1999 APRILIA RS250

249cc | 55bhp | 810mm seat height

Dealer £5500-£7500 Private £4600-£6000 This one £3100, private sale Absolutely one of the greatest sporting two strokes, powered by Suzuki’s superb V-twin from the RGV250, and as close to a racer as you could get. Many were successfully raced.

Engine produces zero power low down and delivers everything at 10,000rpm to give nearly 140mph. The very best suspension, brakes and a dry weight of 141kg mean the handling is simply phenomenal.

Buyer beware

Thirsty and expensive to run, needs top quality two-stroke oil and new pistons every 6000 miles. As a project bike, they’re a bit of a lottery if you’re not particularly up on what makes performance two-strokes tick. You can get one in decent running order for £4500, but this one (which has ‘some missing parts’) could swallow £1000 instantly, making it less of a bargain.