2008 Aprilia RX/SX 50 Review

Introduction

Aprilia decided that it was time to make a statement in the off-road 50cc class so it used all the experience gained by constantly developing the impressive RX 125 and it created a beautifully-styled off-roader destined to beginners, and not only.

The RX 50 stands as the ideal motorcycle for riders willing to learn riding off the road, while still needing a practical and good looking motorcycle for those very necessary daily trips.

Of course, the new RX had to be a great performer so its manufacturer fitted it with the most advanced features, inspired on its bigger brother. The result is an impressive looking motorcycle that relies on its performance in order to be not just another starter bike, but a true companion for many years to come.

History

1992 Aprilia RX 50

Aprilia started producing the RX 50 in the early ‘90s (1992 to be more precise) and it soon became one of the most beloved beginner bikes that Europe had to offer. Aprilia proved that it had things sorted out from the very first year as this is no motorcycle that started as a motocrosser and afterwards got a headlight, mirrors and permission to hit the streets. No, the product that we see today is based on the very same bike that probably carried you when you were a kid and it is now your son’s time.

Things change, but only in a positive way when it comes to motorcycle development at Aprilia and European attention to details. While the 50cc single cylinder two-stroke engine powered the bike all this time, styling changed significantly resulting in a more refined looking motorcycle. After all, this was a bike that would have to be appreciated by the rider’s friends on Japanese dual purpose motorcycles.

Competition

Japan does deliver dual purpose motorcycles with great success, but the think is that those admiring friends are placed on motors displacing at least 200-250cc. That’s the whole magic of the RX 50. It introduces a rider to the trails right from the first day of riding and it doesn’t expect you to have a bit of experience from those mini bikes.

The old continent doesn’t offer any alternatives either so all we have to do is to appreciate the RX 50 for being unique also, not just another bike that entered the scene for a piece of the cake. It masters its class by unanimity, but would you expect thinks to look any other way if a form of competition will appear? Yes, that’s what I thought so.

Exterior

2008 Aprilia RX 50

Its styling is also inspired on the RXV, a motorcycle that practically gives the tone in 125cc class so if we’ll be witnessing a new 50cc enduro, there will be no doubt which bike was the inspiration source concerning design features.

The Aprilia RX 50 is unmistakable thanks to the levels of refinement and the uniqueness through which it is being characterized. The front headlight looks like a pair of sun glassed without the glass, making the bike look stylish and totally away from the ordinary. It also looks angry, seeming like a short preview of what’s about to come once on its seat. Did I say mirrors? Sorry, mirror! Just on the left side.

The black front fender is pretty high positioned, perfect for letting the Marzocchi telescopes to do their job spotless. Looking from the right angle, the side panels look like boomerangs. The sharp appearance is continued all the way to the bike’s rear end where the passenger side of the seat blends perfectly in with sharp lines.

The 21” front wheel and 18” rear one are made out of aluminum for lightness and excellent reliability no matter the riding conditions.

 ----

Test Drive

2008 Aprilia RX 50

What I immediately noticed after firing up the engine and giving a go on the new RX 50 was that the engine is truly effective and able to deal with virtually every situation that a rider could encounter while discovering the trails and its great passion for motorcycles. Backing up the high performance thumper is a versatile chassis. In fact, the combination between these two units is what makes the RX 50 so great and well balanced.

The two stroke single cylinder is liquid-cooled and features Aprilia’s reed valve induction. The cylinder is made out of light alloy resulting into an engine that weighs only 15 kg. It is amazing how that kind of power can be obtained while keeping the weight so down.

It is very easy to get used to the RX as its behavior is user friendly, but this is no boring machine. The Italian manufacturer made sure that once the rider gets a handful of its throttle it will totally forget the displacement of the engine that powers this baby. I was impressed by how the thumper pulls easily from down low and all the way through its rev range leaving the rider promising not to underestimate a 50 cc bike ever.

The very best of the bike’s capabilities, especially good power delivery, are also the result of a six speed gearbox that works effectively and precisely, just how a begging rider needs.

For 2008 model year, Aprilia made sure that the RX’s frame would be the single piece that connects the steering head and the swingarm pivot and it feels as you go down the trails. Maneuvering the bike is made with complete ease no matter the speed of which we’re talking and passing above obstacles is a real piece of cake on the smallest RX. The versatile behavior is indeed implied by the frame, but dealing with the rough terrain are the Marzocchi fork at the front and the hydraulic monoshock at the rear. Both offer satisfying wheel travel space (195mm and 180mm), so this is how a true innovative bike deals with the toughest terrain. It feels great when making slalom between bumps only that this time the main goal is to get on them, not to avoid them.

The only thing that this bike needed to be absolutely great for teenagers was a good set of brakes which make their presence felt out on the trails. Actually we’re talking about two piston units and 300mm discs. This is not heard on a daily basis, is it? Not when 50cc motorcycles are the subject of the discussion. At the rear things get back to “normal” as we encounter a 180 mm stainless steel disc. Hitting the brakes on this baby is when reality hits you right in the face as the stopping power is at the extreme levels and the weight which was kept as low as possible helps a lot.

For people who are interested in a great performing off-road bike, but they didn’t quite developed their skills yet, the RX 50 is the best instructor ever. Friendly at first and demanding afterwards!

Conclusion

One of the most famous off-road European motorcycles could have only based the great success on the reliability of its engine, versatility of the frame, and damn good looks. For 2008, we witness the same qualities and expectations taken to a whole new level.

 ----

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Displacement:
49.9 cc

Engine type:
Liquid cooled, single cylinder two stroke with light alloy cylinder

Bore and stroke:
39.88 x 40 mm

Compression ratio:
11.5:1

Fuel system:
DELL’ORTO PVHA 17.5 carburetor
Fuel shut-off on tank

Ignition:
Electronic C.D.I

Starting:
Kick start

Alternator:
85 W (120 W optional)

Lubrication:
Automatic mixer

Gearbox:
6 speed. Ratios:
1st 11/34
2nd 15/30
3rd 18/27
4th 20/24
5th 22/23
6th 23/22

Clutch:
Multi-plate

Primary drive:
Gears Ratio: 21/78

Final drive:
Chain Ratio: 11/53

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame:
Steel beam

Front suspension:
40 mm hydraulic fork with leading axle, wheel travel 195 mm.

Rear suspension:
High strength steel swingarm;
hydraulic monoshock; wheel travel 180 mm.

Brakes:
Front: 260 mm stainless steel disc; floating caliper
Rear: 180 mm stainless steel disc; caliper with two opposing pistons

Wheels:
Spoked wheels with aluminum rim. 
Front: 1.85 x 21”
Rear: 2.15 x 18”

Tyres:
Front: 90/90 - 21”
Rear: 110/80 -18”

Overall length: 2100 mm
Overall width: 825 mm
Seat height: 880 mm
Wheelbase: 1412 mm

Tank capacity:
7 liters

 ----

Models Available

Aprilia SX 50

2008 Aprilia SX 50

For riders who are more into road use, but still feel like this is the most appropriate machine for them to get a true feel of two-wheeled excitement, Aprilia offers the SX 50 which features street rubber and the very same technical features. Fun comes at whole new levels and this is proof of the manufacturer’s ability to give new faces to the same product.