Segment:
Lightweight sport motorcycle, entry-level performance segment.
Target Audience:
New riders, younger enthusiasts, those seeking a nimble and engaging street bike with racing heritage.
Competitors 2002:
Yamaha YZF-R125 (though typically 125cc), Cagiva Mito 50, Derbi GPR50, Honda RS50 (if applicable for the market).
Performance Orientation:
Designed for sporty handling and agility, mimicking the larger Aprilia sportbikes.
Styling:
Aggressive, race-inspired aerodynamic fairings and aggressive riding posture.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled for optimized performance and thermal management.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission, clutch, chassis, suspension (front & rear), brakes (front & rear), electrical system (wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging), bodywork, troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, specifications.
Page Count:
Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), printable
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of all engine components including cylinder, piston, crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings, valve train, seals, and gaskets. Torque specifications for all fasteners.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system diagnosis and repair, CDI unit, spark plug specifications, stator and rotor inspection, wiring harness diagrams, starter motor operation and testing.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Dell'Orto PHVA 12/14 or similar) disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, and jetting. Fuel line routing, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank maintenance.
Cooling System:
Radiator inspection, coolant specifications and capacity, water pump operation and seal replacement, thermostat function.
Transmission Clutch:
Gearbox oil specifications and change intervals, clutch operation, cable adjustment, friction plate inspection and replacement, primary drive and final drive maintenance.
Brakes Suspension:
Front fork disassembly, oil change, seal replacement. Rear shock absorber specifications and adjustment. Brake fluid type (DOT 4 recommended), bleeding procedures, pad and disc wear limits, caliper overhaul.
Electrical Wiring:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams with component identification, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, battery specifications, lighting system maintenance (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn operation.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common issues such as starting problems, poor engine performance, electrical malfunctions, brake fade, and suspension noise.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major systems, including engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, and electrical system repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement:
49.7 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 40.5 mm x 39.3 mm
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 8.5:1 to 10.0:1 depending on variant and market regulations.
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Ignition System:
Electronic CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Horsepower:
Restricted for class regulations (typically 10-15 HP in homologated form). Performance tuning potential is significant.
Torque:
Corresponding torque figures, with peak delivery in the mid-range for sporty acceleration.
Carburetor Model:
Likely Dell'Orto PHVA 12 or PHVA 14
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON minimum recommended)
Oil Mixing:
Premix or automatic oil injection system (check specific model variant).
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific, not typically rated like cars)
Brakes:
Front: Single hydraulic disc brake. Rear: Single hydraulic disc brake. Often featuring braided steel lines for improved feel.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, front and rear turn signals.
Chassis:
Perimeter frame construction for rigidity and strength, designed for sporty handling.
Tires:
Sport-oriented tire profiles for optimal grip and lean angle capability.
Dashboard:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and basic indicator lights (turn signals, high beam, neutral).
Assistance Systems:
None (standard for 2002 lightweight motorcycles).
Connectivity Features:
None (standard for 2002 lightweight motorcycles).
Oil Change:
Gearbox oil: Every 3,000-5,000 km or annually. 2-stroke oil: Continuous if using automatic injection, monitor level regularly.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 3,000-6,000 km, or as recommended by specific plug manufacturer.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 2,000-4,000 km, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 500-1000 km, or after riding in wet conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality 2-stroke oil (meeting JASO FD or TC specifications) for oil injection or premix.
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W/90 or SAE 80W/90 gear oil.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture (50/50 with distilled water recommended).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Carburetor Fouling:
Can be prone to fouling if not ridden regularly or if fuel quality is poor.
Exhaust Blockage:
Two-stroke engines can accumulate carbon in the exhaust port and muffler, requiring periodic cleaning.
Cooling System Leaks:
Check hoses and radiator for leaks, especially with age.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can cause intermittent issues.
Aprilia Legacy:
Aprilia has a long and successful history in motorcycle racing, particularly in smaller displacement classes, which influences the design and performance focus of models like the RS50.
Rs Series Lineage:
The RS50 is part of Aprilia's successful RS (Rennsport) series, known for its track-inspired styling and performance capabilities, often seen as a gateway to larger Aprilia sportbikes.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy
Production Years:
The RS50 platform has seen continuous development over many years, with the 2002 model representing a specific iteration of this popular 50cc sportbike.
