In 2003, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Aprilia RS 250, a small-displacement sports motorcycle that debuted in 1995 as a race-oriented machine with technology derived from Aprilia's racing experience.
In 1998, the bike was significantly revised with a new look and several technical modifications. Also referred to as RS250GP1, the bike celebrated Aprilia's victory in the 250cc GP racing class. It packed the same engine and frame as 1995-1997 manufactured models and was similar in design to Marco Melandri's RSWGP250 machine.
Some modifications included a revised styling with a more modern approach, a new Showa fork on the front, a heigh-adjustable rear shock, a new instrument panel with new functionalities, and new rims and tires.
The 2003 motorcycle packed the same technical, visual, and performance specifications as previous models without any significant modifications.
Suspension-wise, the bike packed a 40 mm adjustable inverted telescopic fork on the front, providing 120 mm of travel, and a magnesium alloy swingarm coupled to an adjustable shock on the rear, offering 130 mm of travel.
As for the power figures, the 2003 Aprilia RS 250 had installed a 249cc two-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine managed by two Mikuni carburetors, delivering an output power of 72 hp at 11,900 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 10,750 rpm, pushing the machine to 210 kph (130 mph).