Aprilia RS 50 Service Manual (2001)

Aprilia developed the RS 50 as a small-capacity sports motorcycle that gave younger riders the proportions and controls of the company’s larger race-replica machines. Aprilia’s official historical archive records the RS 50 Replica in 1995, placing the model within the same mid-1990s period in which the RS 125 and RS 250 helped establish the company’s road-going racing identity. Rather than following a scooter layout, the RS 50 used full bodywork, a conventional motorcycle riding position, manual transmission and 17-inch wheels.

By 2001 the platform had become a compact 50 cc two-stroke race replica built around a liquid-cooled 49.75 cm³ single-cylinder engine with reed-valve induction and separate automatic oil injection. Factory specifications give a 40.3 × 39.0 mm bore and stroke and 12 ± 0.5:1 compression. Fuel is metered by a Dell’Orto SHA 14/12 carburettor, while drive passes through a wet multi-plate clutch, six-speed gearbox and 12/47 chain final drive. Electric starting and automatic oil mixing made the package practical for everyday use without removing the conventional sport-motorcycle control layout.

The chassis reinforced that larger-bike character. An aluminium perimeter frame carries 17-inch light-alloy wheels, a hydraulic telescopic fork with 110 mm of wheel travel and an adjustable rear monoshock with 120 mm travel. Braking is by a 280 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc. With a 1,280 mm wheelbase, 810 mm seat height and 115 kg curb weight, the 2001 RS 50 remained physically compact but used proportions and running gear intended to resemble a much larger supersport motorcycle.

The model continued to evolve after this early-2000s version. Piaggio Group’s 2006 annual report states that Aprilia’s 50 cc motorcycle range was completely renewed with new RS 50, RX 50 and SX 50 models, providing a clear later generation break. A further change came in 2011 when Aprilia introduced the RS4 50. Aprilia described the RS4 50 as a true racing replica for younger riders, carrying the small-capacity sport concept forward with styling and technology linked to the contemporary RSV4 family.

This listing is based specifically on workshop publication 8140250 / 979 X, Release 00 2001-03, first edition March 2001. It covers the RS 50’s maintenance, fuel system, cooling, electrical system, engine removal and installation, chassis, brakes, suspension and bodywork, while referring detailed internal engine overhaul to separate Aprilia engine publications. Because the source does not establish blanket 1997-2005 applicability, the catalog remains verified for 2001 only. Related documentation is grouped in the Aprilia RS 50 manual category.