Aprilia RS 250 [1998–2002]: The Last Dance of the Two-Stroke Era

Introduction

The Aprilia RS 250 is more than a motorcycle—it’s a time capsule. Produced from 1998 to 2002, this Italian two-stroke sportbike captures the raw essence of an era when lightweight, high-revving engines ruled racetracks and twisty backroads. Born from Aprilia’s dominance in 250cc Grand Prix racing, the RS 250 borrowed its DNA from the track, combining a Suzuki-sourced V2 two-stroke engine with a chassis that felt telepathic. For riders who crave the scream of a stroker motor and the tactile feedback of analog engineering, the RS 250 remains a cult classic. Let’s dive into what makes this machine unforgettable.

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Design & Styling: A Race Replica for the Road

The RS 250’s design is a love letter to Aprilia’s GP bikes. The 1998 update (RS250GP1) sharpened its lines with aggressive, angular bodywork, a faux ram-air intake, and a twin-headlight front fairing that mirrored its grand prix sibling. The polished aluminum twin-spar frame and banana-shaped swingarm weren’t just eye candy—they were functional art, designed to maximize rigidity and ground clearance.

At 1,880 mm (74 in) long and 1,370 mm (53.9 in) wheelbase, the RS 250 felt compact, almost toy-like, but its 810 mm (31.9 in) seat height and clip-on bars left no doubt about its racing intentions. The digital dash (shared with Aprilia’s RSV Mille) was revolutionary for its time, offering a lap timer, coolant temp readout, and even a shift light—features that still feel purposeful today.

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Engine & Performance: The Two-Stroke Symphony

At its heart lies a modified Suzuki RGV250 (VJ22) engine—a 249cc liquid-cooled 90° V2 two-stroke. Aprilia’s tweaks included revised Mikuni TM34 flat-slide carbs, custom expansion chambers, and a remapped CDI ignition. The result? A claimed 72.5 HP at 11,900 RPM (though dynos typically showed 55–64 HP at the wheel) and a spine-tingling powerband that demanded commitment.

• Throttle Response: Below 8,000 RPM, the RS 250 feels docile, almost polite. But cross that threshold, and the V2 erupts—a tsunami of torque (40 Nm / 29.5 lb-ft) and a howling exhaust note that peaks at 209.5 km/h (130.2 mph).
• The Ritual: Kickstarting the RS 250 is part of the charm. Cold starts require patience (and a healthy right leg), but once warmed up, the engine settles into a rhythmic idle, trailing a haze of Castor-scented smoke.
• Fuel & Oil: This isn’t a commuter. Expect 6.6 L/100 km (35.6 MPG) fuel consumption and a thirst for high-quality synthetic oil. Neglect the oil pump, and you’ll be rebuilding sooner than later.

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Handling & Dynamics: Razor’s Edge Precision

The RS 250’s chassis is its masterpiece. The aluminum/magnesium frame, paired with a fully adjustable Showa inverted fork and Sachs monoshock, delivered handling that shamed heavier four-strokes.

• Flickability: At 167 kg (368 lbs) wet, the RS 250 changes direction like a thought. The 25° rake and 120/60–17 front tire (upsized from pre-1998 models) offered quick steering without sacrificing stability.
• Suspension Tuning: Even by modern standards, the adjustability is impressive. Dial in preload for track days or soften compression for bumpy roads—the RS 250 adapts.
• Braking: Dual 298 mm Brembo discs with four-piston calipers haul the bike down from speed with surgical precision. The lack of ABS keeps you honest, but feedback is sublime.

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Competition: The Two-Stroke Showdown

In the late ’90s, the RS 250 faced fierce rivals—all now relics of a bygone era. Here’s how it stacked up:

1. Honda NSR250 (MC28)

• Pros: Honda’s V-Twin NSR had a smoother power delivery and legendary reliability. The RC Valve system offered adjustable powerbands.
• Cons: Restricted to 45 HP in some markets. The chassis lacked the Aprilia’s adjustability.

2. Suzuki RGV250 Gamma (VJ22)

• Pros: Shared the RS 250’s engine but lighter (154 kg / 340 lbs). Cheaper to maintain.
• Cons: Outdated suspension and brakes. Less midrange punch.

3. Yamaha TZR250 (3MA/3XV)

• Pros: Yamaha’s parallel-twin had a unique power valve (YPVS) and a cult following.
• Cons: Narrower powerband. Heavier steering.

Verdict: The RS 250 struck a balance between the NSR’s polish and the RGV’s rawness. Its chassis and suspension outclassed both, making it the choice for riders willing to embrace its quirks.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Stroker Alive

Owning an RS 250 isn’t for the faint-hearted—it’s a labor of love. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Oil Matters: Use ISO-L-ETC++ or API TC++ synthetic oil. Cheap oils clog powervalves and kill crankshafts. MOTOPARTS.store stocks premium options like IP MAX 2T Competition.
2. Rebuild Schedule: Pistons last ~6,000 km (3,700 miles). Cranks need inspection every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
3. Carb TLC: Clean Mikuni TM34s every season. Ethanol fuel degrades rubber seals—swap lines for ethanol-resistant ones.
4. Cooling System: Flush coolant annually. Overheating warps cylinders.
5. Chassis Care: Grease swingarm bearings and check fork oil levels.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare powervalve servo motor—they’re rare but critical.

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Conclusion: A Machine That Demands Passion

The Aprilia RS 250 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rebellion against the sanitized, electronic-aided world of modern sportbikes. Riding one is a sensory overload: the smell of premix, the metallic shriek at 12,000 RPM, and the way it flicks into corners like a scalpel. Yes, it’s temperamental. Yes, it drinks fuel like a ’70s muscle car. But for those who cherish analog thrills, nothing else compares.

Whether you’re restoring one or upgrading your track toy, MOTOPARTS.store has the expertise and parts to keep your RS 250 alive. From Brembo brake pads to DID 520 chains, we’re here to fuel your two-stroke obsession.

Ride hard. Ride loud. Ride two-stroke.

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Specifications sheet

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