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Sportbikes

1997Aprilia RS 250

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The 1997 Aprilia RS 250 is a lightweight sport bike engineered for agile riders seeking sharp handling and responsive performance. Its potent two-stroke V2 engine delivers impressive power-to-weight ratio and spirited acceleration, making it ideal for track days and spirited road riding. The RS 250 became iconic in the 250cc sport category for its aggressive styling and genuine racing pedigree.

Capacity
249.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, two-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
141.0 kg
Seat height
690 mm
Power
56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1997 Aprilia RS 250

vs the 1996
Spec19961997
Power 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque — 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs) @ 9800 RPM
Top speed — 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 57Agility 87Comfort 35Off-road 5Touring 25Road manners 78
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering93%
City riding40%
Daily riding30%
Touring22%
Two-up15%
Track85%
Best for
Built as a lightweight, race-bred sport machine, it excels at high-rev canyon carving and trackday lapping rather than practical transport.
Built for
It rewards an aggressive, revvy riding style with explosive two-stroke acceleration once on the boil and razor-quick direction changes thanks to its very light dry weight.
Not ideal for
This is not the bike for riders wanting all-day comfort, passenger-friendly touring, or a forgiving, low-maintenance commuting experience.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 690mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Aprilia RS 250, with a cramped knee angle of around 60 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
249.0 ccm
Power
56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Torque
46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m) @ 9800 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, two-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.3972 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
56.0 x 50.6 mm
Compression
12.0:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Multiplate wet clutch with slipper system
Performance
Top speed
200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1360 mm
Overall length
1980 mm
Overall width
690 mm
Overall height
1090 mm
Seat height
690 mm
Dry weight
141.0 kg
Wet weight
168.0 kg
Fuel capacity
19.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
130 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Front brakes diameter
298 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
220 mm
Front tyre
120/60-ZR17
Rear tyre
150/60-ZR17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 199619971998199920012002
Capacity 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc 249 cc
Dry weight 141 kg 141 kg 141 kg 141 kg 141 kg 141 kg
Seat height 690 mm 690 mm 770 mm 810 mm 785 mm 785 mm
Fuel capacity 19.5 L 19.5 L 19.5 L 19.5 L 19.5 L 16.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Aprilia RS 250?

The 1997 Aprilia RS 250 has a Capacity of 249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Aprilia RS 250 have?

The 1997 Aprilia RS 250 has a Power of 56.0 HP (41.2 kW).

How many gears does the Aprilia RS 250 have?

The 1997 Aprilia RS 250 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Aprilia RS 250?

The 1997 Aprilia RS 250 has a Torque of 46.0 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.9 ft.lbs) @ 9800 RPM.

How much does the Aprilia RS 250 weigh?

The 1997 Aprilia RS 250 has a Dry weight of 141.0 kg (310.9 pounds).

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