The ultra-light Aprilia RS 50 sportbike can be called a real work of art. Italian designers set out to create a real racing motorcycle, limiting themselves volume of 50 cubic meters. cm , and they did it! True, you have to pay for everything, and their creation turned out to be quite capricious and expensive to maintain. A distinctive feature of the model is boosted two-stroke engine. True, the original modification was produced only until 2004, after which, due to tightening environmental standards, it was replaced by 4-stroke, called RS50 Replica. The updated Aprilia looks just as stylish, although its agility has decreased somewhat.
Design
The most beautiful cars and motorcycles in the world are made in sunny Italy. At least that's what many people think, and this point of view is quite popular. Aprilia motorcycles have always been famous for their design, and the best specialists in the company worked on the appearance of the baby RS50. The result of their work exceeded all expectations! Although it must be admitted that the modifications of the first generation, which looked natural on the roads almost a quarter of a century ago, today already look morally outdated, but age is age. But fresh copies look great even now!
Specifications
Having invested a huge amount of time and money in the development of this model, the engineers got what they wanted - a small sportbike, which, according to the laws of most countries at that time, did not even require a license or registration, while featuring excellent technical characteristics. How different it is from other 50cc vehicles is evidenced by the fact that in some US states the RS50 was even officially banned from use on public roads. And really, how is it possible - only 50 cubic meters, and the speed is under 120 km/h ?!
Engine
The original modification, produced until 2004, has a 4-valve, 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine with an output of 8 hp. With. , and it loves high revs, like the engine of a real sportbike. At the same time, there are almost no vibrations, since it is equipped with a balancer shaft . This motor is capable of accelerating the bike to ~110 km/h! But when buying a used moped, you need to check its country of origin, since copies for some European countries have a speed limit of up to 50 km/h. Since 2004, an updated 4-stroke version with a slightly less powerful engine has gone into mass production.
Transmission
As on the full-size motorcycle, a 6-speed manual transmission . It works very accurately and gently, but you will have to use it constantly. Short gears are one of the reasons for the Aprilia RS 50's explosive acceleration dynamics. The bike loves high revs, so you'll most likely regularly rev it up to ten thousand.
Chassis and brakes
The bike is built on a diagonal light-alloy frame , and this expensive solution helped to significantly lighten it. The frame is quite torsionally rigid, and during long turns on the track you can immediately feel it. The braking system also deserves praise; it is exactly what should be on a powerful sports bike. Both wheels have disc brakes from top European manufacturers.
Electronics
Despite such impressive technical characteristics, there is practically no electronic content in this sportbike. And what is there is done conscientiously, so you can’t expect problems with electricians. Unless, of course, you try to engage in “collective farming” by attaching Chinese xenon to the creation of Italian designers.
Weight
Italian engineers performed a small miracle by squeezing everything they needed into such a modest dry mass. This Aprilia weighs only 89 kg , less than some 50 cc scooters! This partly explains such impressive dynamics. Light weight combined with a powerful engine and thoughtful aerodynamics is great.
Controllability
The Aprilia RS50 is incredibly easy to handle. This lightweight bike was designed for adrenaline pumping on the track, not for city riding, and its sporting origins are undeniable. Moreover, even many “adult” sportbikes can envy its maneuverability in almost any conditions.
Fuel consumption
In quiet mode, the bike consumes about 3.5 liters of gasoline , and it is strictly not recommended to fill it with fuel with an octane number below 95. With aggressive driving, consumption can easily increase to 5-6 liters, despite the modest engine size! Fortunately, the gas tank capacity is impressive, as much as 13 liters.
Aprilia SR 50R
The Italian scooter Aprilia SR 50 R is the world's first truly sports scooter, which is an almost complete mini copy of the legendary sports monster RSV 1000 R Factory.
A stunning similarity with its older brother is observed not only in appearance, but also in the use of modern technologies to achieve maximum speed and dynamics.
The aggressive design of this scooter with a clear claim to speed and drive speaks for itself: separate front optics, large wheels with low-profile tires, streamlined leg protection, a central air intake and an aerodynamic tail with integrated rear optics. The Aprilia SR 50 R scooter is an excellent sports equipment for lovers of speed and thrills. This model was originally designed to travel on roads at high speed, either alone or with a companion. In addition, this is a very bright and beautiful scooter, with its original war paint in the following options: Speed Orange, Aprilia Black, Aprilia White or De Angelis Replica. A powerful and economical engine will give its owner a lot of thrills, and the unique charisma of the sportbike will constantly attract the attention of others.
The 50 cm3 two-stroke engine of this device is superior in performance to any other engine with a similar cubic capacity. Aprilia engineers managed to squeeze a maximum power of 8 horsepower out of such a small volume. This is one of the first two-stroke engines with direct fuel injection. This combination made it possible to maximize dynamic performance while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption. This scooter consumes no more than 2 l/100 km when driving on the highway at a maximum speed of 85 km/h. Agree, these indicators deserve true respect for this manufacturer.
To help such a powerful and revving engine, a water cooling system with an electric fan and a full-fledged radiator located under the central fairing is installed. In general, everything here is like an adult.
A lightweight frame of a special design made it possible to lower the center of gravity as much as possible and bring the handling of this device to a very high level. This was also facilitated by 13-inch alloy wheels with low tires. Special attention to the braking system: there are powerful disc brakes with enlarged brake discs at the front and rear, which is absolutely not typical for mopeds of this class.
The ergonomics of the Aprilia SR 50 R are unmatched by other scooters. Everything here is thought out to the smallest detail: aerodynamic mirrors, a digital instrument panel and a comfortable two-seater seat with side bolsters for the passenger’s feet.
You can buy this scooter inexpensively in our stores located in convenient places in Moscow. If necessary, equipment is delivered using the company’s own transport or third-party carriers.
Motorcycle price
The new 4-stroke version is sold at dealers at a price of about 330 thousand rubles , give or take. The old two-stroke model, the same legendary one, can only be found secondhand, since it has long been out of production. Prices start at about 120 thousand rubles, but the cheapest options usually turn out to be quite “tired”.
Repair and tuning
The less common the equipment, the more expensive it is to repair and tune it - this is an axiom. How many Aprilia motorcycles do you see on the road? Of course not, and the conclusion here suggests itself. It’s definitely not worth buying this device with your last money, because you will still need it.
Repair
There are few specialists in Italian motorcycles in Russia, and it is very difficult to find a person who can repair a monstrously forced two-stroke engine. In addition, you will have to pay a lot of money to service such an exclusive as the Aprilia RS50, so it makes sense to arm yourself with a manual and master the basic service operations yourself
Spare parts
You can buy parts for both the old model and the new four-stroke. The problem is different - nothing is ever available in Russia, so you have to order everything from foreign online stores, mainly Italian ones, and then wait for delivery.
Tuning
The Italians offer a good selection of tuning, and there is a choice both in the official catalog and from third-party manufacturers. If, after reading this review, you are ready to run out and buy an Aprilia, keep in mind that there is tuning, but it is quite expensive. But you can, for example, buy a new piston with an increased volume, as a result of which the RS 50 will gain the ability to reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Motorcycle modifications
There are two main modifications of this model. The production of the first of them, a two-stroke, began in the late 90s, and it was she who became famous as the best 50 cc sportbike in the world. Alas, it has been discontinued since 2004 and was replaced by the Aprilia RS 50 Replica, which has little in common with its famous ancestor. This is also a real small sportbike, but it already has a 4-stroke engine, and in terms of technical characteristics it is noticeably inferior to a 2-stroke.
Price
When considering the price, it is worth determining what kind of bike you want to purchase. If you want to buy a new Italian Aprilia RS 50 in Moscow, or in any other region of the Russian Federation or the CIS, it will cost you 190-220 thousand rubles. Not everyone can afford such an amount, although it is inexpensive for him, so you can buy a used motorcycle at an affordable price and in fairly good condition. On average, the cost of a used RS 50 varies between 50-100 thousand rubles; some lucky ones manage to snag cheaper ones, but rarely.
The price of the bike directly depends on the year of production, but it is important to know that Aprilia has practically not changed the configuration of its motorcycle over the years, so the price decreases (increases) only because of time. Here are examples of prices for units produced at different times:
- before 2000 – 40-60 thousand rubles;
- 2000-2008 – 50-80 thousand;
- 2008-present time – new: from 190,000, used: 70-130 thousand.
All prices are averaged based on market indicators. The mileage can be completely different, but generally no more than 10,000 km.
Read other motorcycle reviews Review of the Kawasaki ZZR 400 motorcycle
Screenshot No. 1. Review of prices for used Aprilia RS 50 on Avito
Advantages and disadvantages
This is a very specific moped, and it’s difficult to call it this word. From this specificity, the legs grow from its many advantages and disadvantages, which make it truly unique in its kind. In a nutshell, we can say the following: the Aprilia RS50 is suitable only for those who clearly understand what they are getting into.
Advantages
- Crazy acceleration dynamics for a 50 cc engine. No, seriously - this compact two-wheeled toy effortlessly drives away from any city car!
- High quality and reliability . Aprilia doesn't make bad motorcycles - that's a fact. And even in this model, the youngest, everything is done according to the most stringent European quality standards.
- Possibility of driving with any category of driver's license . According to the law, any rights can replace the “M” category; moreover, this category can be opened separately not from the age of 18, but from the age of 16.
- Stylish appearance . In some ways, the Italians have always been distinguished for the better in design.
- A large amount of tuning . True, this pleasure costs a lot.
Flaws
- Low resource of a two-stroke engine . According to reviews from the owners, it runs for about 2-3 thousand kilometers, after which it requires repairs, and the piston needs to be changed. But this point does not apply to the 4-stroke Aprilia RS 50 Replica.
- High cost of maintenance. Repair and maintenance of this sportbike costs a pretty penny.
- Lack of spare parts and tuning widely available. Everything has to be ordered from Italy, since the company’s semi-official Russian dealers often don’t even have small things in stock, like air filters and brake pads.
Buy Aprilia RS 50
The prices for which you can buy an old generation Aprilia RS 50 in used condition in Russia start from 45,000 rubles. A new motorcycle from Italy in 2012 will cost a very large sum of money, the approximate price is about 200,000 rubles or 6-7 thousand dollars. Before purchasing, do not forget to check the final amount, taking into account customs clearance and delivery of the motorcycle.
By purchasing an Aprilia RS 50 bike, you become the owner of not only one of the best motorcycles in the supersport class, but also get maximum freedom, comfort and pleasure from movement. True, you will have to come to terms with a fairly high price, comparable to buying a good used foreign-made car.
Owner reviews
I owned an old Aprilia RS 50 from 2002 for several years, and the toy is quite interesting. I only drove on the track, and to it and back under my own power too. It doesn't light up like a child, it hits powerfully, just have time to change gears. I still had a piston tuned one, I got it from the previous owner, and the maximum I squeezed out of it was 120 mph according to GPS. Vitaly, Moscow.
I bought an Aprilia RS 50 Replica as my first bike, since there is no category A yet, but 50cc can be ridden with category B. I thought there would be something like a scooter, only with mechanics - but nope, this is really a sport. It goes under 100 kph easily, shifts easily, however, the standard exhaust howls terribly. But the landing is like a real sport, the brakes are grippy, the acceleration is brisk, it’s enough for the city. I think I’ll skate for another year, open category A and take some six hundred. Dmitry, Zheleznodorozhny.
I know the old Aprilia well, I haven’t owned it myself, but I’ve driven it. Just a crazy spendthrift, tearing away with slippage! But the new Aprilia RS 50 Replica is not the same, the four-stroke engine has killed everything that the old RS50 was loved for - dynamics and power. I definitely wouldn't take it for myself. Boris, Krasnodar.
Verdict
At the end of the review, it is necessary to announce the verdict on the bike. Apparently, the Aprilia RS 50 is not an option for experienced drivers. This motorcycle is ideal for those who want to learn all the basics of driving sportbikes and in the future switch to more powerful machines. Well, or for those who want to avoid traffic jams on a two-wheeled unit and look very cool at the same time. Finally, we present to you the main advantages of the Aprilia RS 50:
- Ease of operation: maneuverable, safe, fast, does not require registration.
- Submitted to tuning, which will help to get a good increase in the efficiency of the bike.
- Reliable (rarely breaks) and not difficult to repair.
- Handsome, aggressive, as they say, in style.
It will teach you how to operate a sportbike and give you very important experience before getting on a powerful unit.
FAQ
- Are RS125 spare parts suitable for it? Some are suitable, yes, since both models are designed on the same basis. But not all.
- Are there any affordable analogue spare parts? The prices for the original are steep. There are analogues, but mostly made in Italy, and they cost on average no less than original spare parts.
- Can you race it on the track? Certainly! Initially it was created for MiniGP, racing on small-capacity bikes. On the track she feels like a fish in water.
Similar models
- Honda NSR50 . A 50cc sportbike from Honda was developed around the same time. It still enjoys some popularity in the USA.
- Yamaha TZR50 . A more modern analogue of the long-discontinued Aprilia. It's not cheap and hard to find. It has an interesting design.
- Derbi GPR 50 . A rare guest in Russia – a Spanish-made sports moped! Like the aforementioned Yamaha, it is quite modern.
Conclusion
The Aprilia RS50 lost its appeal for many bikers after mopeds with engines up to 50 cc. see ceased to be “disenfranchised”, and to drive them they began to require a driver’s license of category “M”. But this does not stop it from being an excellent option for novice motorcyclists who want to learn the basics of driving a real sportbike, albeit a small one. The only limiting factor here is the decent cost of maintaining this model.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 8.2 HP |
| Working volume: | 49.9 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 110 km/h |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Transmission (gearbox): | Mechanical 6-speed |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Frame: | diagonal alloy frame |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1310 mm |
| Weight: | 98 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 13 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
BRAKES
Aprilia has set new standards in brake development and performance. A front disc with a record 300 mm diameter is braked by a radial caliper, a solution first introduced by Aprilia in the 250 cc. GP races, and subsequently copied to all racing motorcycles. This impressive braking system allows the new RS 50 to ride on par with GP racers and guarantees maximum safety and precise braking.
The rear brake consists of a 180 mm stainless steel disc and a powerful double piston caliper on a special aluminum bracket.
The new 'Y' spoke wheels are the same as those fitted to the Aprilia GP racers. Light weight, perfectly balanced wheels with the latest generation of high performance tires that give you complete confidence when cornering.
