Description
Update 6/19: This bike was previously listed as a 1998. However, it is a 1996 production year.
In 1994, Aprilia released the RS250, a road-legal replica version of their RSV250. Powering the RS was a modified version of the liquid-cooled, 249cc, two-stroke, 90-degree V-Twin from Suzuki’s RGV250. The RS’s engine utilized the Suzuki’s 34mm Mikuni flat slide carbs, though it featured its own Aprilia-designed expansion chambers, barrels, air-box, and exhaust system, a revised ignition and ECU, and a higher compression ratio. Building on the already well-designed single-crank V-Twin developed by Suzuki, the changes made in Noale afforded the RS more mid-range power.
What really made the RS250 special, however, was its chassis design. Derived from the bikes built by Aprilia’s factory race program, the RS250 used a polished alloy twin-spar frame paired with an adjustable magnesium alloy banana swing-arm. Better still, it came paired with 41mm inverted Marzocchi forks up front and a Sachs monoshock in the back —- both adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
The RS250 remained in production, receiving various updates and tweaks – including a significant revamp in ’98 — before Aprilia pulled the plug on the 250 in 2004. Despite a decade-and-a-half having passed since the last RS left the factory, the track-oriented V-Twins are regarded incredibly highly today. MCN has gone as far as to call the RS250, “Simply one of the very best, least-compromised sports motorcycles money can buy”, and VisorDown more recently stated, “The real problem with the RS250 is that if you want one, a good one, you’re too late.”
From 1995 to 1998, Aprilia released a limited number of bikes in unique liveries to commemorate the success it’s riders were having on the track; Biaggi, Tetsuya Harada, Rossi, and Doriano Romboni were all honored. Biaggi’s Chesterfield replica was offered in two series, one with yellow accents and the other with green.
This example is VIN: ZDM4LD0000TN053212. The seller purchased the bike eight years ago and states, “The bike is UK spec in mph, all original parts, 2 owners from new. It is completely HPI clear. But now realise I will never use it and better to go to someone who is appreciates the 250 sports bikes.”
The odometer shows 8,154 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “I have recommisoned the bike last year, I have carried out the work myself (ran a UK tuning centre and rolling road for 30 years). Tyres were old … new tyres, at the same time powder coat the wheels, new wheel bearings while they were removed. While the wheels were off, new chain and sprocket set, service and rebuild brake calipers, new brake pads, bleed system. Carbs need to be stripped and rebuilt, new floats valves, at the same time service, new spark plugs, change gearbox oil, set up power valves and oil pump. New air filter. One fork seal was weeping, so remove forks, service with new seals.”
Modifications:
Powder coated wheels.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Kenda KM1 tires with date codes of 0623 and 4423.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The decals on the right hand side had all faded due sitting next to a window when stored in the previous owners conservatory. All body panels are original and undamaged, have had a full restoration with new decals commissioned by Prestige Paintwork in Hertfordshire … paint is absolutely immaculate.”
Currently located in London Colney, England this Aprilia is offered on a clean U.K. title. Have any RS250 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
