Aprilia RS50 (Aprilia RS50)

Member Name: Tuwile

Product:	Aprilia RS50
Date:	25/10/02 (7081 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Handles like a racing bike, Excellent first bike, Light as a feather

Disadvantages: Constantly changing gears, Below-average reliability, Very deirable to thiefs and are easily stolen

First impressions of the RS50 usually involve the terms, 'gorgeous' and '50cc?'. As 50's go, nothing seems to beat the RS. This lightweight bike handles and looks like a 125 GP racer untill, that is, you hear the bee-like buzzing noise it makes when you roll on the throttle. De-restricted, they can reach spees of up to 70mph however properly restricted they shouldn't go faster than 33mph.
For a 16 year old, it is an opportunity to be a little more self reliant and to look, well, good. If your planning to get one of these i would advise you to get an immobiliser/alarm, a disk lock and a very hefty chain or snake lock.
Reliability does seem to be an issue with many owners. It tends to 'jump' out of gear from time to time which can be a little frightening for a new rider. The carbs get very dirty, very quickly and some of the pre-2000 models leak oil. Most of these problems can be avoided if the bike is run in properly, that means keeping the revs below 6 thou for the first 500km. They dont just tell you that for fun.
Ultimately, the good outweigh the bad. An excellent bike for learners and those restricted to the 50cc market and, when properly maintained, should run smoothly.

Four stars - not half bad.

Summary: