🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Aprilia Model: RS250 Year: 1998 Codes Engine Code: Rotax 257 (derived from Suzuki RG250 Gamma) Chassis Codes: RP-RS250 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Aprilia RS250 was positioned as a premium, track-bred 250cc two-stroke sportbike, renowned for its exceptional handling, powerful engine, and aggressive styling, often considered a modern classic and a rider's motorcycle. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed directly with other high-performance 250cc two-strokes of its era, such as the Yamaha YZF-R250 (though not sold globally) and the Honda NSR250R. Its Rotax-derived engine offered a unique character compared to Japanese counterparts. Key Features Key Features: Lightweight chassis, potent Rotax V-twin engine, sharp handling, advanced suspension, race-inspired ergonomics, distinctive Italian styling. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, transmission, clutch, suspension (front & rear), brakes (front & rear), electrical system, chassis, bodywork, troubleshooting, maintenance. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English (typical for most Aprilia service documentation) Format Format: Likely a comprehensive printed manual or high-quality PDF. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Complete coverage of all major mechanical and electrical systems, including detailed diagrams and specifications for engine disassembly, rebuild, carburetor tuning, power valve operation, ignition timing, chassis adjustments, suspension setup, brake system overhauls, and electrical schematics. Procedures Included Procedures Included: Routine maintenance (oil changes, chain adjustment, filter replacement), engine tuning and rebuilding, carburetor synchronization and jetting, power valve cleaning and adjustment, suspension fork service, brake caliper rebuilding, wheel bearing replacement, electrical troubleshooting, wiring harness repair, and chassis component inspection and replacement. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic procedures, and part number references. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: If PDF: Searchable text, bookmarked sections, high-resolution diagrams. If Printed: Durable binding, clear text, high-quality paper for longevity. Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution printing with clear, legible text and diagrams. Professional layout and formatting. Binding Type Binding Type: If Printed: Professional binding (e.g., perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability). Paper Type Paper Type: If Printed: Durable, semi-gloss or matte paper stock suitable for workshop environments. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, two-stroke Displacement: 249.3 cc (249.3 cm³) Bore X Stroke: 54.0 mm x 54.5 mm Compression Ratio: 7.5:1 (typical, may vary slightly) Valvetrain: Rotary disc intake valves, Aprilia Electronic Power Valve (AEPV) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 65-70 HP (depending on market and tuning) Torque: Approx. 40-45 Nm (depending on market and tuning) Fuel System Carburetors: 2 x Mikuni TM34SS flat-slide carburetors Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON) Fuel Delivery: Premix (or Autolube system) Lubrication Lubrication System: Total-loss oil injection (Autolube) and oil sump Ignition Ignition System: Digital CDI with variable ignition advance 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed constant mesh Clutch Type: Wet multi-plate clutch Features Gear Ratios: Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual (e.g., 1st: 2.5, 2nd: 1.8, 3rd: 1.4, 4th: 1.18, 5th: 1.05, 6th: 0.96 - approximate) Final Drive: Chain drive (520 O-ring type chain) Transmission Oil Type: API GL-4, SAE 80W/90 gear oil 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 1970 mm Width: Approx. 720 mm Height: Approx. 1120 mm Wheelbase: Approx. 1370 mm Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 142 kg Wet Weight: Approx. 163 kg Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters (including 3.5L reserve) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through handling, braking, and rider aids rather than crash test ratings). Active Features Active Features: Powerful dual front disc brakes, responsive rear disc brake, agile chassis design for evasive maneuvers. Passive Features Passive Features: Sturdy frame construction, rider footpegs, handlebars for control. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: N/A (1998 sportbike, focus is purely on performance and mechanics) Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: N/A (No electronic rider aids typically found on this model year) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Service Intervals: Detailed intervals for oil changes, spark plug replacement, chain maintenance, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, and engine top-end rebuilds are crucial and would be precisely defined in the manual. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: High-quality 2-stroke motorcycle oil (e.g., Castrol TTS, Motul 710 2T, or equivalent meeting JASO FD standards) Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid Fork Oil Type: Specific weight and type detailed in manual (e.g., SAE 5W or 10W) Known Issues Common Issues: Power valve sticking or malfunctioning, carburetor tuning sensitivity, potential for crank seal leaks, and general wear and tear on a performance-oriented two-stroke engine. The manual is essential for addressing these. Maintenance Focus: Regular cleaning and lubrication of the power valve system, precise carburetor synchronization and jetting,...
The Aprilia RS250 was positioned as a premium, track-bred 250cc two-stroke sportbike, renowned for its exceptional handling, powerful engine, and aggressive styling, often considered a modern classic and a rider's motorcycle.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with other high-performance 250cc two-strokes of its era, such as the Yamaha YZF-R250 (though not sold globally) and the Honda NSR250R. Its Rotax-derived engine offered a unique character compared to Japanese counterparts.
Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English (typical for most Aprilia service documentation)
Format
Format:
Likely a comprehensive printed manual or high-quality PDF.
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Complete coverage of all major mechanical and electrical systems, including detailed diagrams and specifications for engine disassembly, rebuild, carburetor tuning, power valve operation, ignition timing, chassis adjustments, suspension setup, brake system overhauls, and electrical schematics.
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, chain adjustment, filter replacement), engine tuning and rebuilding, carburetor synchronization and jetting, power valve cleaning and adjustment, suspension fork service, brake caliper rebuilding, wheel bearing replacement, electrical troubleshooting, wiring harness repair, and chassis component inspection and replacement.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic procedures, and part number references.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
If PDF: Searchable text, bookmarked sections, high-resolution diagrams. If Printed: Durable binding, clear text, high-quality paper for longevity.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution printing with clear, legible text and diagrams. Professional layout and formatting.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
If Printed: Professional binding (e.g., perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
If Printed: Durable, semi-gloss or matte paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, two-stroke
Displacement:
249.3 cc (249.3 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
54.0 mm x 54.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
7.5:1 (typical, may vary slightly)
Valvetrain:
Rotary disc intake valves, Aprilia Electronic Power Valve (AEPV)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (depending on market and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 40-45 Nm (depending on market and tuning)
Fuel System
Carburetors:
2 x Mikuni TM34SS flat-slide carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Fuel Delivery:
Premix (or Autolube system)
Lubrication
Lubrication System:
Total-loss oil injection (Autolube) and oil sump
Ignition
Ignition System:
Digital CDI with variable ignition advance
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate clutch
Features
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual (e.g., 1st: 2.5, 2nd: 1.8, 3rd: 1.4, 4th: 1.18, 5th: 1.05, 6th: 0.96 - approximate)
Final Drive:
Chain drive (520 O-ring type chain)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 80W/90 gear oil
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 1970 mm
Width:
Approx. 720 mm
Height:
Approx. 1120 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1370 mm
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 142 kg
Wet Weight:
Approx. 163 kg
Fuel Capacity:
16 Liters (including 3.5L reserve)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through handling, braking, and rider aids rather than crash test ratings).
Active Features
Active Features:
Powerful dual front disc brakes, responsive rear disc brake, agile chassis design for evasive maneuvers.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Sturdy frame construction, rider footpegs, handlebars for control.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
N/A (1998 sportbike, focus is purely on performance and mechanics)
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids typically found on this model year)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Service Intervals:
Detailed intervals for oil changes, spark plug replacement, chain maintenance, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, and engine top-end rebuilds are crucial and would be precisely defined in the manual.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality 2-stroke motorcycle oil (e.g., Castrol TTS, Motul 710 2T, or equivalent meeting JASO FD standards)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Fork Oil Type:
Specific weight and type detailed in manual (e.g., SAE 5W or 10W)
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Power valve sticking or malfunctioning, carburetor tuning sensitivity, potential for crank seal leaks, and general wear and tear on a performance-oriented two-stroke engine. The manual is essential for addressing these.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the power valve system, precise carburetor synchronization and jetting, and diligent attention to two-stroke oil levels are critical for longevity and performance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer with a strong racing pedigree, particularly in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Known for producing innovative and performance-oriented sportbikes.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The RS250 was developed using technology and expertise gained from Aprilia's racing efforts, including the use of a highly regarded Rotax engine (also used in Aprilia's own race bikes and supplied to other manufacturers). It represented a significant step up in performance and technology for Aprilia's 250cc sportbike line.
Production
Production Years:
1995 - 2004 (with various updates and revisions)
Manufacturing Location:
Noale, Italy
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While specific awards for the 1998 model might be scarce, the RS250 platform was widely praised by motorcycle publications for its handling, performance, and overall riding experience, often winning comparison tests against its contemporaries.