Aprilia Pegaso 650 (1997-2000): The Urban Adventurer Revisited

Introduction

The late 1990s marked a fascinating era for motorcycling, where manufacturers began blurring the lines between on-road refinement and off-road ruggedness. Aprilia’s Pegaso 650, produced from 1997 to 2000, epitomized this shift. Designed as a “dual-purpose” machine, it promised urban agility with a hint of trail-ready flair. But how does this Italian middleweight hold up today? Let’s saddle up for a ride through time.

---

Design & Ergonomics: Form Meets Functionality

At first glance, the Pegaso 650 cuts a striking figure. Its angular fairing and twin underseat exhausts scream late-’90s futurism, while the high-mounted fenders and 19-inch front wheel nod to its off-road aspirations. The cockpit features a minimalist digital dash—revolutionary for its time—with a bold analog tachometer.

The riding position is upright and commanding, thanks to wide handlebars and a seat height ranging from 840–870 mm (33.1–34.3 inches). While taller riders will appreciate the legroom, shorter pilots might find it intimidating, though Aprilia offered a lowering kit. The seat itself is a mixed bag: plush initially, but it morphs into a medieval torture device after an hour. For commuters, this is manageable; for tourers, an aftermarket seat from MOTOPARTS.store is non-negotiable.

Storage solutions? The integrated rear rack accepts hard-shell panniers, making the Pegaso a surprisingly capable grocery getter or weekend explorer.

---

Engine & Performance: The Rotax Heartbeat

The Pegaso’s soul is its Austrian-made Rotax 652cc single-cylinder engine. With a liquid-cooled, five-valve head and double overhead cams, this isn’t your grandad’s thumper. It churns out 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 7,000 RPM and 54–59 Nm (39.8–43.5 lb-ft) of torque, depending on the model year.

Fire it up, and the engine idles with a muted burble. Snick into first via the butter-smooth 5-speed gearbox, and you’re greeted by linear power delivery. Below 3,000 RPM, there’s a slight flat spot—a quirk mitigated by keeping the revs above 4,000 RPM, where the Rotax truly wakes up. The midrange is meaty, pulling strongly to a 7,500 RPM redline.

Vibration is ever-present. At 4,000 RPM, your boots tingle; by 6,000 RPM, the handlebars buzz like an overzealous masseuse. The balancer shaft takes the edge off, but long highway stints demand grip puppies or gel gloves.

Fuel efficiency is stellar: 5.6 L/100 km (41.6 US mpg) translates to a 400 km (248.5 mi) range from its 21L (5.5 gal) tank. Perfect for dodging petrol stations on backroad escapades.

---

On the Road: Urban Ninja, Backroad Bandit

In city traffic, the Pegaso shines. The narrow chassis filters through gaps like a scooter, while the Marzocchi USD forks soak up potholes. Braking is handled by a single 300mm front disc and 220mm rear, offering adequate stopping power—though braided lines from MOTOPARTS.store would enhance feel.

Hit twisty tarmac, and the Pegaso defies its 175 kg (385 lb) wet weight. The Michelin TX66 tires, with their faint knobby pattern, grip asphalt tenaciously. Lean it over, and the bike carves corners with sportbike-like precision. Ground clearance is limitless—only your courage (and footpeg feelers) will limit cornering angles.

The Achilles’ heel? Wind protection. At 110 km/h (68 mph), you’ll crave a taller screen. Still, cruising at 100–120 km/h (62–75 mph) is manageable, with vibrations kept at bay by the torquey engine’s relaxed RPMs.

---

Off the Beaten Path: Pretender or Contender?

Aprilia billed the Pegaso as “Enduro,” but let’s be real: this is no Dakar racer. The suspension—non-adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks up front and a basic rear shock—is tuned for comfort, not rocks. Fire roads? Sure. Sandy washes? Proceed with caution.

The 19"/17" wheel combo and long-travel suspension (175mm front/165mm rear) handle mild trails gracefully. However, the street-biased tires and 352 lb (160 kg) dry weight become liabilities in mud or deep gravel. For light off-roading, swap the rubber for 50/50 tires—MOTOPARTS.store stocks Heidenau K60s that transform the Pegaso into a gravel-eating beast.

---

Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The late-’90s middleweight dual-sport segment was fiercely contested. Here’s how the Pegaso fared against rivals:

• BMW F650 Funduro: Sharing the same Rotax engine (4-valve variant), the BMW traded style for robustness. Its shaft drive and lower seat height appealed to traditionalists, but the Pegaso outclassed it in handling and panache.
• Suzuki Freewind 650: A budget-friendly alternative with a carbureted engine. Lighter and simpler, but down 10 HP and lacking the Aprilia’s tech edge.
• Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré: More off-road capable, but heavier and thirstier. The Pegaso’s urban agility made it the better city companion.

The Pegaso’s true rival was arguably Aprilia’s own image. It straddled too many categories to dominate one, but for riders seeking a stylish, versatile daily rider, it remains a compelling choice.

---

Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owning a 25-year-old motorcycle demands diligence. Here’s what Pegaso owners should prioritize:

1. Valve Adjustments: The five-valve head requires clearance checks every 10,000 km (6,200 mi). Intake/exhaust specs: 0.1–0.19 mm (0.004–0.007 in). Use a quality feeler gauge from MOTOPARTS.store.
2. Chain & Sprockets: The 16T/47T sprocket combo wears quickly if neglected. Lubricate the chain weekly and replace with DID X-ring kits for longevity.
3. Cooling System: Flush coolant annually using ethylene glycol-based fluid. The 1.4L system is compact—overheating risks warping the head.
4. Electronics: The Sagem fuel injection is reliable but sensitive to dirty injectors. Run a cleaner like Liqui Moly every 5,000 km.
5. Suspension Upgrades: The stock shock falters under load. A Hyperpro progressive spring or Öhlins HO 046 replacement transforms ride quality.

Common wear items:
- Spark Plugs: NGK DR8EA (standard) or DR8EIX (iridium).
- Brake Pads: EBC FA229/FA181 series.
- Oil: 2.2L of 5W-40 synthetic.

---

Conclusion: A Cult Classic Reimagined

The Aprilia Pegaso 650 wasn’t perfect—its seat could double as a waffle iron, and the suspension begged for upgrades. Yet, its charm lies in its contradictions: a tech-forward engine in a retro-modern chassis, equally at home threading through traffic or exploring forgotten farm roads.

Today, the Pegaso thrives as a canvas for customization. Slap on a rally tower, upgrade the suspension, or bolt on panniers—MOTOPARTS.store has the goods to transform this ’90s icon into your personal urban adventurer.

Whether you’re resurrecting a barn find or optimizing a daily rider, the Pegaso 650 rewards those who embrace its quirks. After all, perfection is boring—character is forever.

---

Specifications sheet

---