APRILIA RX 50 - 2002 User manual

1
ONLY FOR THE CATALYTIC VERSION
USE ONLY UNLEADED PETROL IN CONFORMITY WITH THE DIN 51607 STANDARD, MIN. O.N. 95
(N.O.R.M.) AND 85 (N.O.M.M.) AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SYNTHETIC OIL FOR 2 STROKE ENGINES.
THE USE OF FUELS AND LUBRICANTS DIFFERENT FROM THOSE INDICATED CAUSES SEVERE
FUNCTIONAL INCONVENIENCES TO THE VEHICLE AND THE VOIDING OF THE aprilia GUARANTEE.
ONLY FOR THE CATALYTIC VERSION
To have the catalytic converter functioning correctly for long periods and to reduce possible
problems regarding the contamination of the thermal unit and of the exhaust, it is necessary to
avoid covering long distances with the engine running at constantly low rpm.
It is sufficient to alternate these periods with periods in which the engine runs at relatively high rpm,
even if only for a few seconds, but rather frequently.
What has been stated above assumes particular importance for the cold starting of the engine: in this
case, in order to reach a rpm regime sufficient to enable the “priming” of the catalytic reaction, you just
need to make sure that the temperature of the thermal unit has reached at least 50°C, which generally
occurs a few seconds after starting the engine.

2
CATALYTIC SILENCER
The catalytic version of the RX50 is fitted with a silencer with metal catalytic converter of the “platinum-
rhodium bivalent” type. This device provides for the oxidation of the CO (carbon monoxide) and of the
HC (unburned hydrocarbons) contained in the exhaust gases, changing them into carbon dioxide and
steam, respectively. Due to the catalytic reaction, the high temperature reached by the exhaust gases
results in the burning of the oil particles, thus keeping the silencer clean and eliminating the exhaust
fumes.
Avoid parking the catalytic vehicle near dry brush wood or in places easily accessible to chil-
dren, as the catalytic silencer becomes extremely hot during use; be very careful and avoid any
kind of contact before it has completely cooled down.

3
First edition: april 2002
Reprint:
Produced and printed by:
DECA s.n.c.
Via Risorgimento, 23/1 - Lugo (RA) - Italy
Tel. +39 - 0545 35235
Fax +39 - 0545 32844
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.decaweb.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
This manual contains all the main information and the
instructions required for normal use and mainte-
nance of your vehicle.
For controls and check-ups that cannot be carried out
easily with the standard equipment supplied, we ad-
vise you to consult our Dealers who can assure you
of quick and careful servicing.
To keep your aprilia vehicle always in perfect operat-
ing conditions, we advise you to insist on Original
Spares and to have repairs carried out only by aprilia
Authorized Outlets and Official Dealers.
When ordering spare parts from the Dealers, always
quote the spares code which is stamped on a sticker
placed under the saddle.
It is a good idea to make a note of the identification
code in the space provided in this manual, so that
you will always have a record of it even if the identifi-
cation sticker comes off.
All information is purely indicative and may be sub-
ject to variation without notice.

4
Carefully observe the instructions preceded by the
following warning signs:
Safety norms and regulations to protect
the driver and other people from severe
injuries or grave risks.
Caution norms and suggestions to avoid
damaging the vehicle and/or hurting
yourself or other people.
Indications to make the operations easier.
Technical information.
CONTENTS
Pag.
Technical features .................................................... 5
Identification data .....................................................8
Arrangement of the controls.....................................9
Instructions for use.................................................12
Maintenance...........................................................15
Electrical system ....................................................34
Cleaning ................................................................. 39
Long inactivity ........................................................39
Lubricant chart .......................................................41
Regular service intervals chart ..............................42
Importers................................................................44
Wiring diagram ....................................................... 50
automatic light switching version
(Automatic Switch-on Device)
catalytic version
VERSION:
Italy Holland Croatia
United
Kingdom
Switzerland Australia
Austria Denmark United States
of America
Portugal Japan Brazil
Finland Singapore South Africa
Belgium Slovenia New Zealand
Germany Israel Canada
France South Korea
Spain Malaysia
Greece Chile

5
TECHNICAL FEATURES
MOTOR
Model ..................................................................AM6
Type...................................... 2 stroke single-cylinder
with lamellar inlet
Cooling.......................... Liquid with forced circulation
Lubrication ...................................................Separate
Bore / stroke................................... 40,3 mm / 39 mm
Displacement ............................................49,75 cm3
Compression ratio............................................. 12 : 1
KICK START
To pedal (Kick-starter)
CLUTCH
Light alloy multiple disc oil bath
GEARS
Frontal clutch 6 speed unit
TRANSMISSION
Primary ........................................ Helical teeth gears
Ratio 3,55 (Z=20/71)
Secondary.........chain 1/2"x3,16" = Roller Ø7,75 mm
Ratio: 4,25 (Z=11/51)
CARBURETTOR
Model ...................................................Dell’Orto SHA
Diffuser................................................... Ø 12-14 mm
AIR FILTER
Sponge
IGNITION
Type ............................................................electronic
Spark advance reference ............................... 1,5 mm
correspondent to 20° before T.D.C.
Spark plug............................................ NGK BR9 ES
FUEL
Running-in (500 km) ......................... unleaded petrol
according to the DIN 51607 standard
min. O.N. 95 (N.O.R.M.)
and 85 (N.O.M.M.)
Aferwords:......................................... unleaded petrol
according to the DIN 51607
min. O.N. 95 (N.O.R.M.)
and 85 (N.O.M.M.)
Fuel tank capacity ............................................... 9,5 l
Reserve (with mechanical operation).................. 1,5 l
Mixer oil tank capacity......................................... 1,3 l
Reserve (with warning light on the dashboard)... 0,5 l

6
LUBRICATION
Gearbox and primary transmission .820 cm3of oil (*)
COOLING
Cooling circuit capacity ................................. 0,9 l(*)
(60% antifreeze + 40% water)
Minimum operating temperature .......................-17°C
FRAME
High-resistance one-beam structure, split over the
exhaust
REAR FORK
Made of rectangular-profile steel, mounted on anti-
friction bushings
SUSPENSIONS
Front.................................... aprilia telehydraulic fork
with reversed rods
with advanced pin, rods Ø 35
stroke 250 mm
Rear ................................ aprilia Progressive System
adjustable hydraulic mono-shock absorber
Rear wheel stroke ......................................... 260 mm
(*) see “LUBRICANT CHART”
BRAKES
Front.........................................disc brake Ø 230 mm
with hydraulic control
and floating caliper with two parallel pins
Rear .........................................disc brake Ø 220 mm
with hydraulic control
and fixed caliper
with two opposing pins Ø 28 mm
TYRES
Front.......................................................100/80 x 17"
Rear .......................................................130/70 x 17"
RIMS
Front...........................................................17 x 2,50"
Rear ...........................................................17 x 3,00"
DIMENSIONS
Max. length..................................................2060 mm
Wheelbase (slot center) ..............................1360 mm
Handlebars width ..........................................780 mm
Max. height..................................................1350 mm
Seat height....................................................865 mm
Footboard height...........................................355 mm

7
TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Maximum front and rear pressure: 2,5 bar
Low pressure can cause handling prob-
lems and the tendency to weave and in
extreme cases loss of control.
Moreover this will cause a great increase of roll-
ing friction.
The results are: high consumption of fuel and re-
duced maximum speed.
The disadvantage may cause a damage of the cover,
due to excessive local deformation.
Tyre pressure must be checked when the
tyres are at environment temperature,
that is, when the vehicle has not been moved in
the last 2 or 3 hours for more than 1 km.
Check the depth of the tyre tread often, if
it is worn below the allowable limit (2 -
3 mm.) change the tyre.
– The tyre should often be inspected for signs of
damage or cuts.
– Blowings or irregular wavings are showing in-
ternal damages, which request the prompt re-
placement of the tyre.
Remember: 1 mile = 1.6 km
1 km = 0.625 miles
Kind of drive Driver only
Front Rear
On mixed roads 1,8 bar 1,9 bar
On asphalt
paved roads 1,8 bar 1,9 bar

8
IDENTIFICATION DATA
It is a good rule to write down the frame and engine
numbers in the space provided in this manual.
The frame number can be used for the purchase of
spare parts.
Do not alter the identification numbers if
you do not want to incur severe penal and
administrative sanctions. In particular, the altera-
tion of the frame number results in the immediate
invalidity of the guarantee.
FRAME NUMBER (Fig. 1)
The frame number is stamped on the left side of the
steering head.
Frame n°
ENGINE NUMBER (Fig. 2)
The engine number is printed in the space provided
upper the pinion.
Engine n°
Fig. 1
Fig. 2