RGV OR RS Aprilla 250?
Discussion
No, they are not the same engines, but are similar ideas.
They were something special when new, but they were always a bit fragile. Well, maybe it’s fair to say that you needed to be sure to look after them well.
I had an RD350 YPVS when these were current, and seem to remember a lot of stories of seizures and disc valve problems on the 250s if people used cheap oil, or just thrashed them from cold.
What is it that you are looking for from them? Exotic highly strung and old bikes can be great, but are not just hop on and ride very often.
They were something special when new, but they were always a bit fragile. Well, maybe it’s fair to say that you needed to be sure to look after them well.
I had an RD350 YPVS when these were current, and seem to remember a lot of stories of seizures and disc valve problems on the 250s if people used cheap oil, or just thrashed them from cold.
What is it that you are looking for from them? Exotic highly strung and old bikes can be great, but are not just hop on and ride very often.
James_B said:
No, they are not the same engines, but are similar ideas.
They were something special when new, but they were always a bit fragile. Well, maybe it’s fair to say that you needed to be sure to look after them well.
I had an RD350 YPVS when these were current, and seem to remember a lot of stories of seizures and disc valve problems on the 250s if people used cheap oil, or just thrashed them from cold.
What is it that you are looking for from them? Exotic highly strung and old bikes can be great, but are not just hop on and ride very often.
Hi James,They were something special when new, but they were always a bit fragile. Well, maybe it’s fair to say that you needed to be sure to look after them well.
I had an RD350 YPVS when these were current, and seem to remember a lot of stories of seizures and disc valve problems on the 250s if people used cheap oil, or just thrashed them from cold.
What is it that you are looking for from them? Exotic highly strung and old bikes can be great, but are not just hop on and ride very often.
Been looking at RGV's as I used to own one and then I've looked on eBay at other brands .
Always liked the Aprilla too but know nothing about them .
Something two stroke , classic and collectable really . Like the idea of a 350 Yam too .
What's your thoughts?
They are both great. Get an immaculate one, and have the engine looked over by someone who knows them well.
There are probably fewer experts nowadays, but speak to the few left.
Then run it on the best oil that you can find. The bike will thank you for it, and the smell will be amazing.
There are probably fewer experts nowadays, but speak to the few left.
Then run it on the best oil that you can find. The bike will thank you for it, and the smell will be amazing.
Another couple of ideas
R1-z 250 by Yamaha :
https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_yl...
Or bonkers sdr200 :
https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_yl...
R1-z 250 by Yamaha :
https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_yl...
Or bonkers sdr200 :
https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_yl...
The engines are the same including barrels and heads. The ecu on the Aprilia has a different curve, but I believe that's a copy of Suzuki's kit ecu. The exhausts are different, but being they have different chassis that's not surprising. The Aprilia is the newer bike, so has a better chassis and components. They both make more or less the same power, especially if you go down the route of fitting different exhausts or a zeeltronic.
The Suzuki is probably easier to get parts for and keep on the road.
The Suzuki is probably easier to get parts for and keep on the road.
curlie467 said:
3 different answers to your engine question right there.
The RS uses the VJ22 motor and although the barrels are the same, there's conjecture over the heads.
The SAPC ignition units are definitely different as there are all kinds of maps for each country or territory.
The Aprilia pipes have the cats inside (in some markets) so these want dumping.
As said above, add a decent set of pipes, a Zeeltronic unit and you'll be looking at 60 odd ponies. They go very well but need to be kept on the boil.
Cougar PV's aren't recommended for a road bike but there's a little more to be had from decent head inserts and a good set up especially the power valves synchro and cables
If a bike has been modified to Premix, avoid it like the plague. The generator side main bearing runs dry and spins in the casings which just about totals the motor.
Fun bikes but be aware they need lots of TLC and good oil and won't see which away a modern 600 went....
Steve Bass said:
Seems about right
The RS uses the VJ22 motor and although the barrels are the same, there's conjecture over the heads.
The SAPC ignition units are definitely different as there are all kinds of maps for each country or territory.
The Aprilia pipes have the cats inside (in some markets) so these want dumping.
As said above, add a decent set of pipes, a Zeeltronic unit and you'll be looking at 60 odd ponies. They go very well but need to be kept on the boil.
Cougar PV's aren't recommended for a road bike but there's a little more to be had from decent head inserts and a good set up especially the power valves synchro and cables
If a bike has been modified to Premix, avoid it like the plague. The generator side main bearing runs dry and spins in the casings which just about totals the motor.
Fun bikes but be aware they need lots of TLC and good oil and won't see which away a modern 600 went....
Didn’t they change the porting? The RS uses the VJ22 motor and although the barrels are the same, there's conjecture over the heads.
The SAPC ignition units are definitely different as there are all kinds of maps for each country or territory.
The Aprilia pipes have the cats inside (in some markets) so these want dumping.
As said above, add a decent set of pipes, a Zeeltronic unit and you'll be looking at 60 odd ponies. They go very well but need to be kept on the boil.
Cougar PV's aren't recommended for a road bike but there's a little more to be had from decent head inserts and a good set up especially the power valves synchro and cables
If a bike has been modified to Premix, avoid it like the plague. The generator side main bearing runs dry and spins in the casings which just about totals the motor.
Fun bikes but be aware they need lots of TLC and good oil and won't see which away a modern 600 went....
yonex said:
Didn’t they change the porting?
There's lots of conjecture as to what Aprilia did actually change but the motors I've pulled apart have standard Suzuki vj22 barrels . There's a difference between the vj21 & 22 porting and unless you have a factory original motor it's impossible to tell. Parts get swopped around so who ever knows!
xstian said:
The Suzuki is probably easier to get parts for and keep on the road.
Thats a very good point and well worth considering, my friend has RGV250 and end of last year, also bought a RS250 Mk1 and getting parts for the RS has been problamatic, Aprilia appear to lump items into larger components, so for example, a plunger for the brake lever only comes with (v expensive) lever and takes quite some time, he has also had some electrical issues and it would seem Aprilia had several different looms fitted to Mk1s so many items he ordered, didnt fit the loom on the bike and Aprilia have been less than helpful.Also dont forget the RGV is on Suzukis vintage parts programme and Suzuki are knocking out more bits for the RGV even now, not always cheap but if you can get hold of something new, it forces the price of second hand parts down with it.
https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/news/suzuki-remanufactu...
That said, id get the one that appeals to you the most , is complete and in a good fettle and you'll be very happy im sure.
podman said:
Thats a very good point and well worth considering, my friend has RGV250 and end of last year, also bought a RS250 Mk1 and getting parts for the RS has been problamatic, Aprilia appear to lump items into larger components, so for example, a plunger for the brake lever only comes with (v expensive) lever and takes quite some time, he has also had some electrical issues and it would seem Aprilia had several different looms fitted to Mk1s so many items he ordered, didnt fit the loom on the bike and Aprilia have been less than helpful.
Also dont forget the RGV is on Suzukis vintage parts programme and Suzuki are knocking out more bits for the RGV even now, not always cheap but if you can get hold of something new, it forces the price of second hand parts down with it.
https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/news/suzuki-remanufactu...
That said, id get the one that appeals to you the most , is complete and in a good fettle and you'll be very happy im sure.
Cheers . Also dont forget the RGV is on Suzukis vintage parts programme and Suzuki are knocking out more bits for the RGV even now, not always cheap but if you can get hold of something new, it forces the price of second hand parts down with it.
https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/news/suzuki-remanufactu...
That said, id get the one that appeals to you the most , is complete and in a good fettle and you'll be very happy im sure.
I’ve found a lucky strike bike but that advertiser doesn’t seem to answer his voicemail or emails !
Watch out for expanding plastic tanks on the RS models, especially the MK1 - most hit the top yoke on full lock by now.
Also crappy switchgear, throttles, kickstarters, dash isn't waterproof etc. Basically most of the Aprillia bits!
Some more room than a VJ21/22, about the same as a VJ23.
Also crappy switchgear, throttles, kickstarters, dash isn't waterproof etc. Basically most of the Aprillia bits!
Some more room than a VJ21/22, about the same as a VJ23.
Edited by TwoStrokeNut on Tuesday 14th August 12:38
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