Early 2000’s the two-stroke open range was contracting, MotoGP rulemakers made the 500cc two-strokes obsolete, and the EU’s transition from Euro2 to Euro3 basically cut allowed emissions in half. Aprilia’s successful line of small bikes, which had brought them 1990’s championships in Moto1 and Moto2, were breaking camp. The company produced a Final Edition of the RS250 in 2003 with special graphics and the bike’s usual ( fantastic ) performance.
Aprilia RS250 2003 Final Edition ( Japan ) for sale on eBay
The RS250 is based on a carburetted Suzuki single of 249cc, and with Aprilia’s own ECU, cylinders, and exhaust makes 55 hp. The torque graph is a little peaky though, with most power available above 8,000 rpm. Aprilia’s twin spar frame is a work of art, the thin-walled stampings welded to magnesium alloy steering head and connector castings, supporting a similarly fabricated ( and beautiful ) banana swingarm. Forks are 40mm Showa upside-down, dual-adjustable, and the Sachs monoshock is triple-adjustable. Brakes are over-spec, twin 298mm discs in front with four-piston calipers, and 220mm rear. Bodywork and appointments are sporty to the point of uncompromising, and if you’re not busy trying to go fast, you’ll find time to be uncomfortable. The RS250 saves weight using only a kick-starter, but does give you a full-featured instrument panel.
Coming out of what appears to be a Japanese dealer, this RS250 appears to be in nice shape, with only a few rubs on the rainbow stripes. Coming up on 5,000 miles which is about half-life for the top end and probably ready for a power valve cleaning. While the pictures aren’t hi-res, they don’t show evidence of damage or modification. Interesting that the owner offers free shipping ( to a port ). From the eBay listing:
Very rare 2 stroke motorcycles from Japan to the world!!
And Shipping cost is FREE!! (from our office to port near your place)Aprilia RS250 Later model
VIN; ZD4LDA0003S104576
Year: 2003
Mileage: 8,020 km
Condition : Mint condition. It has tiny scratches on the body work.
Engine condition is very very well.
Though 250cc two-strokes would remain legal in Moto2 until 2009 and brought Aprilia championships in 2006 and 2007, the bell had tolled for the road bike. The ask seems high but these were very expensive when new, exquisitely built and lightning quick. Though road registration would likely be a trial, this would make an outstanding track day machine…
-donn
(Lispy voice) “That rainbow graphic has GOT TO GO.”
I could have *sworn* that these used a Suzuki 250 V-Twin, a 70 degree-er if I recall correctly.
John is correct my mistake…
It’s a shame that the Rainbow Brite edition RS was the last. it should have been a Rossi replica, or at least another Aprilia champion.
As much as I despise diesels and all, the bodywork and especially the ghetto paint on this one makes me want to hurl…
Agree- the earlier versions were so classically beautiful and well done. It’s a shame that they chose this as the last one…it’s the last one I’d want out of all the versions produced. Give me a black Biaggi or Reggiani instead!
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta state thanks for
the post on this perfect one :D.