Introduction

The Aprilia Leonardo ST 250 (2001, ZD4PD)

is a scooter from the Italian manufacturer Aprilia, produced in the year 2001. This model belongs to the maxi-scooter category and was an extension of the Leonardo series, introduced in 1996.
The Leonardo ST 250 was designed as a comfortable and powerful vehicle for urban and suburban use, targeting riders seeking a scooter with high performance and touring capability.
The "ST" stands for "Sport Touring," indicating a combination of sporty driving characteristics and travel comfort. It was one of the first variants in the 250cc class within the series.

Model History

Historically, the Aprilia Leonardo ST 250 (2001, ZD4PD) belongs to the second phase of the Leonardo series, which began in 1996 with the 125 and 150 models.
Aprilia, founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle manufacturer, transformed under Ivano Beggio from the 1960s into a motorcycle producer and began scooter production in the 1980s through collaboration with Rotax, starting with the Amico (1990).
After models like the Gulliver and Rally, the Leonardo series was introduced in 1996 and expanded in 1999 with the first 250cc version (ZD4PD), followed by the ST variant in 2001.
It stands between smaller scooters like the Amico and later maxi-scooters like the Atlantic, showcasing Aprilia's focus on versatile, high-performance scooters before being acquired by Piaggio in 2004.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia Leonardo ST 250 (2001, ZD4PD) is equipped with a water-cooled 249cc four-stroke engine, delivering about 20 hp (approximately 14.7 kW) at 7,500 rpm.
The engine is carbureted and paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a belt drive, allowing for easy operation.
The top speed is around 125 km/h. The frame consists of a sturdy steel tube construction, with suspension including a telescopic fork at the front and a swingarm with a shock absorber at the rear.
The braking system features a front disc brake (220 mm diameter) and a rear disc brake (190 mm diameter), providing improved braking performance.
With a dry weight of about 145 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 9.5 liters, the Leonardo ST 250 was robustly built and suitable for longer distances.

Design and Variants

The Aprilia Leonardo ST 250 (2001, ZD4PD) was offered in several colors, including black, silver, blue, and red, with exact availability varying by market.
This color variety emphasized the modern and appealing style of the scooter. Official special models of the Leonardo ST 250 are not documented, but the Leonardo series was offered in parallel with variants like the Leonardo 125 and 150, which differed by having smaller engines.
For the year 2001, Aprilia focused on the standard version of the ST model, with optional accessories like windshields or luggage racks available to adapt the scooter to the riders' needs.