This is one of the nicest Aprilia RS250’s we’ve featured recently, although the seller’s claim that this is a “Rossi Replica” might be a bit of a stretch: Rossi was riding a 250 for Aprilia in 1998, but didn’t win the title until 1999. In 1998 he was second, and prior to that, he was on a 125, but it made for a good title so I went with it.
An actual RS250 Rossi Replica would, of course, burn your retinas to look at…
The Aprilia RS250 used a 249cc, water-cooled two-stroke v-twin pulled from a Suzuki RGV250, although Aprilia used their own ECU, expansion chambers, and barrels. The revised motor was good for 60hp and the bike looked the business, with bodywork that suggested their 250GP machines. It was redesigned in 1998 to reflect the style seen here, with a pronounced humped-seat and a new funky-but-functional dash.
The beautiful asymmetrical swingarm gave extra clearance on the right-hand side for the shotgun-style exhausts and expansion-chambers. Brakes were the standard Gold Line Brembos found on every other freaking Italian sportbike of the period. Meaning they were designed to effectively stop bikes that weighed as much as 100lbs more than the bantam-weight Aprilia.
Designed for use by corner-carving heroes, or by people who wanted to pretend to be corner-carving heroes, the bike has very little in the way of creature comforts: like most two-stroke sportbikes, it doesn’t even have an electric start. But if Sunday morning finds you sniffing two-stroke oil instead of coffee, nothing else will do.
From the original eBay listing: 1998 Aprilia RS250 Rossi Replica for Sale
Up for auction is this 1-owner, low mileage RS250 Replica. This beautiful and rare example was purchased new in Germany by the current and original owner. This machine was brought into the US legally under a racing exemption through the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. All original paperwork and documentation from time of purchase, including service receipts. Additionally, it has enjoyed some modest track use including several AHRMA events and track days. NO expense was spared when the engine was fully rebuilt by Eurosports (PA), including but not limited to: re-plated cylinders, replaced pistons/hardware, welding of crank, new clutch assembly, etc.
Bike has not been ridden for the past two years and the following service has just been completed: coolant flush, trans oil, brake fluid, new Michelin tires and more. Bike comes with the original street hardware and owners manual. This bike has never been registered/titled/plated in the United States. It is considered an off road racing vehicle in the US. Other than original German documentation, there is no title. See photos regarding condition. NO plastic (including windshield) has ever been replaced.
While it does still have a headlight and the road equipment is included in the sale, obtaining a title for this could be tricky and the bike is already perfect for track use or racing, and has even been safety-wired.
Being that it is also in perfect, all-original condition, one might also be tempted to squirrel this away into your collection, or just display it in your living room where you can look at it and make “braaaaam, braaaaaaaaam” noises while watching Faster for the five-hundredth time…
-tad
My favorite 250 two stroke…and this the very best one.
Wait a minute- this is a track bike only- safety wired up and engine rebuilt ready to go, and no title. But it has all street equipment on it and virgin bodywork. Why not just buy a Cup bike?