Market Segment:
Lightweight sport motorcycle segment, popular for entry-level riders and performance-oriented commuters.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, and professional motorcycle repair shops focusing on Aprilia or similar European sportbikes.
Key Competitors:
Yamaha YZF-R125, Suzuki GSX-R125, Honda CBR125R (though the RS50 is often a 50cc class competitor to 125cc bikes due to its performance potential).
Performance Focus:
The RS50 is renowned for its aggressive styling and performance that punches above its weight class for a 50cc machine, often modified for increased output.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-level information to maintain, repair, and optimize the RS50, crucial for its high-performance nature and specific European engineering.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive workshop and repair procedures for the Aprilia RS50.
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, electrical diagnostics, torque specifications.
Page Count:
Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for this era of detailed service manuals, exact count not provided).
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language:
Likely English (primary language for international manuals, confirmation for specific edition advised).
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printable
Engine Systems:
Engine assembly/disassembly, top-end rebuild (cylinder, piston, head), bottom-end overhaul (crankshaft, bearings), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor tuning, fuel lines), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox operation, clutch system (operation, adjustment, replacement), shift mechanism, gearbox oil specifications and change procedures.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection and repair, front fork service (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber service and adjustment, steering system (headset bearing service, adjustment), swingarm and linkage maintenance.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brake system overhaul (caliper service, piston replacement, seal kits), brake pad replacement, brake line inspection and replacement, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures, master cylinder service.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (stator, CDI unit, lighting coils), battery maintenance and replacement, starter system, lighting circuits (headlight, taillight, turn signals), fuse box layout and troubleshooting.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat and tank removal, minor bodywork repair and paint preparation guidance.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment and lubrication, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake system bleeding, carburetor cleaning and adjustment, general inspection points.
Repair Procedures:
Complete engine rebuild, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, fork seal replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bearing replacement (wheel, steering, swingarm).
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts for common starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, braking system complaints, and more.
Technical Depth:
In-depth, suitable for experienced home mechanics and professional technicians. Covers complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
39.5 mm x 40.5 mm (Typical, confirm with manual)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 10.5:1 (May vary with exhaust and tuning)
Horsepower:
Approx. 6.2 HP @ 9,000 RPM (Limited by EU regulations for 50cc class, often higher when derestricted)
Torque:
Approx. 4.9 Nm @ 8,000 RPM (May vary)
Carburetor:
Dell'Orto PHBN 14 (Typical, manual will specify exact model and jetting for region)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended)
Oil Mixture:
Separate oil injection system (manual will detail oil type and level check)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI) with variable ignition timing
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual, crucial for performance tuning and maintenance.
Final Drive:
Chain drive (manual will specify chain type, pitch, and adjustment procedure)
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/90 (Manual to confirm specific Aprilia recommendation)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.65 Liters (Check manual for precise figure)
Length:
Approx. 1950 mm (Varies slightly by year/spec)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1345 mm
Dry Weight:
Approx. 110 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 13 Liters
Front Tire Size:
110/70-17 (Typical, verify in manual)
Rear Tire Size:
130/70-17 (Typical, verify in manual)
Front Brake Type:
Single hydraulic disc, 280 mm diameter
Rear Brake Type:
Single hydraulic disc, 180 mm diameter
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Hub mounted, not bolt-on for most sportbikes of this era)
Safety Rating Classification:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically assigned car-like safety ratings)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear for effective stopping power.
Lighting System:
Full complement of headlights, taillight, brake lights, and turn signals for visibility.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy perimeter frame designed for stability and rider control.
Rider Ergonomics:
Sportbike riding position designed for aerodynamic efficiency and control.
Infotainment System:
Basic analog instrument cluster (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, coolant temp, fuel level indicator).
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (Motorcycle of this era is focused on core riding dynamics rather than electronic aids).
Headlight Type:
Halogen bulb (specific wattage and type listed in manual).
Taillight Type:
Incandescent bulb or early LED (manual to confirm).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 km or annually (refer to manual for precise interval and gearbox oil specification).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 5,000 - 8,000 km or as needed (manual will list recommended spark plug types and gap).
Air Filter Service:
Every 3,000 - 6,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions (clean or replace).
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 500 - 1,000 km, or after riding in wet conditions.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendation.
Engine Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water (manual for specific type and capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (Manual to confirm exact specification).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, spark plugs, piston rings (due to 2-stroke nature and potential high-stress use), brake pads, fork seals.
Potential Electrical Faults:
Wiring harness integrity, stator coil failure (can manifest as charging or ignition issues).
Carburetor Issues:
Clogging due to fuel quality or infrequent use, requiring regular cleaning and jetting adjustments.
Aprilia Heritage:
Aprilia is an Italian manufacturer with a strong racing heritage, particularly in smaller displacement categories and road racing.
Motorcycle Expertise:
Known for producing high-performance, innovative, and stylish motorcycles across various segments.
Rs Series Legacy:
The RS series represents Aprilia's commitment to sportbike design and performance, with the RS50 being the entry-level model in this lineage.
50Cc Class Significance:
The RS50 was a dominant force in the 50cc sportbike market during its production, offering a premium experience and performance often exceeding competitors.
Production Period:
The RS50 has seen several generations, with the 2001-2003 models representing a significant iteration before subsequent updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Italy.