Aprilia RS250

[cbrmattRR]

Hi all
Im looking at buying an Aprilia RS250 its a 1999 model.
Im just wondering about the servicing on a two stroke motor i.e what do you need to change routinely? I know the air filters must be cleaned alot but not sure about the ins and outs of oil changes etc. Like does the crank case require different oil to the premix stuff?

If you can give me a rough guideline of what to do that'd be great.

Cheers

[SMOKEU]

Hi all
Im looking at buying an Aprilia RS250 its a 1999 model.
Im just wondering about the servicing on a two stroke motor i.e what do you need to change routinely? I know the air filters must be cleaned alot but not sure about the ins and outs of oil changes etc. Like does the crank case require different oil to the premix stuff?

If you can give me a rough guideline of what to do that'd be great.

Cheers

You'd need to change the gearbox oil periodically, and you have to run these engines on fully synthetic 2 stroke oil. Not cheap. 2 strokes also have a reputation for chewing through spark plugs, which again are not cheap to replace on these bikes.

[cbrmattRR]

I can get 5l of total race2t oil for 33+gst. where do you get the gearbox oil from?

[tigertim20]

Hi all
Im looking at buying an Aprilia RS250 its a 1999 model.
Im just wondering about the servicing on a two stroke motor i.e what do you need to change routinely? I know the air filters must be cleaned alot but not sure about the ins and outs of oil changes etc. Like does the crank case require different oil to the premix stuff?

If you can give me a rough guideline of what to do that'd be great.

Cheers

You need to first look at exactly what type of riding you are going to do on it. if youre going to mostly commute, forget it, it'd be like doing heart surgery with a steak knife, doable, but fuckin rough!!

need more info!!

[ducatilover]

Top end rebuild are every 18,000km on an RS from memory. Epic bike and well worth the upkeep if you ask me. :love:

[nodrog]

Top end rebuild are every 18,000km on an RS from memory. Epic bike and well worth the upkeep if you ask me. :love:

Its every 16k, rings every 8k.

Fanny

[cbrmattRR]

Oh my riding is going to be track days and long trips. I have a 1.5 civic for getting to work.
Really just wanted to know about the servicing procedure.

[Latte]

I commuted for a year on an NSR, not an issue really - just warm her up and take it easy till shes hot.

BTW that oil sounds very cheap, too cheap for a full synth 2t, but I could be wrong. The "tried and true" are Castrol TTS and Motul 600 (or is it 7 now?) for Injector setups.

Motul gear oil is a safe bet, but guys get away with running all sorts of "odd" oil in 2T gearbags (Diesel, ATF etc) - plenty of info on Google , main thing is regular changes.

Top Ends are cheap, avoid splitting cases if you can. (regular use helps here, have them sit for too long and gaskets etc dry out). *Edit* - when I say avoid splitting cases, I mean any work requiring that is expensive - since you're in there you end up replacing everything.


Most people will get the same enjoyment from a well sorted IL4 250 - but if you must have a 2T then fook it all and buy it..

[cbrmattRR]

Oh its not cheap oil. My old man is a franchise owner of total oil so i get it at cost.
Its full race bred synthetic oil that the public would pay atleast 100 for.

[ducatilover]

Its every 16k, rings every 8k.

Fanny
Jebus...that's nearly British :innocent:

[Edbear]

One of the all-time greatest sprots bikes! Not a good commuter or tourer, it's a pure sports bike, a racer for the road and you'll be grinning from ear to ear every time you hop on and fire it up!

But maintenance is higher because of that, and regular, frequent servicing including the rebuilds is essential! Some have used the RS250 as a daily/regular bike and reckoned it was doable, but it's really a play-bike for a blast on! They are very fast and will embarass many much bigger bikes on most NZ roads! I'd have one in a shot as a second bike!

[Gibbo89]

Oh its not cheap oil. My old man is a franchise owner of total oil so i get it at cost.
Its full race bred synthetic oil that the public would pay atleast 100 for.

damn... 3 times the cost is the price us normal folk pay? (if i owned a 2 stroke that is)

[Latte]

damn... 3 times the cost is the price us normal folk pay? (if i owned a 2 stroke that is)

4l of mobil1 4t is ~ the same price as 4l of a good 2t........ small fact of using it up about 5 times as fast though :D

[marty]

I communted 60km return every day on an RS250 for over a year. Platinum plugs, good oil, super fuel - it went like a bullet always - I always warmed it up and gave it a good ring out at least once a day.

I'd have another one in a flash.

[RDjase]

Hi all
Im looking at buying an Aprilia RS250 its a 1999 model.
Im just wondering about the servicing on a two stroke motor i.e what do you need to change routinely? I know the air filters must be cleaned alot but not sure about the ins and outs of oil changes etc. Like does the crank case require different oil to the premix stuff?

If you can give me a rough guideline of what to do that'd be great.

Cheers

http://www.rgv250.co.uk/

Heaps of info here. They have the same(ish) engine as a VJ22

I just sold my VJ21, great fun on the track

Buy it :yes: You will have a blast on the track

[scracha]

Stick with the CBR400 mate. 2 strokes are like posh burds. One of your mates will be riding them after they've drained all your money.

[imdying]

Im just wondering about the servicing on a two stroke motor i.e what do you need to change routinely?Servicing is pretty light, there's not really a lot to do. Every 10k, you'll want to:
- New pistons and rings, top end rebuild sets are damn cheap
- New sparkplugs; contrary to popular belief, that should be the only time you need to pull them unless you're doing a chop
- Clean or replace the airfilter
- Change the gearbox oil

Every 2k you'll want to take the powervalves out and clean and inspect. No biggy, doesn't take too long.

Like does the crank case require different oil to the premix stuff?Case oil is gearbox oil, not 2 stroke (that goes in a seperate tank).

where do you get the gearbox oil from?Anywhere, Repco, whatever.

Oh my riding is going to be track days and long trips.No good for long trips.

I commuted for a year on an NSR, not an issue really - just warm her up and take it easy till shes hot. Yep, warm it up.

Most people will get the same enjoyment from a well sorted IL4 250Assuming they've never ridden a 2 stroke. One ride will ruin a 4 stroke one for them.

One of the all-time greatest sprots bikes! Not a good commuter or tourer, it's a pure sports bike, a racer for the road and you'll be grinning from ear to ear every time you hop on and fire it up!

But maintenance is higher because of that, and regular, frequent servicing including the rebuilds is essential! Some have used the RS250 as a daily/regular bike and reckoned it was doable, but it's really a play-bike for a blast on! They are very fast and will embarass many much bigger bikes on most NZ roads! I'd have one in a shot as a second bike!What he said :yes:


2 strokes also have a reputation for chewing through spark plugs, which again are not cheap to replace on these bikes.Worn out 2 strokes have that reputation, correctly maintained ones shouldn't foul plugs.


They have the same(ish) engine as a VJ22Yep, same parts, probably the easiest Italian bike to get engine parts for hahahahah.

[Latte]

Servicing is pretty light, there's not really a lot to do. Every 10k, you'll want to:
- New pistons and rings, top end rebuild sets are damn cheap
- New sparkplugs; contrary to popular belief, that should be the only time you need to pull them unless you're doing a chop
- Clean or replace the airfilter
- Change the gearbox oil



Yep changing plugs more often than this is a sign of something wrong (My 1st NSR fouled plugs every 500-1000 k's, was drawing air/oil through the crankcase seal - had about 6 plugs I would "rotate" on a regular basis, cleaning the old ones up once I got home (99% of the time would happen on the side of the road).



No good for long trips.


Weeelllll, young fullahs that have aclimatised to the sportbike position should be fine, keep the speed up and wear earplugs - 5-600k no problem (I realise thats not "long" for some people - but that'll get you a coro loop or most of Auck - Welly.

Realistically Imdying and others are right...... it's not really a commuter/cruiser, but the more smokers out there being ridden the better so I'm giving you all the ammo you need to make the purchase :D - for the fun you'll have the "drawbacks" are minimal (in my opinion anyway).

Buy it buy it buy it.

[cbrmattRR]

Getting a 96 with 16kms on it instead.

[imdying]

Rumour has it that the 96/97 model has shite forks... PM RT about it.

[cbrmattRR]

How do i do that

[imdying]

Use the 'Private Messages' link just under the main menu at the top. Enter Robert Taylor into the 'to' box.

Alternatively, look up Crown Kiwi Technical in the phone book and ring him. However his answers are both length and informative, so you might as well PM him, that way you can digest what he tells you and figure out what to ask next! He's the local Ohlins dealer and knows his bouncy things pretty good.

[aprilia_RS250]

i've got the '03 model. Done 15km. Mechanic says she doesn't need any big engine rebuilds. You should get 20k km out of it if you look after it easy.

Many people will say get a build after 12 or 16km. That's rubbish, that's assuming the bike has been thrashed on a track.


I spend about 600 per year on servicing. I don't do anything on it apart from oil the chain and put gas in it.

Power Valves are the achilles heel on this little beauty. You can get modified ones that don't snap off in the UK sent here for about pounds 120.

I use Castrol tts. Good stuff, the smell gives you a hard on. I don't think the oil indicator is that reliable. So always have it topped up. Always carry 1L with you in the tail box when going for big rides.


When you're on the road with it, you forget everything as you're constantly focused, trying to nail every corner and zing out all the hp, but under that helmet there will be a massive grin going on!:yes:

[cbrmattRR]

Could be keen for a ride then?

[McWild]

If it has 16kms on it make sure it's been rebuilt, or budget for a rebuild as soon as you buy it.

You shouldn't own one if you don't already have a fair idea of most/all of this information by the way. Read all of the guides that are already written on rgv250.co.uk's technical section.

Read more, post less. Otherwise you're just going to fuck up another 2 stroke 250 for the rest of us.

[imdying]

Don't let tired pistons rattle around in the expensive bores, rebuild kits are cheap as chips.

Unless it had documented evidence of a rebuild that you can trust, budget to do it immediately.

[cbrmattRR]

Just had an email back from aprilia. they said with proper oil and other service it should do 30000kms with out needing a rebuild.

[imdying]

Yeah, definitely, good luck with that. When you've fucked it, come join us in the real world.

[Latte]

I'll buy it cheap when it lets go :D - TSS 500GP :yes:

[McWild]

Just had an email back from aprilia. they said with proper oil and other service it should do 30000kms with out needing a rebuild.

LOL. Oh man. Are you serious?

Dude, "other service" includes pistons and rings, no matter what Aprilia tell you. I have the P model RGV owner's book sitting right next to me. This is the official owners book that comes with the bike. And do you know what it says? Every 10,000 miles ie every 16,000 kilometres, replace pistons and rings.

I'm not surprised that Aprilia would spew bullshit though. Next you're going to say that the RS makes a genuine 70hp.

I think the RS is a great bike, but the amount of BS out there about it because OMG IT'S ITALIAN is unbelievable.

Do yourself a favour and experience owning a single cylinder two stroke like an RG150 first.

[cbrmattRR]

Ok. I'm not saying I'm saying you are wrong I'm just saying what aprilia said.
Maybe they have those recommendations under "normal driving conditions". lol

[imdying]

Normal riding conditions on a 2 stroke 250 is "ride it like you stole it".

[cbrmattRR]

Yeah. Manufacturers have a different idea of "normal" Normal to them is all long distance with atleast 2 hours non stop running all the time.

[cbrmattRR]

So Ill do the rebuild once it gets to 18kms i rekon.

[imdying]

When you get it home, take the expansion chambers off, get yourself a torch, and peer into the barrels. You're looking for scoring on the piston, or anything else that doesn't look nice.

Once you've done that, pull the powervalves out, clean it all out, clean the valves, and inspect them for any tiny little cracks around the pins.

Then you can have some sort of peace of mind, but not before.

[aprilia_RS250]

So Ill do the rebuild once it gets to 18kms i rekon.

Haha mechanics will love ya!

[cbrmattRR]

ill be doing the rebuild. so ill be loving myself....

[cbrmattRR]

When you get it home, take the expansion chambers off, get yourself a torch, and peer into the barrels. You're looking for scoring on the piston, or anything else that doesn't look nice.

Once you've done that, pull the powervalves out, clean it all out, clean the valves, and inspect them for any tiny little cracks around the pins.

Then you can have some sort of peace of mind, but not before.

good advice ill do that.

[imdying]

Now isn't too bad a time to stock up: since six months ago (due to pricing and exchange rate differences), a crank has dropped $500, barrels dropped $325 (for a pair). Rebuild kits are up $9, but no biggy... CNC powervalves are down $72.

I've been watching the GBP and the prices on The Tuning Works for a wee while now, the prices are pretty good at the moment. Given the age, I doubt they'll get a lot better.

[McWild]

Definitely a good time to buy USD or GBP.

When I was researching goodies for an RS250 I found the best sites to be AF1 Racing (linked to Aprilia Forum, based in the US), Tyga (depot in Thailand, deal in USD), and most importantly The Tuning Works on rgv250.co.uk (GBP). Deet from RGVSpares (in Australia) is also really good to deal with and has good prices on rebuild kits and so forth.

And why not just rebuild it ASAP? That way you will have total peace of mind from the start, and you KNOW now that there is a considerable risk post 16,000kms. Why take that unnecessary risk? What if it blows up because you were too lazy to rebuild it and fucks the head, the PVs, or the bottom end? What if it scars the cylinder wall and breaks through the nikosil plating, are you willing to pay for another barrel, or for it to be replated?

Most RS250s have been treated like total shit their whole lives. Do you want to take a guess why there are so many RGVs and RSs on trademe with 15-18k kms on them? Because the end is nigh and the owners want to pass them off before anything horrible happens. Unless you have a detailed history of the bike, or the bike has been owned by a proper enthusiast, assume the worst.

Yes I am being a dick about this but I'm being a dick for your benefit, and because I'm sick and tired of hearing about blown up RGV engines. Also because seizures are a big deal. If you don't believe me perhaps you'll believe a friend of mine who was kicked off his NSR going 190kph down the front straight of Ruapuna yesterday after it seized and locked up the back wheel.

But whatever it's your money and you probably know best right.

[McWild]

This could be you!

[Latte]

Was that the SP with the dogfight pipes? from hampton honda? Bummer! The pics I'd seen it looked like a minta.

OP: buy the top end kit, rebuild, and save money! (how much are a new set of platics).

[emaN]

...Yes I am being a dick about this but I'm being a dick for your benefit, and because I'm sick and tired of hearing about blown up RGV engines...

Wish all dicks were good dicks like this dick ;)

Good stuff man, good tips & good advice. May he listen, live & learn!

[Peter Smith]

... so ill be loving myself....
TOOO much info...:sick::sick:

[cbrmattRR]

Fuck it. Im not going to bother. just save my money for other things.

[McWild]

Was that the SP with the dogfight pipes? from hampton honda? Bummer! The pics I'd seen it looked like a minta.

OP: buy the top end kit, rebuild, and save money! (how much are a new set of platics).

Harc Pro pipes yeah... Its probably the tidiest bike I've ever had the good fortune to see in person. He loved that bike a lot, I imagine he still will, but it's a damn shame. Also one of the best riders I've ridden with so I can't fault him. Just one of life's cruel tricks I guess.

[imdying]

4 strokes, keeping pussy bitches off of 2 strokes since ages ago.

[Latte]

Harc Pro pipes yeah... Its probably the tidiest bike I've ever had the good fortune to see in person. He loved that bike a lot, I imagine he still will, but it's a damn shame. Also one of the best riders I've ridden with so I can't fault him. Just one of life's cruel tricks I guess.

I'm a firm beleiver of "to be ridden" over garage queens. Still hurts I bet. Long as the forks and rims are ok he can probably pick up genuine fairing bits from ebay japan if he wants to get it back to original. 300 kit and RS250 fairings (the REAL RS250) in the meantime :D - if I had the cash I'd do the same. (Only just managed to save mine from being sold..... luckily It got a flat tire and couldnt be test ridden, gave me enough time to come to my senses).

[st00ji]

ya'll are making me want one