2003 Aprilia RS250cc Motorcycle

Description

The origins of Italian motorcycle giant Aprilia date back to the years immediately following the end of the Second World War, with the establishment of a bicycle manufacturing outfit at Noale, in the Venetian region of Italy. Founded by Alberto Beggio, the Aprilia Company passed to his son Ivano in 1968, who proved more interested in motorcycles and began building a range of small mopeds, followed by a series of bikes aimed at the new motocross craze. Success came quickly, with Aprilia winning the Italian 125 and 250cc championships in 1977, along with countless trials and enduros. By the 1980s the company was competing on an even bigger stage, entering the Moto Grand Prix arena in 1985 with Loris Reggiani, who finished an encouraging sixth in his first season and scored a maiden win for the fledgling Aprilia team at the San Marino Grand Prix just two years later. All the while, Aprilia was building ever more sophisticated road bikes, culminating in the legendary RS250, regarded as one of the finest handling sports bikes of all time and a genuine classic. Developed alongside Racing Sport versions of the 50 and 125cc, the RS250 had a long gestation and wasn’t placed on sale until 1994. Powered by a modified version of Suzuki’s 90-degree v-twin (with a bore and stroke of 56 x 50.6mm), the new Aprilia instantly became the class leader thanks to the stunning styling, lightweight frame and superb handling. Aprilia made a number of significant revisions, including the 1998 model (with completely adjustable suspension, better brakes and new bodywork) and the updated RS250 remained in production until the early 2000s. These fabulous race replicas had a reputation as the best track bike in its class and sold in strong numbers around the world.