Basic information and history

The Aprilia RS 250 is one of the last pure two-stroke sportbikes and a model that still has a dedicated following of enthusiasts. The engine is a liquid-cooled 249cc V-twin derived from the Suzuki RGV 250, fed by dual carburettors, and it sits in an aluminium chassis with clear links to Aprilia's successful 250 GP machines. With low weight and an engine package that comes alive at high revs, the RS 250 is a motorcycle that rewards an active rider and has become increasingly sought-after as two-strokes have disappeared from new car showrooms.

This Aprilia RS 250 was originally sold by the Danish importer of the brand and has later been imported to Sweden from Denmark. According to the seller, it spent its first years as a track bike before being converted to a street version in 2015. The odometer reading is 9,950 km, which however cannot be guaranteed, and the vehicle has had a total of two owners. There is no loan on the vehicle and no deductible VAT.

A distinctive part of the bike's character is the replica livery that a previous owner created to resemble Valentino Rossi and his 1998 250 GP machine. The fairings were lightly restored, repainted, and all decals were ordered to recreate the appearance. The paint colours are sourced from other parts of the automotive world: the yellow comes from the Corvette Z06, the red is Ferrari's Rosso Corsa, and the tank and other parts are painted in a grey shade from Land Rover. The seller describes the result as very successful.

Equipment and options

• Two-cylinder two-stroke engine in V-configuration with dual carburettors
• Exhaust system from Jolly Moto with original end cans
• Front fairing from Aprilia RS 125
• Original exhaust system is included
• Repainted fairings with decals in Rossi 250 GP style

The vehicle is not in original condition. According to the seller, the engine has been fully rebuilt by a previous owner and subsequently tuned. The gearing has been adapted for acceleration, which according to the seller gives a top speed of approximately 195 km/h. The fairings have been restored and repainted in the colours mentioned above, the front fairing is taken from a 125 model, and the exhaust system has been replaced with a system from Jolly Moto, with the original end cans retained.

Condition

The paint and bodywork are assessed by the seller to be in good condition. It is worth noting that there are cracks in the fibreglass fairings, which the seller himself points out. The windscreen has scratches.

Interior details such as the seat and instrument panel are described as being in good condition. Tyres and rims are likewise stated to be in good condition.

Mechanically, the seller describes the engine as being in excellent condition following the complete rebuild carried out by the previous owner, and the gearbox and brakes are also stated to be in excellent condition. The engine starts and runs flawlessly, the clutch works as it should, and the gearbox shifts without issue. All electronics and exterior lighting work, the trip meter functions, and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The vehicle is ready to drive as it stands. The seller summarises that it runs very well for a 250cc machine.

Service history

The vehicle does not have a full service history, and there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate the service history. The most significant known work is the complete engine rebuild carried out by a previous owner in connection with the tuning. According to the seller, the vehicle passed its most recent inspection without remarks, but it is due for inspection soon. A prospective buyer should therefore expect that a new inspection will need to be carried out. It may possibly be freshly inspected by the time of sale.

Summary

This is an Aprilia RS 250 with an unusual background: originally sold by the Danish importer, ridden as a track bike during its first years, and then converted to a street version in 2015. With a fully rebuilt and tuned engine, exhaust system from Jolly Moto, gearing adapted for acceleration, and a livery inspired by Rossi's 1998 250 GP machine, it is a personal interpretation of a classic two-stroke sportbike. The buyer should be aware of the cracks in the fairings, the scratched windscreen, the lack of documented service history, and that an inspection will need to be carried out. For someone looking for a rideable and characterful two-stroke with low mileage, this Aprilia could be an interesting prospect.