RS250 Archives

Aprilia RS250 Could Make A Comeback With New Parallel-Twin 4-Stroke Engine

The Aprilia RS250 is probably the best street-legal 250cc two-stroke motorcycle coming out of the Noale factory from 1994 to 2004.

The Aprilia RS250 could make a comeback soon
New patent application suggest a new 250cc parallel-twin 4-stroke engine in the works.

While the idea of reproducing the two-stroke motorcycle is tempting but we can’t ignore the fact that the engine is obsolete while it also goes against the global emission standard.

However, the RS250 nameplate could still make a comeback with an entirely new quarter-litre platform, according to a new design registration filed in China by Aprilia’s Chinese counterpart, Zongshen-Piaggio.

The new powertrain – published by CycleWorld – showcased a DOCH parallel-twin engine.

Not only that, the CAD renderings also shows a central-cam drive setup (between the cylinder) instead of on the side similar to Honda’s VFR400R and Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP race bike.

While it may seem unusual, but it could be a significant indicator that Aprilia is pursuing a compact cylinder head which helps to reduced the flex to the camshaft and crankshaft.

Also, it could also suggest that Aprilia is squeezing for a higher rev range.

Currently, Aprilia already has the Zonghsen-built GPR250R that is sold in Asia which runs on a single-cylinder engine.

The same bike was used as the basis of the track-only Aprilia RS250 SP that was introduced in the US in 2020.

That said, the upcoming 250cc two-cylinder 4-stroke machine could use the GPR250RR nameplate in Asia whereas Aprilia likely to revive the RS250 name in Europe and the US.

French Blogger Turn His Aprilia RSV4 Into The Iconic RS250

The Aprilia RS250 is considered one of the grails of a two-strokes machine.

Aprilia produced the road-going RS250 between 1995 and 2002.
The RS250 runs on a repurposed Suzuki RGV250 V-twin engine with a modified ECU that makes 65hp.

The ultimate pocket-rocket of the 90s features a low-capacity, lightweight and high-revving engine inspired by the race bikes competing in the 250GP World Championship ridden by Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi alike.

The current-day Aprilia RS 125 is a modern-day version of the iconic RS250; however, it lacks the same fun factor as its predecessors.

However, if you still adore the RS250 and coincidentally own an RSV4, you might want to consider doing a complete retro makeover.

French blogger Le Week-end De Course has done it by taking his RSV4 and turning it into the RS250.

The retro makeover successfully captures the RS250 bodywork with Aprilia’s traditional black and white colourway.

As a result, the RSV4 turned RS250 still looks like every 90s kid’s dream motorcycle with its curved nose and chunky headlamp.

The motorcycle also features the RS250 bubbled rear tail that helps to complete the overall look.

While there’s zero chance for Aprilia to bring back the RS250 due to the strict emission shenanigans, sportsbike manufacturers might want to consider applying a similar design language to modern motorcycles.