The Aprilia RX50 has the looks of a able enduro bike, but none of the performance. Restricted, it’ll attempt to breach 30mph, and de-restricted (illegal for 16 year-olds) it’ll top 50 eventually. The anatomy will cope with affable off-roading, but ride it harder and the RX50 will be out of its depth.
Engine
The Aprilia RX50 49cc two-stroke single engine is typical of the class – gutless. It needs revving hard and the clutch slipping to pull away, and you need to continue thrashing it. But as a first motorcycle, it’ll feel lightning quick – it’s all relative.
Ride and Handling
The RX50’s chassis is realistically best around town – try ride it off road and you’ll get sick of the suspension clanging in to its bump stops. The wide bars, lightweight and compliant suspension is perfect for urban riding, but the standard knobbly tyres will complain if you push too hard – buy the Aprilia SX50 with its supermoto-style road tyres if you don’t ride off road.
Equipment
The Aprilia RX50 is basic motorcycling – no storage, a riding position that makes no concession to comfort and a simple electronic dash displaying only basic information. There is a pillion seat – but only for the very stupid. The chassis looks nice, but is nothing special underneath the fancy façade.
Specifications
Engine
The Aprilia RX50 49cc two-stroke single engine is typical of the class – gutless. It needs revving hard and the clutch slipping to pull away, and you need to continue thrashing it. But as a first motorcycle, it’ll feel lightning quick – it’s all relative.
Ride and Handling
The RX50’s chassis is realistically best around town – try ride it off road and you’ll get sick of the suspension clanging in to its bump stops. The wide bars, lightweight and compliant suspension is perfect for urban riding, but the standard knobbly tyres will complain if you push too hard – buy the Aprilia SX50 with its supermoto-style road tyres if you don’t ride off road.
Equipment
The Aprilia RX50 is basic motorcycling – no storage, a riding position that makes no concession to comfort and a simple electronic dash displaying only basic information. There is a pillion seat – but only for the very stupid. The chassis looks nice, but is nothing special underneath the fancy façade.
Specifications
| Top speed | 50mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Power | 6bhp |
| Torque | 9ftlb |
| Weight | 92kg |
| Seat height | 880mm |
| Fuel capacity | 7 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
| Tank range | miles |
| Insurance group | 2 |
| Engine size | 50cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | Liquid-cooled, two-stroke single. Six gears. |
| Frame | Alloy beam |
| Front suspension adjustment | none |
| Rear suspension adjustment | none |
| Front brakes | 260mm disc with two-piston sliding caliper |
| Rear brake | 180mm disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 1.85 x 21” |
| Rear tyre size | 2.15 x 18” |
