APRILIA RX 50 RACING - 2003 User manual

Racing
8202401

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CATALYTIC MUFFLER
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.
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.

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CATALYTIC SILENCER
The catalytic version of the RX50 Racign 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 di-
oxide and steam, respectively. Due to the catalytic reaction, the high temperature reached by the ex-
haust 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.

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First edition: September 2003
Reprint: October 2003
Produced and printed by:
DECA S.r.l.
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 identification sticker comes off.
All information is purely indicative and may be sub-
ject to variation without notice.

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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.
VERSION:
+Italy /Holland *Croatia
4United
Kingdom
6Switzerland #Australia
>Austria &Denmark RUnited States
of America
MPortugal ,Japan gBrazil
(Finland 2Singapore 1South Africa
$Belgium PSlovenia KNew Zealand
AGermany FIsrael %Canada
CFrance eSouth Korea
'Spain -Malaysia
)Greece @Chile

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CONTENTS
Pag.
CATALYTIC MUFFLER............................................... 2
CATALYTIC SILENCER.............................................. 3
ARRANGEMENT OF THE CONTROLS ................... 18
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE....................................... 41
MAINTENANCE ........................................................ 46
IDENTIFICATION DATA ........................................... 49
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM............................................. 68
CLEANING ................................................................ 74
LONG INACTIVITY.................................................... 74
TECHNICAL FEATURES .......................................... 75

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BASIC SAFETY RULES
To drive the vehicle it is necessary to be in posses-
sion of all the requirements prescribed by law (driving
licence, minimum age, psychophysical ability, insu-
rance, state taxes, vehicle registration, number plate,
etc.).
Gradually get to know the vehicle by driving it first in
areas with low traffic and/or private areas.
The use of medicins, alcohol and drugs or psychotro-
pic substances notably increases the risk of acciden-
ts.
Be sure that you are in good psychophysical condi-
tions and fit for driving and pay particular attention to
physical weariness and drowsiness.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

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Most road accidents are caused by the driver»s lack
of experience.
NEVER lend the vehicle to beginners and, in any ca-
se, make sure that the driver has all the requirements
for driving.
Rigorously observe all road signs and national and
local road regulations.
Avoid abrupt movements that can be dangerous
for yourself and other people (for example: rearing
up on the back wheel, speeding, etc.), and give
due consideration to the road surface, visibility
and other driving conditions.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

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Avoid obstacles that could damage the vehicle or
make you lose control.
Avoid riding in the slipstream created by preceding
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
driving posture.
Avoid standing up or stretching your lim-
bs while driving.
Fig. 5
Fig. 6