Posts by tag: Aprilia

Aprilia June 27, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Two-Stroke Race-Rep: 2000 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

While Europeans have always been neck-deep in the whole Moto GP-thing as embodied by bikes like the Aprilia RS250, here in the US where flat-track and drag-racing are king, fans of whippy two-stroke race-replicas had to work a bit harder to get their fix, at least before the advent of the internet… But even US motorcyclists are generally familiar with the RS250, even if they’ve never heard of the Suzuki RGV250 that donated it’s engine and transmission.

Introduced in 1995 and styled to mimic Aprilia’s dominant 1993 race bike, the RS250 was kick-start-only and powered by a two-stroke 90° v-twin cribbed from the aforementioned Suzuki, but tuned to produce a claimed 60hp. The powerband is short and spiky, even with modern two-stroke technology to plump up the mid-range, meaning you have to work the gearbox to make fast progress.

For those new to these little snarly beasts, it’s important to remember that, while 60hp sounds unimpressive, that’s coming from a mere 249cc’s and motivating a bike that weights just 309 pounds dry. And it’s that light weight, not the power that really makes the RS250 so much fun.

While many four-stroke bikes will leave you for dead in a straight line, the RS250 can run rings around them in the corners in the hands of a skilled rider, giving them true giant-killing potential. Everything on the bike is optimized for cornering. Take a look at that famous, funky “banana” swingarm: it was designed to allow room for the bulky exhaust expansion chambers to tuck in close and give good cornering clearance on the exhaust side of the bike.

From the original eBay listing: 2000 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

I have for sale a ultra rare 2000 Aprilia RS250 , this is not a Challenge Cup bike, this one came from the factory roadworthy, 17 digit VIN, and clean title, this bike came from Japan to the U.S in 05/06 I have some history paperwork on it , from Japan , it then went to a museum in Wisconsin and that’s where I got it from, any questions u can email or text or call 919-413-5185

The bike has 10000km/6000miles on it, brand new tires and chain.

The seat has a little tear in it, and one exhaust can has a scratch on it, and that’s the only thing wrong on this bike.

It’s worth noting all the cool stuff this seller also has in their collection, judging from what you can see in the background… holy hell, this guy has a Magni Sfidia! I’ll wait while you all Google that. Wow, that’s a serious bit of exotica, right there.

Anyway, back to the Aprilia.

The bike isn’t perfect, but looks just slightly used, not crashed: that scrape on the exhaust looks more like a moving accident than a low-side. Also, I’d be looking to replace those stock bits with some little carbon tubes anyway. The original listing also includes a couple pictures of the Japanese documentation. Obviously, it’s a really good idea to check with your local DMV before purchase, to make sure there won’t be any hassles

As I’ve stated in the past, I much prefer the earlier RS250’s. The dual seat on this era bike looks awkward to me, incorporated into the downward-sloping speed-hump, and an RS250 is a pretty unlikely passenger-carrying bike anyway.

-tad

Two-Stroke Race-Rep: 2000 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

Aprilia June 19, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Road-Legal Two-Stroke: 2001 Aprilia RS250

Built between 1994 and 2004, the Aprilia RS250 has justifiably developed a cult following among dedicated corner-carvers and track rats. It’s the quintessential “giant killer,” wrapping an impossibly lightweight frame and sleek bodywork around a very compact, 250cc powerplant yanked straight out of Suzuki’s RGV250, with brakes designed to stop a much heavier motorcycle. That means you get sexy Italian bodywork and handling in a sub-300lb dry weight package, with Suzuki’s vast engineering knowhow and easy parts availability. Which is great, considering you’ll be needing new pistions every 6,000 miles or so…

It wasn’t all that long ago that Grand Prix motorcycle racing at all levels featured dirty, dirty two-stroke engines. But with those emissions-unfriendly powerplants rapidly falling out of favor all over the world in favor of durable, eco-friendly four-strokes, the two-stroke has seen a rapid decline. And although track days are more popular than ever, most people buying sportbikes will never see a race track, making two-strokes pointless for those motorcycle fans as well.

But it’s a shame: although the wider powerbands of four strokes have given rise to a whole range of tire-spinning riding styles in Moto GP, two-strokes are notoriously difficult to master, and their explosive, Jekyl/Hyde power delivery gives riders the satisfaction of achieving speed through skill, instead of a heavy right wrist.

This one looks to be in very good condition, with only minor cosmetic blemishes, and includes the very nice set of carbon-kevlar Arrow pipes, tucked in close under the stylish “banana” swingarm designed expressly to improve cornering clearance for the expansion chambers.

From the original eBay listing: 2001 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

For sale is a very nice factory street legal 2001 Aprilia RS250. 5500 Miles, Mototek 316cc kit, Barnett clutch, Arrow Exhaust system. Comes with manuals, touch up paint kit, tank, side fairings and front fairing OEM decal kit. Other spare parts as show in the photos. Motorcycle runs great.

Minor cosmetic blemishes…Championship decal on tank is missing a small section (comes with OEM replacement decal). Right hand lower fairing decal is not perfect (comes with OEM replacement decal). Scratch on top of tank. Gouge on left side of swingarm probably from swingarm stand. Some scratching on the frame near kick start and left side. See photos.

Many RS250’s in the US are untitled track bikes, so the fact that this example is road-legal is an added bonus. Although really, unless you live next to some really twisty roads, you’re probably better off trailering your RS250 to trackdays, rather than riding it around town where its potential is completely wasted.

As I’ve stated previously, I actually prefer the looks, graphics, and more traditional gauges of the earlier bikes, but you can’t argue with the function of Aprilia’s forward-looking dash seen here that includes a lap timer. The later design is a bit of an acquired taste: it looks like a retro-futuristic 1980’s movie, and the kickstart only adds to the vintage two-stroke race-rep charm.

The Aprilia RS250 is on my short list, although I want a pure track bike, which will hopefully keep prices below this one. With only a couple days left, there are zero bids at the starting price of $8,700. While that’s on the higher side for RS250’s, it doesn’t seem out of line, especially for a road-legal bike.

What do you think?

-tad

Road-Legal Two-Stroke: 2001 Aprilia RS250

Aprilia May 30, 2015 posted by Marty

Noale Carbon Dream: 2004 Aprilia Nera in the UK

Here is a bit of carbon fibre dreamery from Italy, an engineering flight of fancy if you will…a 2004 Aprila RSV 1000 Nera. Listed for sale on gumtree but apparently located in Ireland near Belfast, only 200 of these beauties were built back in 2004 during a time when Aprilia dreamed of launching an ultra-exclusive “dream series” of bikes. Carbon fibre everywhere, Ohlins suspension, Brembo braking, lightweight titanium used not just for the exhaust but all the bolts and fasteners, magnesium wheels…it all came together in what was to that point the most light-weight (under 400 lb) and powerful RSV1000 Aprilia had ever offered.

Personally I don’t think the pictures of this bike do it justice…the full carbon fibre bodywork with just a hint of glaze looks incredible in the sunlight and in person the bike looks incredibly purposeful….kind of like a stealth fighter, very function oriented but not raw.

2004 Aprilia Nera for sale in the uk

The Nera was was marketed as a bike for the “cognoscenti’, for people who knew how rare and special is was intended to be. Aprilia even offered a dream package with its dream bike; on top of the $30,000 USD sales price buyers could plop down another $10,000 for an invitation to attend a MotoGP track session in the country of your residence, exclusive memorabilia, and a customized set of leathers.

While Aprilia was aiming high with its $40,000 dream package, it soon found out that aiming high and hitting the mark are two different things. Despite the first bike going to actor Matt LeBlanc of Friends TV show fame and overall excellent reviews, rumor has it that not a single buyer took Aprilia up on the additional “dream package” and that many of the bikes languished on the sales floor for more than a year. Perhaps its not surprising that the company soon ran into financial difficulties and in 2004 Aprilia and Moto Guzzi were acquired by Piaggio who quickly put an end to engineering flights of fancy like the Aprilia Nera/dream series and Moto Guzzi MGS-01.

The base Aprila RSV1000 has proven to be a very reliable motor and this particular product of Noale is listed as having only done 5000 miles so its barely broken in but no service information on this bike is offered. Realistically fluids and fresh rubber would have to be factored into the price.

Speaking of price, the last few of these we have been fortunate enough to have on RSBFS seem to have gone for prices around 6000 GBP/$12,000 USD so while the asking price of 7250 GBP price is about double of a standard RSV its still right in line with the price trend on these and is actually the lowest price I have seen for one of these to date. Perhaps that’s due to its location.

If full on carbon, exclusivity and italian-ness are what you crave, you probably cant do much better than a Aprilia Nera; the 200 unit production number already qualifies the Aprila RSV 1000 Nera as a Rare Sportbike. But I have to be honest say I don’t think the Nera will be a bike that undergoes dramatic price appreciation anytime soon. It is undeniably beautiful and rare but its not based on a true race bike, didnt herald the launch of any major technology and the performance wasn’t significantly different from the standard RSV1000 it was based on. The Nera is instead a bit of designer dreaming that I doubt we will likely see again soon…then again so were the Delahaye and Henderson motorcycles so you never know..

-Marty/Dallaslavowner

Noale Carbon Dream: 2004 Aprilia Nera in the UK

Aprilia April 27, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Orange Dream: 1995 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

Okay, I know you guys are going to jump on the non-standard paint, asking just what damage the shiny, orange-scented paint is hiding… This particular Aprilia RS250 definitely isn’t for purists, but might make a great bike for the right buyer.

The RS250 is a famously agile, although this bike features the front end from a GSX-R600 that supposedly improves things significantly, and it looks like the installation was professionally handled. Many riders might not notice the difference, but the set of radial brakes that came along with the forks are a welcome addition.

And while Aprilia’s famous two-stroke v-twin is one of the best-looking bikes of the period and featured surprisingly subtle, muted paint schemes for the most part, it does look pretty good in bright orange. I certainly don’t mind it when someone decides to do things a bit differently, although it can make things more difficult when the time comes to sell…

The bike obviously isn’t stock, but the seller goes into some detail about the changes he’s made over at the original eBay listing: 1995 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

I am relisting due to the winning bidder not paying. This is a 1995 Aprilia RS250 Reggiani replica street bike. It is NOT a converted cup race bike. I have owned this bike since 2000. It was purchased from Motomorphic in Petaluma, CA and I was told it was an import from Thailand. The bike has a 17 digit VIN number and a clear Arizona title. Although the stock bike was amazing I did make some changes.

The bike runs and fuels perfectly. With the suspension components and chassis setup it handles better than any other street bike I’ve ever ridden. I have other bikes and I spend much more time admiring the Aprilia than I do riding it. There’s nothing like the sound, feel and even smell of a two-stroke bike. Please feel free to ask any questions or for specific photos The bike is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Bike is available for pick up or I’ll be happy to drop it off at any shipping location or motorcycle shop in the Phoenix area. I reserve the right to cancel listing early for local sale. Thanks for looking.

Looking at the photos, the bike isn’t perfect, but I didn’t notice any evidence that the bike has been crashed hard. Just the slight cosmetic damage mentioned by the seller.Any of you eagle-eyed readers see anything amiss?

Personally, I’m okay with the changes that have been made, as long as the seller isn’t looking for top-dollar. I particularly like the Translogic dash, as the stock item is very dated-looking and this should give some additional function as well. If the price is right, this might make a very cool track day machine, with no fears of scuffing up a pristine, all-original bike.

-tad

Orange Dream: 1995 Aprilia RS250 for Sale

Aprilia March 30, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Fast and Collectible: 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille R Colin Edwards Edition

Colin Edwards didn’t ride an RSV in World Superbike, but he did ride for Aprilia Cube in Moto GP, and this edition of the talented v-twin Aprilia was inspired by their unfortunately troubled GP efforts.

The Mille was designed to compete in races and in the showroom against, and grab a slice of Ducati’s v-twin pie, the RSV didn’t simply mimic their formula. Instead of the standard 90° twins usually chosen for sporting twins because of their inherent smoothness, Aprilia contracted with Rotax to build a more compact 998cc 60° motor that allowed more freedom to position the engine in the RS250-derived frame for optimum handling. Twin balance shafts were included to smooth the engine and keep vibrations to an acceptable level.

The bulbous fairing and jet-exhaust and stealth-fighter paint certainly look like nothing else on the road, but provide better wind protection and more rider comfort than the 916’s sleek fairing, especially for taller riders. Reliability is generally excellent, and service intervals are much longer than Ducati’s of the same period.

The R version saw the inclusion of Öhlins suspension front and rear, with a matching steering damper and forged wheels and a dash of carbon fiber. The Colin Edwards Replica is a bit of a paint-and-tape job compared to the standard R, but that’s no bad thing considering the performance of that machine, although it did include the exhausts you see here, a different airbox, and bigger throttle bodies.

From the original eBay listing: 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille R Colin Edwards Edition

Rennsport Naples is proud to offer this extremely rare 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille R 1000 – Colin Edwards Edition #75 of 460 worldwide! (Only 50 were brought to the States).

This Superbike is ready for the track or your collection.

2 prior owners. (Same family).

100% stock!

Runs and sounds incredible! All maintenance recently done. Clutch and brake fluid is clear.

Stock factory Brembo Brakes.
Stock Ohlin front forks and rear shocks.
Akrapovic titanium Aprilia factory exhaust system.
Carbon Fiber is all over the bike. Front and rear fenders, Air intake panels, Exhaust mounts.
Blue factory OZ racing wheels.
Original undertail and tag mount. Factory grips and bar-ends. Factory mirrors.

Have 2 keys and owner manuals.

Rennsport Naples was founded by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. All of the vehicles we sell are clean, smoke free and well maintained.

Call us today to come view this thrilling Aprilia for yourself. (If you are out of the area… Feel free to call for a “on phone complete walkaround”).

We are well versed in door to door shipping of automobiles and motorcycles around the States and will export anywhere in the World

The dual exhausts of this bike are a huge improvement, I think, over the bulky standard single-sided item. Maybe v-twins just look better with twin exhausts?

The Mille managed to blend Japanese build and reliability with Italian style and handling. Basic bikes are fitted with very good components as standard, and represent the cool bike bargain of the decade, unless you’re a collector or a serious track junky. Race-biased performance enhancements of the R model make them ideal for track-rats who want some Italian style and feel on a budget. Race replicas like this Colin Edwards lie at the top end of RSV pricing, but they still represent serious bang for the buck compared to special edition Ducatis.

-tad

Fast and Collectible: 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille R Colin Edwards Edition

Aprilia March 6, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Tiny Dancer: 2009 Aprilia RS125 for Sale

Most small displacement sportbikes look like small-displacement sportbikes, but Aprilia really knows how to make lust-worthy entry-level machines. While their RS250 is certainly no learner bike, this one definitely is: you won’t be going very fast on an RS125, but you will look good doing it…

Manufactured between 1992 and 2012, the RS125 was a two-stroke, single-cylinder bike designed to capture well-heeled young race fans unable to purchase larger motorcycles due to licensing restrictions. This iteration of the 125 was designed to evoke the RSV1000 v-twin sportbike that was at the top of Aprilia’s range until the introduction of the RSV4. With two-strokes being phased out all over the world, the RS125’s place in Aprilia’s lineup has recently been taken over by their new RS4, a cleaner-burning 125 four-stroke powered bike.

It’s a very muscular-looking bike for a 125, although they’re very petite in person. They do feature lights and signals to make them road-legal, but I’ve never seen one that had rearview mirrors fitted. I’m sure a nice set of Rizoma mirrors would add a bit of bling and meet DMV requirements.

This one has had quite a bit of quality aftermarket thrown at it already, and has been tuned by noted East Coast tuner Fast by Ferracci.

From the original eBay listing: 2009 Aprilia RS125 for Sale

For sale 2009 Aprilia RS125 (GP derived replica). Bike is like new with only 446 miles on it, it’s been garaged kept and rarely ridden. Bike is for competition use only but it is titled, plated and registered in the state of PA and is street legal. Bike has some upgrades done to it and I will included all original parts except for OEM exhaust to the buyer. This motorcycle was dyno tuned and services by Fast By Ferracci and produced 31hp at the rear wheel, all the fluids were changed after 300 miles. This is a real rare motorcycle, I believe only 200 were imported in to US, so if you’re looking for a GP replica 2-stroke this is a perfect opportunity to get one in new condition. I’m sad to let it go, but don’t have time to ride it at all, and need more space in my garage. Thank you for viewing and Good Luck!

Aftermarket parts installed:

Woodcraft rearsets
Front & Rear Axle Sliders
Tyga carbon fiber Rear Hugger
Tyga carbon fiber Sprocket Cover
Tyga carbon fiber Chain Guard
Arrow titanium exhaust full system with carbon can
Evotech exhaust hanger
European ECU with all the harness/wiring – to make the bike street legal.

With the introduction of KTM’s RC390 and the increased interest in small-displacement bikes in Asian markets, here’s hoping that we see a trend towards smaller sportbikes here in the US. I do see the appeal of scary literbikes, of riding something that you know is a barely-tamed animal.

But honestly, it’s nearly impossible to even tap into that performance on the street, and I think it’d be pretty frustrating to own a 200hp motorcycle and never really be able to take it over 8,000 rpm unless you’re risking life and license… A bike like this you could twist to the stop and ride it like a complete idiot with far less risk, and still have something very sleek and exotic to admire in your garage during these cold, dreary winter months…

-tad

Tiny Dancer: 2009 Aprilia RS125 for Sale

Aprilia March 4, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Almost Too Nice to Track. Almost: 1999 Aprilia RS250 Cup for Sale

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

Almost Too Nice to Track. Almost: 1999 Aprilia RS250 Cup for Sale

Aprilia February 18, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Hen’s Tooth: 1989 Aprilia Project 108 Replica for Sale

Here’s something you don’t see every day: an Aprilia Project 108 Replica. You’ve got to get up pretty early in the morning to stump me, but this little beastie had me scratching my head: never heard or it. So a quick poke around the interwebs had me thinking this was very unlikely to have been imported to North America in anything resembling quantity: all of the sites dedicated to the bike are in Italian or clearly translated using “Google Translate” and make for a pretty confusing read if you’ve had a couple beers…

At first glance, I actually thought this was a YSR50 someone had posted up under the wrong brand. Those little 16″ wheels do make it look vaguely scooter-ish, but that single-sided rear swingarm is pretty exotic, and the bike was actually powered by a 125cc two-stroke with an electric, instead of kick-start. With a slightly undersquare 54×54.5 bore and stroke, this “125” is actually 123cc’s, but who’s counting?

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Aprilia Project 108 Replica for Sale

Up for auction is a 1989 Aprilia Project 108 Replica 125cc (VIN 07149) with only 6565 km (4079 miles) on the odometer. The bike is in awesome shape as I took this on a trade from a friend who always stored it in a climate-controlled room. As far as I can tell everything is original and in pristine shape except for the right mirror broke off a while back as my friend was moving the bike (mirror is included) and a few fairing screws are replaced with zip ties. I put a new battery and fresh gas in the bike and it fired right up! If you have any questions feel free to call me at 435-241-8960 or 435-830-5980. The bike is sold as is with no warranty but I think you will be very pleased with the condition after viewing the photos and YouTube videos. Bike is for sale locally so auction may end at anytime. Title in hand!

I’ve no idea what this is actually worth, but bidding is currently just under $2,400 although the reserve has not been met and there are several days left on the auction. It’s obviously not in “pristine” shape, with a few zip ties and some surface rust, and paint chips and discoloration. But if you’re looking for an Aprilia Project 108 Replica, this might be your only shot!

-tad