Target Audience:
Owners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional motorcycle mechanics working on the Aprilia RS50.
Segment:
Lightweight sportbike, entry-level performance motorcycle.
Competitors:
Derbi GPR50, Yamaha TZR50, Honda RS125 (though different class, often considered aspirational).
Vehicle Appeal:
Sporty aesthetics, capable handling, powerful for its class, often seen as a stepping stone to larger sportbikes.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring optimal performance and longevity of their RS50.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, troubleshooting, top-end rebuild, bottom-end assembly, cooling system, lubrication.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning (Dell'Orto PHVA 17.5 BD), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, spark plug specifications, wiring diagrams, ignition timing checks.
Transmission:
6-speed gearbox overhaul, clutch assembly, shifting mechanism, gear oil specifications.
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (upside-down) maintenance and overhaul, rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement, swingarm lubrication.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake system maintenance, hydraulic system bleeding, pad replacement, caliper service.
Electrical System:
Full wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, lighting system, starter motor, alternator, fuse box.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, handle bar adjustments, decal placement.
Cooling System:
Radiator service, coolant specifications, fan operation, thermostat replacement.
Preventive Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance checks, lubrication points, filter replacement intervals, fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and performance issues with step-by-step guides.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, reassembly, and torque specifications.
Suspension Adjustment:
Guidance on adjusting front and rear suspension for optimal handling and rider preference.
Carburetor Overhaul:
Complete guide to dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling the Dell'Orto carburetor.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Methods for identifying and repairing electrical faults using wiring diagrams and multimeter testing.
Brake Service:
Step-by-step instructions for brake fluid replacement, caliper maintenance, and pad installation.
Wheel Tire Maintenance:
Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing checks, and spoke tensioning (if applicable).
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, suitable for both home mechanics and professional technicians.
Diagnostic Codes:
Includes troubleshooting charts and common fault codes (if applicable).
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners during assembly and disassembly.
Clearances:
Engine component clearances (piston-to-cylinder, valve clearances if applicable), bearing clearances.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
39.5 mm x 40.3 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1 (nominal)
Carburetor Model:
Dell'Orto PHVA 17.5 BD
Exhaust System:
Expansion chamber with catalytic converter (Euro 2 compliant).
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 7.35 hp @ 9,250 rpm (for restricted version, uncorked significantly higher)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 6.2 Nm @ 8,000 rpm (for restricted version)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Mixture:
Premix (separate oil reservoir for automatic oil injection - recommended ratio 1:50 for two-stroke oil)
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual sequential gearbox
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed in the manual (e.g., 1st: 2.615, 2nd: 1.875, 3rd: 1.381, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.900)
Final Drive:
Chain drive (e.g., 11/60 ratio)
Gear Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/90 or SAE 80W synthetic gear oil
Gear Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.65 liters
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet European L/AM category motorcycle standards.
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated disc brakes front and rear for effective stopping power.
Lighting:
Full lighting system including headlamp, tail lamp, brake lights, and turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Steel twin-spar frame for rigidity and predictable handling.
Tires:
Sport-oriented tire sizes (e.g., 110/70-17 front, 130/70-17 rear).
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature warning light, neutral indicator, turn signal indicators.
ABS:
Not typically equipped with ABS on this model.
Connectivity Features:
None (basic mechanical and electrical systems).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 km or annually (engine oil; not gearbox oil).
Air Filter:
Check every 3,000 km, clean or replace as needed.
Spark Plug:
Replace every 6,000 km or as per manual recommendation (e.g., NGK BR9EG).
Chain Lubrication:
Every 500 km and after washing or riding in rain.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives (50% concentration with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor jetting issues, electrical connector corrosion, clutch wear with aggressive use, exhaust valve sticking (if applicable to specific variants).
Maintenance Focus:
Importance of proper two-stroke oil mixture, regular carburetor cleaning, and correct gear oil changes.