Segment:
Lightweight sport motorcycle, entry-level performance segment
Target Audience:
Young riders, those seeking a stylish and sporty 50cc experience, riders in regions with specific licensing requirements for larger displacements.
Key Competitors 2010:
Yamaha TZR50, Gilera SMT/RCR50, Beta RR50, Derbi Senda/GPR50, Rieju RS2/SMX50
Design Philosophy:
Sportbike styling mimicking larger Aprilia RS models, performance-oriented 50cc engine, advanced chassis for its class.
Distinctive Attributes:
Sharp, aggressive Italian design, race-replica aesthetics, capable handling, potent (for its class) liquid-cooled two-stroke engine.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop service and repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, overhaul
Estimated Pages:
300-400 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Full engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, carburetor adjustment, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft, bearings, seals, cooling system (liquid-cooled), lubrication
Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch operation and adjustment, gear selection mechanism, lubrication
Electrical System:
Ignition system (CDI, spark plug), lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), starting system (kick-start), battery, wiring diagrams, fuses, sensors
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection and repair, steering head bearings, suspension (front fork, rear shock absorber), swingarm, wheel bearings
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pad replacement, bleeding procedures
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, carburetor (Dell'Orto PHBN/PHVA common), air filter maintenance
Bodywork And Plastics:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, tank cover, fender components
Maintenance:
Scheduled servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug service, brake fluid replacement, coolant checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common starting issues, performance problems, electrical faults
Repair Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission disassembly and reassembly, suspension fork service, brake caliper overhaul
Adjustments:
Carburetor jetting and idle speed, clutch cable play, throttle cable free play, suspension sag
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
39.5 mm x 40.0 mm (typical for Rotax 123 variants)
Power Output:
Approximately 5-7 HP (restricted for licensing, can be de-restricted)
Torque:
Approx. 3-4 Nm (highly dependent on state of tune)
Top Speed Restricted:
Limited by law, typically around 45-50 km/h (28-31 mph)
Top Speed De Restricted:
Can exceed 70-80 km/h (43-50 mph) depending on modifications and setup
Carburetor:
Dell'Orto PHBN 17.5 or PHVA 17.5 (common)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Delivery:
Automatic oil injection system (separate oil tank)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50% mixture with distilled water)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BR9ES or equivalent
Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Variator:
N/A (Manual Transmission)
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate clutch, cable-actuated
Final Drive:
Chain drive (e.g., 11/52 or similar ratios)
1St Gear:
e.g., 28/12 (2.33)
2Nd Gear:
e.g., 25/16 (1.56)
3Rd Gear:
e.g., 24/18 (1.33)
4Th Gear:
e.g., 23/20 (1.15)
5Th Gear:
e.g., 22/22 (1.00)
6Th Gear:
e.g., 20/24 (0.83)
Primary Drive Ratio:
e.g., 19/56 (0.339)
Final Drive Ratio:
e.g., 11/52 (0.211)
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 10W/40 motorcycle gear oil (e.g., MOTUL Transoil 10W40 or equivalent API GL-4)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.7 - 0.8 Liters
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1345 mm
Seat Height:
Approx. 810 mm
Storage:
Under-seat storage for very small items (e.g., manual, small lock)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 120 kg
Wet Weight:
Approx. 130 kg (with fluids)
Max Load Capacity:
Approx. 120 kg (rider and cargo)
Front Tire Size:
110/70-17
Rear Tire Size:
130/70-17
Wheel Type:
Aluminum alloy, 5-spoke design
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (cast wheels)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (motorcycles are not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Braking:
Dual disc brakes (front and rear) with hydraulic actuation for effective stopping power.
Suspension:
Upside-down telescopic front fork and adjustable monoshock rear suspension for stable handling and ride comfort.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, and turn indicators for visibility.
Chassis Design:
Perimeter frame (aluminum or steel alloy depending on specific sub-model) offering good rigidity and handling characteristics.
Display Type:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, with basic LCD (fuel level, odometer, trip meter) or indicator lights.
ABS:
N/A (Not equipped with ABS)
Bluetooth:
N/A (No connectivity features)
ECU:
Basic CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) unit with limited electronic control.
Oil Change Gearbox:
Every 6,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. More frequently for hard use.
Spark Plug Check Replace:
Check every 3,000 km, replace as needed or every 6,000 km. Carbon fouling is common on 2-strokes.
Air Filter Clean Replace:
Clean every 3,000 km, replace as needed or every 6,000 km.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 24,000 km.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Lubricate and check tension every 500 km, adjust as needed.
Engine Oil Injection:
2-stroke semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oil specifically designed for high-performance air/liquid-cooled 2-stroke engines (e.g., Castrol Power 1 TTS, Motul 710 2T).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified by Aprilia for specific components)
Coolant:
50% mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water.
Carburetor Icing:
In very cold, humid conditions, the Dell'Orto carburetors can sometimes experience icing due to fuel evaporation and airflow.
Restrictor Tampering:
Many models are restricted for learner-legal status; owners often remove these, which can affect long-term engine health if not tuned properly.
Exhaust Flapper Issues:
The exhaust power valve (often called 'flapper') can get gummed up with carbon, leading to performance issues if not decarbonized periodically.
Electrical Connections:
As with many smaller motorcycles, ensuring clean and tight electrical connections is crucial to prevent intermittent faults.
Aprilia Motorsport Legacy:
Aprilia has a rich racing heritage, particularly in Grand Prix motorcycle racing (250cc, 125cc classes), influencing the design and performance of their road bikes.
Rs 50 Lineage:
The RS 50 has been a staple in Aprilia's lineup for decades, evolving through several generations, each aiming to offer the most authentic sportbike experience in the 50cc class.
Key Design Language:
Consistently featured aggressive, aerodynamic styling inspired by their larger-displacement RSV Mille and RSV4 sportbikes.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy (Scorzè, Venice plant)
Production Period:
The second generation RS 50 was produced roughly from 2006 to 2010/2011, with the 2010 model being a key year in this phase.