APRILIA ET 50 '83
Introduced towards the end of 1983 together with the road-going ST 125, the ET 50 is the first modern enduro produced by Aprilia.
Aprilia has often surprised by using the 50cc class as a showcase to present new models that would later evolve into bigger bikes. Definitely a great satisfaction for many 14-year-olds.
Sold at a price of Lire 1,850,000 and in a single colour available white with a blue saddle, the ET 50 not only anticipated the ETX 125 presented in 1984, but was also to all intents and purposes the first 50cc enduro with a modern twist.
The line of the ET is a huge step forward compared to the simple Regularity bikes sold until then. The grille, the fuel tank with the air ducts and the pronounced side panels contribute to give it the look of a real bike and in line with the new fashion of the 80's, which wants enduro bikes equipped with every comfort like their cousins stradali.
The on-board equipment was in fact incredibly complete and drew a clear line with the Spartan regularity bikes of the 70s and in general with what had been seen up until then in the 50cc class. In fact, the ET 50 boasts truly complete on-board equipment: instrumentation with rev counter, electrical system of a real motorbike, well-made foot controls, mixed air-water cooling and APS rear suspension with single shock absorber are a great calling card for a vehicle actually designed for 14-year-olds.
The ET is therefore a 50cc motorbike and not a moped. The chassis adopts a traditional tubular steel frame while the suspension has a 32 mm Aprilia fork at the front and the innovative APS (Aprilia Progressive System) suspension at the rear, which uses a double system of connecting rods to connect the robust steel swingarm with the Marzocchi single shock absorber. The brakes see the adoption of simpler 118 mm drums on both wheels.
The four-speed Minarelli P4R MCS engine features mixed air-water cooling with thermosiphon circulation and is free of reed valve intake, electronic ignition and automatic mixer. Mixed cooling in fact also guarantees the possibility of operating without circulating liquid in the system.
APRILIA ET 50 '85
The second version of the ET 50 was presented during 1984, although it was officially called ET 50 '85 and in fact remained in production throughout 1985.
Presented in two new elegant colours, i.e. white with a red saddle or red with a blue saddle, the new ET differs from the '83 model mainly in the front brake disc instead of the previous drum and in the brand new Minarelli RV4 engine that will characterise Aprilia 50cc production until 1991.
Let us see the changes made in detail:
- Red painted frame.
- Protective bellows for the front fork.
- The instrumentation remains the same as the previous model, but in addition to the indicators for turn signals and position lights, it is now also equipped with indicators for high running temperature, fuel reserve, neutral and position and low beam lights. Unfortunately, there is no warning light for the mixer oil reserve. The bottom of the odometer and rev counter is grey, although on some models it can also be black as on the '83 ET.
- The fork remains the same 32mm Aprilia advanced-pivot fork as the '83 ET, although with the left stanchion prepared for attachment of the twin-piston caliper that serves the new 230mm front brake disc.
- Water-cooled Minarelli RV4 engine with circulating pump, reed valve and automatic mixer. No electric starter.
The Tuareg version differs only in 14 parts numbers relating to the bodywork.
APRILIA ET 50 '86
The '86 ET model is presented in two colours: black with red frame and red saddle and white with red frame and red saddle.
The new superstructures are unprecedented and now have a look that is decidedly more inspired by the motorbikes engaged in the Paris-Dakar. In fact, the new ET tends to look more like its sister Tuareg, which is also updated for 1986.
Compared to the previous model, the ET is now available with electric starter and rear brake disc. Two options that can only be ordered together. This means that the ET with electric starter is also equipped with a rear disc brake, while the version with foot starter continues to be fitted with a classic drum. The two versions obviously have different electrical systems and rear wheels.
The main other differences with the '85 ET are:
- The instrumentation remains the same as the previous model, and unfortunately the mixer oil reserve light is still missing. However, a brand new additional water temperature gauge is adopted and the previous over-temperature warning light is retained.
- The Aprilia 32 mm fork adopts different coloured stanchions and bellows depending on the model, i.e. ET or Tuareg. The modification index "C" (visible on the identification plate on the seatpost) introduces a new 32 mm fork that is also common to the Tuareg model, except for the different colours for the stanchions and bellows.
- Swingarm and rear suspension are revised. The rear shock absorber is new.
- A new 230 mm disc is used, although the caliper remains the same as the previous model.
- New expansion and silencer.
- New air filter housing.
- Brass-plated wheel rims.
APRILIA ET 50 Fire '87
The ET model '87 is the last ET produced. Available in red with blue saddle and white frame and black with red saddle and white frame, the new ET differs from its predecessor in a few marginal details.
In fact, the superstructures remain practically unchanged with the exception of the side panels that have a new design on the '87 ET. The other changes compared to the '86 model are:
- The instrumentation is new and common to the ETX/Tuareg series, although unlike its larger siblings it lacks a fuel gauge.
- The fork is still being modified
- Electric starter motor CF 450 or CF 532
- New expansion and silencer.
