The Aprilia RS 250 was a sports motorcycle manufactured by Aprilia between 1995 and 2002. It was a race-oriented machine with technology derived from Aprilia's racing experience.
The bike was inspired by the Aprilia RSW 250 Grand Prix motorcycle ridden by riders like Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, and Loris Capriossi in MotoGP competitions.
The maker also designed it to resemble the GP 250 machine and celebrate their success in the Championship. It packed a modified RGV 250 engine with a revised Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and expansion chambers, barrels, and airbox designed by Aprilia.
Until 1998, the bike remained essentially unchanged, when it received a revision with a new look and technical modifications. It was designed similarly to Marco Melandri's RSWGP250 motorcycle, packing the same engine and frame as the models manufactured from 1995 until 1997.
In 2003, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Aprilia RS 250, a sports machine in its fifth year of production since its last revision, featuring the same specifications as previous models without any changes.
As for power, the 2002 Aprilia RS 250 had its soul brought to life by a 249cc two-stroke liquid-cooled engine with two Mikuni carburetors feeding the pistons, boasting 72 hp with a peak force at 11,900 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 10,750 rpm.
The rear wheel was spun by a final chain drive linked to a six-speed manual transmission that converted power into motion, pushing the motorcycle to a top speed of 210kph (130 mph).