Aprillia RS250 what to look out for
Discussion
I've wanted a 250 as a second bike for quite a while and have ruled out the NSR because they're too expensive and the RGV as I'm not keen on its styling, can anyone let me know what to look out for when viewing one, any signs the engine is going to imminently go bang etc.
I want to get one bought before they become too expensive, prices seem to be going up all the time.
I want to get one bought before they become too expensive, prices seem to be going up all the time.
quite simply, regardless of what the seller says budget for a motor rebuild.
with ignition on, the powervalves should cycle from closed to open and back. check the alignment marks.
If the owner is serious, ask to take a peek up the exhaust ports to see if the pistons are showing signs of wear on the skirts. check what oil is used etc.
but look at rebuilding the motor BEFORE it goes bang in a horrible way.
Sean at The Tuning Works is a superb resource for parts and expertise.
But the only way to really assess the state of the engine is to pull it apart and measure everything from big end play to ring gaps etc and inspect things like powervalve centre pins and reed valves.
good hunting.
with ignition on, the powervalves should cycle from closed to open and back. check the alignment marks.
If the owner is serious, ask to take a peek up the exhaust ports to see if the pistons are showing signs of wear on the skirts. check what oil is used etc.
but look at rebuilding the motor BEFORE it goes bang in a horrible way.
Sean at The Tuning Works is a superb resource for parts and expertise.
But the only way to really assess the state of the engine is to pull it apart and measure everything from big end play to ring gaps etc and inspect things like powervalve centre pins and reed valves.
good hunting.
Walter Sobchak said:
Thanks for the advice, there was one for sale which is seized but went for strong money still, I'm going to be hunting for one over the winter, it will compliment the RSV4 well and smell better 
.
go for a bike with good cosmetics and spend some time overhauling the motor. it won't be overly expensive if you want to keep it standard. but good gains can be found with decent heads, pistons and pipes netting mid 60's bhp..make sure you use a 2T oil suitable for the injection system such as Motul 710. be aware many top quality oils are too thick and only suitable for premix use. 710 is superb stuff. i also have the full aprilia service manual as well as the suzuki race.kit manual if you need.
In typical PH form I'm going to suggest something completely different to your original question. Have you considered a jap IL 400 sports bike? ZXR/RVF/CBR 400 can all be had for a little more than an RS250 and produce similar power and 'pocket rocket' riding style, but are immensely more reliable.
Don't smell as good though
Don't smell as good though
Darkslider said:
In typical PH form I'm going to suggest something completely different to your original question. Have you considered a jap IL 400 sports bike? ZXR/RVF/CBR 400 can all be had for a little more than an RS250 and produce similar power and 'pocket rocket' riding style, but are immensely more reliable.
Don't smell as good though
Interesting view, but sorry, no way are they alternatives to an RS250 IMHO. Don't smell as good though
OP, good luck & keep us posted, I will be very jealous indeed, with the RSV4 also!
bass gt3 said:
go for a bike with good cosmetics and spend some time overhauling the motor. it won't be overly expensive if you want to keep it standard. but good gains can be found with decent heads, pistons and pipes netting mid 60's bhp.
make sure you use a 2T oil suitable for the injection system such as Motul 710. be aware many top quality oils are too thick and only suitable for premix use. 710 is superb stuff. i also have the full aprilia service manual as well as the suzuki race.kit manual if you need.
Thanks, will give you a shout when I've got one make sure you use a 2T oil suitable for the injection system such as Motul 710. be aware many top quality oils are too thick and only suitable for premix use. 710 is superb stuff. i also have the full aprilia service manual as well as the suzuki race.kit manual if you need.
.Darkslider said:
In typical PH form I'm going to suggest something completely different to your original question. Have you considered a jap IL 400 sports bike? ZXR/RVF/CBR 400 can all be had for a little more than an RS250 and produce similar power and 'pocket rocket' riding style, but are immensely more reliable.
Don't smell as good though
I had an RVF 400 when I first passed my test, great bike but I've been there and I know I wouldn't ride it when the RSV4 weighs a similar amount, handles better, has modern suspension,modern electronics and has about 100 BHP more.Don't smell as good though
I've regretted not having a 250 2 stroke ever since buying a 400, the powerband, the noise, the insanely good handling, and the smell
.It has the advantage of a bike I can use occasionally, is something I've wanted for ages and is only going to appreciate in value.
We have one which my son (15) uses for track days. Great bikes. My tip is find a nice one and change the pistons & rings immediately (easy job) and service the power valves. Clean the carbs properly (new jets preferably) and only run premium fuel and full synthetic oil. Suspension needs sorting out on those bikes. Standard rear suspension is rubbish and if the gas reservoir has leaked then you get massive over damping on rebound (which is quite dangerous).... Best replacement is Nitron. Likewise the front has standard suspension good for a 62.5kg rider so it might be best to service it and get the right spring.
If you do all of the above things you'll have one of the sweetest riding bikes ever made. Fantastic.
If you do all of the above things you'll have one of the sweetest riding bikes ever made. Fantastic.
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