APRILIA RX50 (1997 - 2005) Review
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
---|---|
Power: | 6 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
Weight: | Low (203 lbs / 92 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesOne of the coolest moped/trailie motorcycles on the block, the Aprilia RX50 is simple to de-restrict, looks and feels like a full size motorcycle and has a six-speed gearbox, so you can rev up and down outside the kebab shop all night long.
The Aprilia RX50 is expensive, but if your parents are willing to spoil you than you'll be the envy of every other 16-year-old with a licence.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Aprilia RX50's chassis isn't really aimed at serious off-road action, it's more of a Supermoto really, with beefy 40mm upside down front forks and a braced swingarm, plus monoshock at the back. Disc brakes front and rear enable the Aprilia RX50 rider to brake incredibly late going into roundabouts and the motorcycle even has braided brake lines.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Aprilia RX50's engine is only 50cc of course, but once de-restricted the Aprilia motor makes enough poke to get you to about 50mph on a good day. If you look after it by using top quality oil then the motor will stand a fair bit of stick. Excellent gearbox too.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueNo 50cc motorcycle can indefinitely take the kind of abuse which is routinely dished out by your average teenager, but the Aprilia RX50 is likely to withstand more cack-handed riding than most two-stroke rivals. It might even survive attempts at `tuning', which is usually carried out by imbeciles who haven't had their Ritalin that day. If you can find an unmolested Aprilia RX50, then it will last 10,000 miles without major problems.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentYou get what you pay for in the world of 50cc motorcycles and there are plenty of sub £1000 moped trailbikes to be had on the internet. But consider the possibility that you may need to claim on that manufacturer's warranty, or crash due to showing off outside a girl's house and need spare parts. That is why the Aprilia RX50 costs two grand - there is back up - although being Italian you may find spares in July and August are hard to come by, as the entire country goes on holiday for eight weeks.
Equipment
Electronic ignition, Euro 2 emissions compliant motor, slick 6-speed gearbox, plus top class suspension kit - the Aprilia RX50 has plenty of good stuff and feels like it was made to last a few years, not five minutes like some other 50cc moped trailbikes.
Specs |
|
Engine size | 49cc |
---|---|
Engine type | Single cylinder, 2 stroke, 6 gears |
Frame type | Steel duplex cradle |
Fuel capacity | 9.9 litres |
Seat height | 890mm |
Bike weight | 92kg |
Front suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
Rear suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
Front brake | Single 230mm disc |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 80/90 x 21 |
Rear tyre size | 110/80 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
Average fuel consumption | 40 mpg |
---|---|
Annual road tax | £25 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
2 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
Max power | 6 bhp |
---|---|
Max torque | 9 ft-lb |
Top speed | 48 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 22 secs |
Tank range | 85 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1997: Aprilia RX50 launched.
2001: Complete makeover; 35mm front forks replaced by 40mm items, stiffer springs fitted, stiffer monoshock too. Engine up to 49.9cc in size from 49.7cc and Euro 2 emissions compliant.
Other versions
Aprilia RX50 Racing: This taller version of the same motorcycle features bigger brakes, a new seat and bigger footrests. No faster though.
Owners' reviews for the APRILIA RX50 (1997 - 2005)
3 owners have reviewed their APRILIA RX50 (1997 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your APRILIA RX50 (1997 - 2005)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
Overall rating: | |
---|---|
Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
The aprilia rx50 was my first motorbike i was dead against getting a moped and i fell inlove with the aprilia as soon as i saw it, mine is a 04 and my top speed was 55/60mph, then i brought a performance exhaust and jesus that made a difference, the acceleration is so quick and im overtaking cars left right and centre still hitting 60/65 just getting there hell of a lot quicker really recommend buying a new exhaust as the standard one weighs a tone so definitely one of the fastest 50's around. I road this bike for a year before shortly upgrading to a 125, it was the first bike ive ever road and is very good to learn on, its a really tall bike and really looks like a bigger bike has really good brakes and is a lot of fun, very comfortable to ride i really recommend this bike to any 16year olds looking to start riding motorbikes
the aprilia rx50 is an amazing bike for a 16 year old to learn to ride a manual with. its my first bike and ive only had two incidences with it. mainly my fault. one was the sparkplug cap pin had just worn away and the clutch coming loose, both easy to fix, cheap to run ive only filled it up three times since owning it and its a cheap bike to fill up. around £10 for a full tank it it will last you a good 200km if your a easy rider. the gearbox is great, clutch is very responsive and the sound of it makes it like a proper dirtbike.
the Aprilia Rx 50cc is probably the best if not up at the top of the range of 50cc motorbikes. in italy perfect pricy gift for a 14-15 year old. great bike offroad, on countrey roads, main roads and even in the city! great bike for 2 people, comfortable. mine (not de-resticted) goes 78 (without reving into the red zone) <10,000 rpm.="" overall="" fantastic="" bike.="" rpm.="" overall="" fantastic="">