APRILIA RS 50 - 2001 User manual

2use and maintenance RS 50
© 2001 aprilia s.p.a. - Noale (VE)
First edition: september 2001
Reprint:
Produced and printed by:
editin division
Soave (VERONA) - Italy
Tel. +39 - 045 76 11 911
Fax +39 - 045 76 12 241
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.stp.it
On behalf of:
aprilia s.p.a.
via G. Galilei, 1 - 30033 Noale (VE) - Italy
Tel. +39 - 041 58 29 111
Fax +39 - 041 44 10 54
www.aprilia.com
6$)(7<:$51,1*6
The followin precautionary warnin s are
used throu hout this manual in order to
convey the followin messa es:
Safety warning. When you find this
symbol on the vehicle or in the
manual, be careful to the potential risk
of personal injury. Non-compliance with
the indications given in the messages
preceded by this symbol may result in
grave risks for your and other people’s
safety and for the vehicle
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard which may
result in serious injury or even death.
CAUTION
Indicates a potential hazard which may
result in minor personal injury or dam-
age to the vehicle.
NOTE The word “NOTE” in this manual
precedes important information or instruc-
tions.
,1)250$7,21
The operations preceded by this
symbol must be repeated on the
opposite side of the vehicle.
If not expressly indicated otherwise, for the
reassembly of the units repeat the disas-
sembly operations in reverse order.
The terms “ri ht” and “left” are referred to
the rider seated on the vehicle in the nor-
mal ridin position.
Any mention to the use of the vehicle with
passen er is to be intended as referred
only to the countries where this is allowed.
:$51,1*635(&$87,216
*(1(5$/$'9,&(
Before startin the en ine, carefully read
this manual and in particular the chapters
“WARNINGS - PRECAUTIONS - GENER-
AL ADVICE” and “SAFE DRIVE”.
Your and other people’s safety depends
not only on your quickness of reflexes and
on your a ility, but also on what you know
about the vehicle, on its efficiency and on
your knowled e of the basic information for
RIDING SAFELY. Therefore, et a thor-
ou h knowled e of the vehicle, in such a
way as to be able to drive in the traffic safe-
ly.

★

3
use and maintenance RS 50
NOTE This manual must be considered
as an inte ral part of the vehicle and must
always accompany it, even in case of re-
sale.
aprilia has carried out this manual with the
maximum attention, in order to supply the
user with correct and updated information.
However, since aprilia constantly im-
proves the desi n of its products, there
may be sli ht discrepancies between the
characteristics of your vehicle and those
described in this manual.
For any clarification concernin the infor-
mation contained in this manual, do not
hesitate to contact your aprilia Official
Dealer.
For control and repair operations not ex-
pressly described in this publication, for the
purchase of aprilia enuine spare parts,
accessories and other products, as well as
for specific advice, contact exclusively
aprilia Official Dealers and Service Cent-
ers, which uarantee prompt and accurate
assistance.
Thank you for choosin aprilia. We wish
you a nice ride.
All ri hts as to electronic stora e, repro-
duction and total or partial adaptation, with
any means, are reserved for all Countries.
NOTE In some countries the antipollu-
tion and noise re ulations in force require
periodical inspections.
The user of the vehicle in these countries
must:
– contact an aprilia Official Dealer to have
the non-homolo ated components re-
placed with others homolo ated for use in
the country in question;
– carry out the required periodical inspec-
tions.
NOTE Soon after purchasin the vehi-
cle, write down the identification data indi-
cated on the SPARE PARTS IDENTIFICA-
TION LABEL in the table here below. The
label is positioned under the rider saddle;
to read it, it is necessary to remove the rid-
er saddle, see p. 52 (REMOVING THE
RIDER SADDLE).
These data indicate:
– YEAR = year of manufacture (Y, 1, 2, ...);
– I.M. = modification code (A, B, C, ...);
– COUNTRY CODES = homolo ation
country (I, UK, A, ...).
and are to be supplied to the aprilia Offi-
cial Dealer as reference data for the pur-
chase of spare parts or specific accesso-
ries of the model you have acquired.
In this manual the various versions are in-
dicated by the followin symbols:
Bautomatic light switching version
(Automatic Switch-on Device)
Joptional
Lcatalytic version
VERSION:
+Italy 2Singapore
4United Kingdom PSlovenia
>Austria FIsrael
MPortugal eSouth Korea
(Finland -Malaysia
$Belgium @Chile
AGermany *Croatia
CFrance #Australia
'Spain RUnited States
of America
)Greece gBrazil
/Holland 1South Africa
6Switzerland KNew Zealand
&Denmark %Canada
,Japan

4use and maintenance RS 50
7$%/(2)&217(176
SAFE DRIVE .........................................................5
BASIC SAFETY RULES ................................. 6
CLOTHING ..................................................... 9
ACCESSORIES ............................................ 10
LOAD ............................................................ 10
ARRANGEMENT OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS ...12
ARRANGEMENT
OF THE INSTRUMENTS/CONTROLS ...............14
INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS ..................14
INSTRUMENTS
AND INDICATORS TABLE........................... 15
MAIN INDEPENDENT CONTROLS ...................16
CONTROLS ON THE LEFT PART
OF THE HANDLEBAR.................................. 16
CONTROLS ON THE RIGHT PART
OF THE HANDLEBAR.................................. 17
IGNITION SWITCH....................................... 18
STEERING LOCK......................................... 18
AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT...................................19
GLOVE/TOOL KIT COMPARTMENT ........... 19
REAR MUDGUARD EXTENSION
(in the countries where required) .................. 19
SPECIAL TOOLS -.................................. 20
MAIN COMPONENTS.........................................21
FUEL............................................................. 21
TRANSMISSION OIL.................................... 21
BRAKE FLUID-recommendations ................ 22
DISC BRAKES.............................................. 22
FRONT BRAKE ............................................ 23
REAR BRAKE............................................... 24
2 STROKE OIL TANK................................... 25
ADJUSTING THE SHIFTING LEVER........... 25
ADJUSTING THE REAR BRAKE ................. 26
ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH.......................... 27
COOLANT .................................................... 28
TYRES .......................................................... 29
AUTOMATIC
LIGHT SWITCHING VERSION e.............30
CATALYTIC SILENCER #  g.........30
EXHAUST SILENCER g...........................30
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ................................ 31
PRELIMINARY
CHECKING OPERATIONS...........................31
STARTING ....................................................32
DEPARTURE AND DRIVE............................34
RUNNING-IN.................................................37
STOPPING....................................................37
PARKING ......................................................37
SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT THEFT .......38
MAINTENANCE.................................................. 39
REGULAR SERVICE INTERVALS CHART..40
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...............................42
POSITIONING THE VEHICLE ON THE
FRONT SUPPORT STAND -...................42
POSITIONING THE VEHICLE
ON THE REAR SUPPORT STAND -.......43
CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION
OIL LEVEL AND TOPPING UP.....................44
CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION OIL........45
FRONT WHEEL ............................................46
REAR WHEEL...............................................48
DRIVE CHAIN ...............................................50
REMOVING THE RIDER SADDLE ...............52
REMOVING THE SIDE FAIRINGS ...............52
LIFTING THE FUEL TANK............................53
AIR CLEANER ..............................................54
REMOVING THE EXHAUST SILENCER......54
INSPECTING THE FRONT
AND REAR SUSPENSIONS.........................55
CHECKING THE BRAKE PAD WEAR..........56
IDLING ADJUSTMENT .................................57
ADJUSTING
THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL.................57
SPARK PLUG ...............................................58
BATTERY ..................................................... 59
LONG INACTIVITY OF THE BATTERY ....... 59
CHECKING AND CLEANING
THE TERMINALS ......................................... 60
REMOVING THE BATTERY......................... 60
CHECKING
THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL........................ 61
RECHARGING THE BATTERY.................... 61
INSTALLING THE BATTERY ....................... 61
CHANGING THE FUSE................................ 62
CLEANING THE EXHAUST SILENCER
AND THE EXHAUST TERMINAL .................62
CHECKING THE SIDE STAND ................... 64
CHECKING THE SWITCHES....................... 64
ADJUSTING THE VERTICAL
HEADLIGHT BEAM ...................................... 65
BULBS .......................................................... 65
CHANGING THE HEADLIGHT BULBS........ 66
CHANGING THE FRONT AND REAR
DIRECTION INDICATOR BULBS................. 67
CHANGING
THE REAR LIGHT BULB.............................. 68
TRANSPORT ......................................................68
DRAINING THE FUEL TANK ....................... 69
CLEANING..........................................................70
LONG PERIODS OF INACTIVITY................ 71
TECHNICAL DATA .............................................72
LUBRICANT CHART .................................... 75
Importers..................................................78-79
WIRING DIAGRAM - RS 50.......................... 80
WIRING DIAGRAM KEY - RS 50 .................81

safe drive

6use and maintenance RS 50
%$6,&6$)(7<58/(6
To drive the vehicle it is necessary to be in
possession of all the requirements pre-
scribed by law (drivin licence, minimum
a e, psychophysical ability, insurance,
state taxes, vehicle re istration, number
plate, etc.).
Gradually et to know the vehicle by driv-
in it first in areas with low traffic and/or pri-
vate areas.
The use of medicins, alcohol and dru s or
psychotropic substances notably increases
the risk of accidents.
Be sure that you are in ood psychophysi-
cal conditions and fit for drivin and pay
particular attention to physical weariness
and drowsiness.
Most road accidents are caused by the
driver’s lack of experience.
NEVER lend the vehicle to be inners and,
in any case, make sure that the driver has
all the requirements for drivin .

7
use and maintenance RS 50
Ri orously observe all road si ns and na-
tional and local road re ulations.
Avoid abrupt movements that can be dan-
erous for yourself and other people (for
example: rearin up on the back wheel,
speedin , etc.), and ive due consideration
to the road surface, visibility and other driv-
in conditions.
Avoid obstacles that could dama e the ve-
hicle or make you lose control.
Avoid ridin in the slipstream created by
precedin vehicles in order to increase
your speed.
Always drive with both hands on the han-
dlebars and both feet on the footrests (or
on the rider’s footboards), in the correct
drivin posture.
Avoid standin up or stretchin your limbs
while drivin .

8use and maintenance RS 50
COOLER
OIL
The driver should pay attention and avoid
distractions caused by people, thin s and
movements (never smoke, eat, drink, read,
etc.) while drivin .
Use only the vehicle’s specific fuels and lu-
bricants indicated in the “LUBRICANT
CHART”; check the oil, fuel and coolant
levels re ularly.
If the vehicle has been involved in an acci-
dent, make sure that no dama e has oc-
curred to the control levers, pipes, wires,
brakin system and vital parts.
If necessary, have the vehicle inspected by
an aprilia Official Dealer, who should care-
fully check the frame, handlebars, suspen-
sions, safety parts and all the devices that
you cannot check by yourself.
Always remember to report any malfunc-
tion to the technicians to help them in their
work.
Never use the vehicle when the amount of
dama e it has suffered endan ers your
safety.

9
use and maintenance RS 50
ONLY ORIGINALS
Never chan e the position, inclination or
colour of: number plate, direction indica-
tors, li hts and horns.
Any modification of the vehicle will result
in the invalidity of the uarantee.
Any modification of the en ine or of other
members which is aimed at increasin the
speed or the power of the vehicle is prohib-
ited by the law; in fact, any modification re-
sultin in an increase of the maximum
speed or of the en ine displacement would
chan e the scooter into a motorcycle,
which implies the followin obli ations for
the owner:
– new homolo ation;
– new re istration;
– appropriate drivin license.
Further, said modifications cause the loss
of the insurance cover, since insurance
policies expressly prohibit to make techni-
cal chan es aimed at increasin the vehi-
cle performance levels.
For the reasons stated above, the failure to
comply with the tamperin prohibition is
punished by law with apposite sanctions
(includin the confiscation of the vehicle),
which, accordin to the case, can be com-
bined with the sanctions provided for not
usin the crash helmet and/or the number
plate, for the violation of fiscal obli ations
(ownership tax) and with penal sanctions
provided for usin the vehicle without driv-
in license.
Never race with other vehicles.
Avoid off-road drivin .
&/27+,1*
Before startin , always wear a correctly
fastened crash helmet. Make sure that it is
homolo ated, in ood shape, of the ri ht
size and that the visor is clean.
Wear protective clothin , preferably in li ht
and/or reflectin colours. In this way you
will make yourself more visible to the other
drivers, thus notably reducin the risk of
bein knocked down, and you will be more
protected in case of fall.
This clothin should be very ti ht-fittin
and fastened at the wrists and ankles.
Strin s, belts and ties should not be han -
in loose; prevent these and other objects
from interferin with drivin by ettin en-
tan led with movin parts or drivin mech-
anisms.
A12
345

10 use and maintenance RS 50
Do not keep objects that can be dan erous
in case of fall, for example pointed objects
like keys, pens, lass vials etc. in your
pockets (the same recommendations also
apply to passen ers).
$&&(6625,(6
The owner of the vehicle is responsible for
the choice, installation and use of any ac-
cessory.
Avoid installin accessories that cover
horns or li hts or that could impair their
functions, limit the suspension stroke and
the steerin an le, hamper the operation of
the controls and reduce the distance from
the round and the an le of inclination in
turns.
Avoid usin accessories that hamper ac-
cess to the controls, since this can prolon
reaction times durin an emer ency.
Lar e fairin s and windscreens assembled
on the vehicle can produce aerodynamic
forces capable of compromisin the stabili-
ty of the vehicle while drivin .
Make sure that the equipment is well fas-
tened to the vehicle and not dan erous
durin drivin . Do not install electrical de-
vices and do not modify those already ex-
istin to avoid electrical overloads, be-
cause the vehicle could suddenly stop or
there could be a dan erous current short-
a e in the horn and in the li hts. aprilia
recommends the use of enuine accesso-
ries (aprilia enuine accessories).
/2$'
Be careful and moderate when loadin
your lu a e. Keep any lu a e loaded as
close as possible to the centre of the vehi-
cle and distribute the load uniformly on
both sides, in order to reduce imbalance to
the minimum. Furthermore, make sure that
the load is firmly secured to the vehicle, es-
pecially durin lon trips.

11
use and maintenance RS 50
KG
Avoid han in bulky, heavy and/or dan er-
ous objects on the handlebars, mud uards
and forks, because the vehicle mi ht re-
spond more slowly in turns and its ma-
noeuvrability could be unavoidably im-
paired.
Do not place ba s that are too bulky on the
vehicle sides and do not ride with the crash
helmet han in from its strin , because it
could hit people or obstacles makin you
lose control of the vehicle.
Do not carry any ba if it is not ti htly se-
cured to the vehicle.
Do not carry ba s which protrude too much
from the lu a e rack or which cover the
li hts, horn or indicators.
Do not carry animals or children on the
love compartment or on the lu a e rack.
Do not exceed the maximum load allowed
for each side-ba .
When the vehicle is overloaded, its stability
and its manoeuvrability can be compro-
mised.

12 use and maintenance RS 50
$55$1*(0(172)7+(0$,1(/(0(176
.(<
1) Left rear-view mirror
2) Radiator cap
3) Radiator
4) Fuel tank plu
5) Spark plu
6) Fuel tap
7) Battery
8) Fuse carrier
9) Passen er left footrest
(snappin , closed/open)
(in the countries where required)
10) Drive chain
11) Side stand (with automatic return)
12) Rider left footrest
(with sprin , always open)
13) Shiftin lever
14) Left fairin
15) Horn

13
use and maintenance RS 50
.(<
1) Glove/tool kit compartment
2) 2 stroke oil tank
3) 2 stroke oil tank plu
4) Rider saddle
5) Saddle lock
6) Air cleaner
7) I nition switch/steerin lock
8) Ri ht rear-view mirror
9) Front brake fluid tank
10) Dashboard
11) Cold start lever
12) Rear brake fluid tank
13) Rear brake pump
14) Rear brake control lever
15) Rider ri ht footrest
(with sprin , always open)
16) Passen er ri ht footrest
(snappin , closed/open)
(in the countries where required)

14 use and maintenance RS 50
$55$1*(0(172)7+(,167580(176&21752/6
.(<
1) I nition switch/steerin lock (  -  - +)
2) Direction indicator switch ( ()
3) Horn push button ( )
4) Dimmer switch (  - )
5) Hi h beam si nallin push button ()
6) Clutch lever
7) Instruments and indicators
8) Front brake lever
9) Throttle rip
10) Start push button ()
11) Li ht switch (  -  - • ) (not provided for e)
12) En ine stop switch ( - )
(in the countries where required)
13) Cold start lever ()
,167580(176$1',1',&$7256
.(<
1) Revolution counter
2) Coolant temperature indicator ()
3) Green ri ht direction indicator warnin li ht ( *)
4) Green neutral indicator warnin li ht ()
5) Red 2 stroke oil reserve warnin li ht ( )
6) Blue hi h beam warnin li ht ( )
7) Green low beam warnin li ht ()
8) Green left direction indicator warnin li ht ( ))
9) Partial kilometres odometer
10) Odometer trip control
11) Total kilometres odometer
12) Speedometer
12) Speedometer - only km/h scale g

15
use and maintenance RS 50
,167580(176$1',1',&$72567$%/(
Description Function
Right direction indicator warning light (*)Blinks when the ri ht direction indicator is on.
Left direction indicator warning light ())Blinks when the left direction indicator is on.
High beam warning light ()Comes on when the headli ht is in “hi h beam” position or when the hi h beam si nallin is operated.
Low beam warning light ()It comes on when the headli ht is in low beam position.
Revolution counter (rpm)Indicates the number of revolutions of the en ine per minute.
Coolant temperature indicator ()
It indicates the approximate temperature of the coolant in the en ine.
When the pointer starts movin beyond the “min” level, the temperature is sufficient for drivin the
vehicle.
The normal runnin temperature ran e is indicated by the central area of the scale.
If the pointer reaches the red area, stop the en ine and check the coolant level, see p. 28 (COOLANT).
If the maximum allowed temperature is exceeded (red area “max” of the
scale), the engine may be seriously damaged.
2 stroke oil reserve
warning light ()
It comes on when the quantity of 2 stroke oil left in the tank is equal to 0.35 E.
If the warning light comes on, this means that the 2 stroke oil reserve is
being used; in this case, provide for topping up, see p. 25 (2 STROKE
OIL TANK).
Neutral indicator warning light ()Comes on when the ear is in neutral.
Partial kilometres odometer It indicates the partial number of kilometres covered. To set it to zero, use the odometer trip control.
Odometer trip control Rotate it anticlockwise to set the partial kilometres odometer to zero.
Total kilometres odometer It indicates the total number of kilometres covered.
Speedometer It indicates the drivin speed.
CAUTION
CAUTION

16 use and maintenance RS 50
0$,1,1'(3(1'(17&21752/6
NOTE The electrical parts work only when the i nition switch
is in position “”.
The li htin system works only when the en ine is runnin .
&21752/6217+(/()73$57
2)7+(+$1'/(%$5
1) HORN PUSH BUTTON ( )
The horn is activated when the push button is pressed.
2) DIRECTION INDICATOR SWITCH ( ()
To indicate the turn to the left, move the switch to the left; to
indicate the turn to the ri ht, move the switch to the ri ht.
To turn off the direction indicator, press the switch.
3) DIMMER SWITCH (  - )
When the li ht switch is in position “”: if the dimmer switch
is in position “”, the hi h beam comes on, while if it is in po-
sition “”, the low beam comes on.
3) DIMMER SWITCH (  - ) e
When it is in position “” the parkin li hts, the dashboard
li ht and the low beam are always on.
When it is in position “”, the hi h beam comes on.
NOTE The li hts can be switched off only by stoppin the
en ine.
4) HIGH BEAM SIGNALLING PUSH BUTTON ()
It makes it possible to use the hi h beam for si nallin to
forthcomin vehicles while overtakin and in case of peril
and/or emer ency.
5) COLD START LEVER ()
The starter for the cold start of the en ine is operated by rotat-
in the lever "" downwards. To disconnect the starter, move
the lever "" to its initial position.

17
use and maintenance RS 50
&21752/6217+(5,*+73$57
2)7+(+$1'/(%$5
1) ENGINE STOP SWITCH ( - )
(in the countries where required)
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine stop switch “- ” in running
conditions.
This is a safety or emer ency switch. With the switch in posi-
tion “”, it is possible to start the en ine; the en ine can be
stopped by movin the switch to position “”.
CAUTION
With stopped engine and ignition switch in position “”,
the battery may discharge.
When the vehicle has come to rest, after stopping the en-
gine, move the ignition switch to position “”.
2) HEADLIGHT SWITCH (  -  - •)
(not provided in the e version)
When the li ht switch is in position “•”, the li hts are off; when
the switch is in position “”, the parkin li hts and the dash-
board li ht are on; when the switch is in position “”, the
parkin li hts, the dashboard li ht and the low beam are on.
The hi h beam can be operated by means of the dimmer
switch ( - ).
3) START PUSH BUTTON ()
When the start push button “” is pressed, the starter makes
the en ine run. For the startin , see p. 32 (STARTING).

18 use and maintenance RS 50
,*1,7,216:,7&+
The i nition switch (1) is positioned on the
upper plate of the steerin column.
NOTE The key operates the i nition
switch/steerin lock, the saddle lock and
the fuel tank lock.
Two keys are supplied to ether with the
vehicle (one spare key).
67((5,1*/2&.
WARNING
Never turn the key to position “+” in
running conditions, in order to avoid
losing control of the vehicle.
OPERATION
To lock the steerin :
◆Turn the handlebar completely leftwards
(or ri htwards).
◆Turn the key to position “”.
◆Press the key and rotate it to position “+”.
◆Extract the key.
Position Function Key
removal
+
Steerin
lock
The steer-
in is
locked.
It is neither
possible to
start the
en ine, nor
to switch on
the li hts.
It is possi-
ble to
remove the
key.

Neither the
en ine, nor
the li hts
can be
switched on.
It is possi-
ble to
remove the
key.

The en ine
and the
li hts can be
switched on.
It is not pos-
sible to
remove the
key.

19
use and maintenance RS 50
$8;,/,$5<(48,30(17
*/29(722/.,7&203$570(17
The love/tool kit compartment is posi-
tioned under the rider saddle; to reach it:
◆Remove the rider saddle, see p. 52 (RE-
MOVING THE RIDER SADDLE).
The tool kit (1) includes:
– 3 mm, 4 mm, , 5 mm allen spanners
– 10-11 mm double fork spanner
– 21-22 mm spark plu socket spanner
– Double-ended, cross-/cut headedscrew-
driver
– Bent pin for socket spanner
– Tool case
Max. allowed weight: 1.5 kg
5($508'*8$5'(;7(16,21
(in the countries where required)
The extension of the rear mud uard (2) is
extremely useful when the road surface is
wet, in fact it reduces the reach of the wa-
ter spray caused by the rear wheel.
NOTE The rear mud uard extension (2)
is supplied as standard component in the
countries where this is required for the ho-
molo ation.

20 use and maintenance RS 50
63(&,$/722/6-
To perform some specific operations, it is
advisable to use the followin special
tools (to be requested to an aprilia Official
Dealer):
Tool Operations Page
Support pins
(1) for the rear
support stand.
Positionin of the vehicle
on the rear stand. 43
Rear support
stand (2)
Rear wheel disassembly.
Drive chain adjustment.
47
50
Front support
stand (3)
Front wheel disassembly. 46