🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Aprilia
Model:
RS250
Generation
Applicable Years:
1995-2004
Codes
Chassis Codes:
AP04, AP07, AP09
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Target Audience:
Aprilia RS250 owners and independent motorcycle technicians
Purpose:
To provide the same level of technical information as an authorized dealer service department
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent shops to perform professional-level maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on dealerships
Key Features
Editorial Approach:
Clear, step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations
Diagnostic Focus:
Emphasis on efficient troubleshooting and accurate diagnosis
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Complete service and repair for Aprilia RS250 motorcycles
Regional Variations Covered:
European, North American, and Japanese market specifications
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
350-450
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Printed Manual
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
2-stroke V-twin, carburetion, exhaust, cooling system
Transmission:
6-speed gearbox, clutch assembly, gear shifting mechanism
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front forks (Öhlins/Marzocchi), rear shock absorber (Sachs/Öhlins), swingarm, steering head
Brakes:
Front dual disc (Brembo), rear single disc (Brembo), master cylinders, calipers, fluid types
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starting system, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Carburetors (Dell'Orto PHBH 28/30), fuel lines, fuel tank, petcock
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, tail section, mounting hardware
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, chain adjustment, brake fluid flush, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement
Engine Overhaul:
Top-end rebuild (piston, rings, cylinder), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, bearings), engine disassembly/assembly
Suspension Adjustment:
Fork preload, compression, rebound damping; rear shock preload, compression, rebound damping
Carburetor Tuning:
Synchronization, jetting adjustments, idle speed setting
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common running issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Aprilia-specific service tools
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic adjustments to full engine and chassis rebuilds
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Print Quality:
High-resolution printing on durable paper stock
Binding Type
Binding:
Comb binding or Saddle-stitched, designed for lay-flat use
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Glossy, oil-resistant paper
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, V-twin
Displacement:
249 cc
Bore X Stroke:
54 x 54.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.9:1
Valve Mechanism:
Reed valve induction (per cylinder)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling with electric fan
Performance
Horsepower Max:
70 hp (approx. at 11,000 rpm) - Euro Spec
Torque Max:
27 lb-ft (approx. at 10,500 rpm)
Fuel System
Carburetors:
2 x Dell'Orto PHBH 28 (or PHBH 30 for later models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 98 RON (premium unleaded)
Oil Mixture System:
Automatic oil injection system
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Fully synthetic 2-stroke oil, JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD compliant
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives (50/50 mix with distilled water)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed sequential constant mesh
Features
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate clutch
Final Drive:
O-ring sealed chain, 520 pitch
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80W/90 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 800 ml
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 1940 mm
Width:
Approx. 720 mm
Height:
Approx. 1135 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1370 mm
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 140 kg
Wet Weight:
Approx. 155 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity:
16 Liters
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Standards:
Compliance with relevant European (CE) and US (EPA) emissions and safety standards for its era
Active Features
Braking System:
High-performance Brembo brake system with braided steel lines
Suspension Adjustability:
Fully adjustable front forks and rear shock for optimal handling and stability
Passive Features
Chassis Design:
Lightweight aluminum twin-spar frame for rigidity and responsive handling
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Display:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, basic warning lights
Driver Assistance
Electronic Aids:
None (designed for pure rider feedback)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km or annually (whichever comes first)
Chain Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 5,000 km
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendation
Fluid Specifications
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 7.5W or 10W fork oil (check manual for specific model year)
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 450 ml per leg (check manual for precise volume)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Carburetor synchronization drift, power valve sticky operation, starter motor issues, aging electrical connectors
Performance Tuning:
Sensitivity to correct jetting and exhaust modifications
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Aprilia S.p.A., Italian manufacturer known for racing pedigree
Model Evolution
Heritage:
Successor to the legendary Aprilia AF1 and RS250 GP racing motorcycles
Key Changes 1995-2004:
Engine tuning, suspension upgrades (Öhlins options), minor styling revisions, carburetor changes (Dell'Orto 28mm to 30mm), improved chassis components
Production
Production Period:
1995 - 2004
Production Location:
Noale, Italy
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Sportbike Classification:
Highly regarded as one of the best 250cc sportbikes of its era, praised for handling and performance
Racing Legacy:
Direct lineage from Aprilia's successful Grand Prix racing machines