**Warning: this review is about the RS50r and NOT the RSV1000 (in case you were confused)**

I have to admit that I've been fascinated by what most American motorcyclists would deem "baby" bikes--I'm talking about the 2strokers! Since the GP racing series has 125, 250 and 500cc classes, it's natural to see 125 and 250cc replicas (good thing they don't sell 500cc replicas!)--but where the heck do these little 50's fit in? Anyone who lives in europe, japan or australia could answer this and wonder why the question was being asked... As it turns out, the way that motorcycle licenses are issued is a little different. I don't know all the details or the complete breakdown, but I do know that when you turn 16, you are *only* allowed to ride something with two wheels that's 50cc's or under. Up until recently, this meant a scooter or moped. Luckily, when I was in Japan I was in the Navy and was able to get an unrestricted International License and picked up a sweet low-milage CBR400rr--I was looking for an RVF or NSR, but the price difference made the CBR a good choice at the time. Bringing this bike back to the 'States opened up a niche of cycling that was unknown to me--Replica 2strokes. The NSR's, TGV's, RZ's, RVF's, et al. Good stuffs! These bikes are typically smaller than your average supersport bike with just about everything being more racetrack oriented than an american bike (clutch, brakes, etc). Bad news is, they're illegal in the 'States due to EPA requirements. There *are* ways around them, hence the small number of bikes already here, but they are *very* expensive to keep registered--expect to pay around $10,000 for a good example of a 250cc 2stroke replica that's titled and registered.

About a year ago, I saw an ad for a scooter that was about the size of a full size motorcycle called a Derbi GPR50r. Cute little thing, and from the looks of the website, it looked like it was about the saze of a Honda MB5 (remember those?). I did a little more research to find out what performance parts were available and ran accross the 50cc version of the ApriliaRS. Now, I have to admit that I've been slobbering over the RS125 for a *long* time, and without having been in the saddle of a 125 I think it's probably my version of an ideal commuter bike in LA to carve up lanes in slowNgo freeway traffic due to it's size, manueverability and power to weight.

I went to a dealer in SoCal that sell *both* the Derbi GPR50 and the Aprilia RS50 (no 125 though =( ) and I have to say that both bikes are much bigger than I anticipated, and are somewhere between a VTR250 and an EX500--tiny. I threw my leg over the Aprilia and almost fell over to the right as I pushed down on my left leg way too hard anticipating more weight--it's that light. So light in fact that I was able to rotate the rear tire while it was on the sidestand to read the tire size numbers without much effort. The differences in sitting on the Derbi and the Aprilia are subtle. The Aprilia's pegs and a tad higher, the Derbi's seat is non-existent, the Aprilia's wind protection is very good as is the Derbi, but both make so little power that there's not much wind to protect you from.

Starting up the RS50 was as simple as starting a Honda CBR600F3 and fired just as easy. The quick brap-brap-brap-brap of the tinny exhaust note tells you that it's a baby bike. I clicked into 1st and started rolling........and still felt like I was just starting to roll 50 yards later. Shift into second and wait for the RPMs to climb. Shift to third and fourth and repeat. Fifth gear finally comes about 250yds later at an astounding 45MPH!! Holy cr4p I thought to myself--I'll be killed on this thing. I had visions of being steamrollered by trash trucks leaving traffic signals as I worked the gears in vain trying to sl-mo myself out of the way.

What a waste! The bike and it's running gear are literally better than it's engine and could probably handle all the way up to a 250cc single's power. The derbi is a little better having had a "big bore" 80cc kit installed, and I understand the when the RS50 is bumped up to 80cc's and a new carb and pipe are installed, it feels almost identical to a stock RS125. This is too bad, 'cause I really, really wanted a bike like this--it's tossable, flickable probably gets great mileage and will most likely be unique on the road. Stock horsepower is rated at a paltry 9HP, and I've heard rumors that either motor will make upwards of 20HP. LA traffic has proven to me time and time again that you get hurt and hurt bad if you don't have at least enough power to get out of the way of people, and the RS50 doesn't have enough power to get out of the way of a group of bicyclists.

Egonomically, the litle bike was great. You'd probably have a really hard time convincing people that it was only a 50cc and that it was licensed as a scooter (until they see you leave). Guages and placement are outstanding, headlight throws a bright, well focused beam, suspension is nothing short of brilliant, brakes are outstanding, and everything seems extremely well sorted out--except for the power.

Handling was nothing short of phenominal, thanks not only to a rolling weight of well under 200lbs but also to an outstanding suspension geometry and components. Steering was quick without feeling darty (nay, *that* feeling comes from the slipstream of traffic amking you feel like you are about to change lanes when a carr passes you or you pass a car--I don't recommend passing trucks or busses if you are going above 50...), and soaked up mid corner bumps and ripples with alot less drama than you'd expect from a bike in this weight class. Twist the handgrip coming out of that turn and you're waiting. And waiting. While traffic behind you waits.

At a price shy of $3000 for either the DerbiGPR50r or the Aprilia RS50, I'd have to say that they are a great value for what you get. If you plan on riding this anywhere on public roads, you're gonna need *alot* more power to feel safe, although this would be an *excellent* first bike for any teenager. The handling is so good on this bike, that I think if I were to find a section of twisties that was downhill (steep!) and had lots of tight turns, it would probably humble a majority of bikes on the road. Downside is that to get decent power out of the thing, you're looking at around $1000 for the big bore, bigger carb and tuned pipe--and that's just for starters. Double that figure if you want to eek 20Hp+ out of it, as it'll require extensive port and cyclinder work. I already looked to see if the 125 engine could be stuffed into it--if it could, I'd buy a crate motor from Aprilia and an RS50 to stuff it in tomorrow....but alas, I'm told it's not possible. <sigh>

If anyone has any ideas--let me know, I still want one dammit! With the success of the RSV and the RS250 challenge, one could only hope that an RS is made that will see US streets. Every one of the RS bikes are cooler than anything outside a Bimota--well, until they start selling alot of them....



Recommended: No