice and 100% original.
Bidding is at $9,500 with the reserve met. It’s a shame about those frankly horrible scratches on the tail section, but the bike is otherwise in beautiful condition, with very low miles, and is claimed to run very well. I’d ditch those aftermarket purple fasteners the first weekend I got it home and then proceed to wrestle with the dilemma: do I sit and admire it, or thrash the wheels off it?
-tad
Best of the best here. MCN voted the Reggiani rep as one of the best repli racer liveries of all time, hard to argue with that.
But WTF happened to the tail section on this one? It’s like an angry beaver attacked it. Seller should have had that repaired and it would really go for top dollar.
Over hyped these rs250’s are compared to the Japanese 250’s bigger in size and heavier. It has all the flaws of the Rgv engine and it makes the same power not more. I’ve ridden one of the later models that have the much better showa forks it’s definitely not as cool or as light as my tzr 250 spr.
Plus they have plastic gas tanks that have been known to swell these days thanks to ethanol in our gas. It’s not worth more than a Rgv nsr tzr etc low miles or not.
That is exactly why I finally got rid of mine. I was barely able to get the tank on my ’02 back into the frame.
As much of a fan as I am of the RS, most fan (atics) would agree that the NSR/ TZR are way more desirable.
I love these bikes. Have the 2002 Challenge version. Without a shadow of doubt the best handling bike I have every ridden. Light, phenomenal brakes, and the power is fantastic from such a small engine. You have to work the gearbox but the acceleration when on-pipe is fantastic. Also incredibly forgiving. I track mine and have found the need to touch the brakes or change line when most other bikes would flick me off. RS just changes direction. Bellissima.
I have a Chesterfield. Love it for many reasons. One being a very shallow reason, it’s so damn good looking.
So in rsbfs fashion I want to know why the inner fender is missing why no turn signals. Aftermarket rear sets and pipes on a low miles “original condition” bike are for?
Market dictates otherwise on pricing.
Worth 8-10k in my opinion. It’s a very clean bike and desirable paint scheme. I wonder what aftermarket pipes it has?