The 1996 RS 250 carried on the original 1994 formula with little change: the Aprilia-modified, Suzuki-derived 249 cc two-stroke V-twin in a twin-spar…
| MODEL | APRILIA RS 250 1996 |
| Year | 1996 |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke, 90° V-twin, reed-valve induction, exhaust power valve |
| Displacement / Capacity | 249 cc / 15.2 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 56 x 50.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 (+/- 0.7) |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 52.9 kW / 72.5 hp @ 11900 rpm |
| Max Torque | 40 Nm / 29.5 lb-ft @ 10750 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 2 x 34 mm Mikuni TM 34 SS flat-slide carburettors |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Separate oil pump with variable automatic mixer |
| Gear Box | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Oil bath, multi-disc |
| Final Drive | Chain, sealed, DID 520 V6 |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Twin-spar, cast aluminium-magnesium alloy |
| Front Suspension | 40 mm inverted fork, adjustable rebound and compression damping, 120 mm / 4.7 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Magnesium alloy swingarm, monoshock with reservoir, adjustable rebound, compression and spring preload, 130 mm / 5.1 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 298 mm discs, 4-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 1980 mm / 78.0 in |
| Overall Width | 690 mm / 27.2 in |
| Overall Height | 1090 mm / 42.9 in |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 31.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm / 53.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 135 mm / 5.3 in |
| Dry Weight | 141 kg / 309 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 167 kg / 368 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 110/70-17 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60-17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.5 Litres / 4.4 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 209.5 km/h / 130.2 mph |
The 1996 RS 250 carried on the original 1994 formula with little change: the Aprilia-modified, Suzuki-derived 249 cc two-stroke V-twin in a twin-spar alloy chassis with fully adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes. At around 140 kg dry it was very light, and with the RGV250 gone it had few direct rivals, being compared instead with heavier 400 cc four-strokes. Its peaky engine rewarded riders who kept the revs high.
