Description
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. The trick alloy frame was fitted with 41mm inverted Marzocchi forks 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 (new paint, new forks, wider wheels, and a new instrument panel, among other things) — 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.”
The Italian company created the “Aprilia Cup Challenge” as a spec series for these bikes. The idea being that anyone could walk into an Aprilia dealer, purchase a bike and a race kit and compete. No modifications were allowed and they had 15 digit VINs specifically to prevent them from being titled in the US so that Aprilia could minimize their liability in the US. The bikes came with a steering damper and were lighter as they were lacking a horn, lights, mirrors and other required street parts.
This example is VIN: ZD4LDA5001S0397. The seller purchased the bike seven years ago from a private party and states, “250 GP bikes always struck me as perfect Goldilocks. 125 seemed too small (I know better now) and 500s were for gods like Rainey, Schwantz and Doohan. Light weight, reasonable power and phenomenal handling made 250s a perfect middle. Add gorgeous Italian styling, so when I came up on an opportunity to buy a Challenge Cup bike, it was a no-brainer. The Challenge-Cup is lower on power than the GP versions, but is much more reliable and requires much less fiddling and maintenance. The light weight and amazing chassis were as advertised. It quickly became my favorite track bike, especially on tight, technical tracks. The small 2-stroke is also easy to work on and of course, gets tons of positive comments at the track. It’s a true gem. I suffered a fairly serious injury, which prevented me from riding the bike last year, and I’ll unlikely be able to ride it this year as well. Who knows if and when I get to ride it again. Better have another rider enjoy it.”
The odometer shows 3,852 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “I rode the bike on track a number of times every season, so routine maintenance (all fluids, brake pads, chain etc.) were always taken care of. Suspension refresh at the end of each season. Top-end refresh at the end of every season. Current top-end (Pro-X pistons, rings and bearings) is practically brand new. Tires (Pirelli SC2 slicks) are of marginal age. Other than that, the bike is mechanically flawless. As mentioned, engine top-end is new and compression and leak down tests passed with no issue.”
Modifications:
“Bodywork side panels are aftermarket. Marchesini wheels, Penske fully adjustable shock and Attack rearsets were on the bike when I got it. I added a TTW racing radiator, Race Tech stiffer fork springs, braided brake lines and aftermarket lever. Quick-release fuel line makes removing the tank much easier.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Superbike SC2 slicks with date codes of 3819 and 1120.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Los Altos, California this Aprilia is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any RS250 Challenge Cup stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
