Two-stroke sportsbikes were a big deal in the 1980s and 1990s.
With high specific power outputs, low weight and Grand Prix developed chassis, 250cc sports bikes delivered the purest riding experience on the road – and regularly humbled more exotic machines on the track and down twisty roads.
All the big manufacturers had their quarter litre race replicas: Honda with the Japan only NSR250RR and Kawasaki with the barking KR-1S. Suzuki brought the RGV250, by far and away the most popular with UK riders, while Yamaha made a bewildering range of models bearing the TZR250 moniker – from the base parallel-twin we got here, to the exotic TZR250R-SP, a V-twin that looked like it had been smuggled out of the Grand Prix paddock but which was (officially at least) only for the Japanese home market. Regardless of the badge on the tank, each and every one is now a nailed on modern classic – such was the esteem of the 250 stroker.
Aprilia ruled 125 and 250cc Grand Prix racing in the 1990s and arguably made the definitive 250 with the RGV-powered RS250 of 1994, but the need to make motorbikes cleaner and more environmentally friendly sounded the death knell for strokers. The RS250 shuffled out of Aprilia’s range in 2002, and with it ended a much loved class of bike that had been providing cheap thrills for decades. Or so we thought…
Now, almost two decades later, another Italian brand is reviving the category. The company is called Vins, and their new 250, called the Duecinquanta, has passed type approval to be ridden on British roads.
The tiny company is based in Maranello, home of Ferrari, and it’s no surprise that a number of former engineers from the supercar company are the brains behind the Duecinquanta.
The company has designed its own 249.5cc V-twin powerplant which, thanks to fuel injection and plenty of clever engineering, conforms to the latest Euro5 emissions laws. Placed in an inhouse designed carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the result is a motorcycle which weighs just 105kg (dry) and which puts out 74bhp at 11,700rpm.
Behind the spec sheet, there’s plenty of trick stuff to behold, most notably, the front ‘Hossack’ style front suspension. Named after the Scottish inventor who designed it, the Hossack front suspension uses wishbones rather than a telescopic fork and was last seen on BMW’s K1300R. The set-up should eliminate fork dive and allow the rider to brake deep into the corner. That should be added by the anti-lock brakes (ABS), which is a requirement under Euro5 regulations.
Two versions are available, the Strada (street) and Competizione (track) and the good news is that the Strada has been homologated to be used on British roads.
There’s no word yet on prices (they won’t be cheap) nor delivery dates (expect 2020) but the guys at Vins were enthusiastic about the project when they presented the models at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
As well as the two-strokes, Vins also showcased a prototype electric version at EICMA too. Powered by a battery and motor donated by a Zero SR, the EV-01is heavier (at 170kg) and slightly less powerful, with 70bhp, but packs a staggering 146Nm of torque and a range of around 100 miles between recharges.
