Aprilia RS 125 motorcycle – review and specifications

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

4.8

Verdict

Progressive appearance, precise and responsive handling of the Aprilia RS 125, excellent brakes. These qualities are important for young and novice motorcyclists. The Aprilia RS 125 is an obedient and learn-to-drive bike that forgives minor mistakes and allows anyone to feel like a true motorcycle racer, but without risking their necks.

Progressive appearance, precise and responsive handling of the Aprilia RS 125, excellent Grimeca brakes. These qualities are important for young and novice motorcyclists. The Aprilia RS 125 is an obedient and learn-to-drive bike that forgives minor mistakes and allows anyone to feel like a true motorcycle racer, but without risking their necks.

Model history

The Aprilia RS 125 sports motorcycle went into mass production in 1992. This motorcycle is an evolution of the Aprilia Futura, the latest descendant of the AF1 125.

Motorcycle Aprilia RS 125

The first model of Aprilia RS 125 motorcycles was called “Extrema” and was indicated with the abbreviation “R”. It was equipped with a Rotax 123 engine that could develop a power of 34 hp, as well as an adjustable ignition system, with a MARZOCCHI front telescopic hydraulic fork and a rear adjustable SACHS shock absorber. Only the first Aprilia RS 125 was equipped with the brake system of the legendary gold collection.

It immediately fell in love with motorcyclists for its spectacular aggressive design. It is not without reason that it is recognized by many as the most beautiful bike of its class of all time. Throughout its history, the Aprilia RS 125 has undergone significant changes (replacing the Rotax 123 engine with a Rotax 122, changing the ignition system, replacing the Brembo brake system with a Grimeca, as evidenced by the 5 model series released.

In 2011 (it came to the market only in 2013), the model was significantly modernized, equipped with a four-stroke engine, but entered the series with a new index - RS4 125.

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This model was no longer in high demand among those wishing to purchase the legendary 2-stroke motorcycle. There are many reasons for the decrease in demand: this is a four-stroke low-power engine, and various modifications to the engine according to EURO3. But for our domestic secondary motor market, all previous modifications of the Aprilia RS 125 will remain in demand and relevant for a long time.

Spring. According to the plan, I was supposed to post a joyful post about buying a new Italian motorcycle, but life made its own adjustments. The copy, which I carefully watched while I was saving the required amount, was taken away from under my nose. Further is better. The news that eclipsed the previous one - I am a future dad. The news is great, but not for my new motorcycle, it will fade into the background for a while, priorities have changed. But what kind of motorcyclist am I if I don’t please my faithful friend (or in my case, girlfriend)? We are following an economical scenario, bringing to life the existing one. So, most of the audience is familiar with this small-capacity car - the Aprilia RS125. The strengths and weaknesses are well known: this is a light, but quite firmly built 2T motorcycle. A good horse for the first steps on the track. Moreover, with a good community abroad.

Alas, European officials deliberately turned this funny animal into a neutered cat; every year it lost hp, and with it toxicity and exhaust volume, until it finally degenerated into a misunderstanding with the name RS4.

Last year, the two-stroke branch of this motorcycle finally died, but let’s not talk about sad things. We are not Europe yet, so we can revive the beauty on our own and bring it to its proper form. And let environmentalists and other bureaucratic misunderstandings cry bitter tears. I will write exclusively about the full-strength version, which was exported to Ukraine. Dozens of posts have been written about the de-scenting of this model, with detailed pictures, and there is no point in chewing on them again.

End of the season, moving the motorcycle from the garage to the apartment. Buying a steering wheel bracket, ordering the missing tools, draining all the fluids and disassembling the motorcycle. This is how he survived the winter.

Made a work plan:

• Ignition system – removal of restrictions, correction of ignition timing. Change spark plugs and batteries. • Frame and suspension - maintenance, replacement of seals, replacement of shock absorber, overhaul and change of oil in the fork. • Fuel system – replacing the carburetor from 28 to 34 mm. Selection of jets. Replacing the reed valve. • Air system – cleaning, changing the filter, replacing the inlet pipe. • Piston group – replacement of piston, pin, needle bearing. • Consumables – chain, sprockets, pads, fluids, oils. • Decor – changing the shovel to a cute tail from Evotech, indicators of the same type.

Ignition system.

This is where we should start, the cheapest and most practical improvement. The main problem is a completely illogical failure when accelerating from 4000 to 6000 rpm. I attributed 2T to nature, but I was constantly tormented by the thought - well, the dip cannot be so strong, and then the same sharp rise. And then one day I came across a graph of the ignition timing of the standard ignition, here it is:

As you can see, the failure was made entirely artificially, as it later turned out to please environmentalists, and is present even in the full-power version. But the Italians would not be Italians if they had not themselves implemented a hardware hack. This is true for the Nippondenso 071000-xxxxx-xxxx () block, which comes with all RS125 until 2009, the new ones have a different unlocking, you need to drill (although even the place was marked from the factory).

I couldn’t find the photo, although I took it on purpose. I'll draw a picture.

1. So, with a sharp knife, a cutter, or just a slotted screwdriver, we cut out (pick out) the sealant, a window measuring 20x5 mm, even less is enough, but it’s useful for making sure that the board is exactly the same shape as in the picture and calm down.

2. Cut out a piece of the board with a jumper with a wire cutter or saw off with a file.

3. Fill with silicone to seal.

After this, the gap is eliminated, the dynamics increase significantly, but such a nice pickup disappears after 6000, or rather, it is no longer so pronounced and occurs after 8200 rpm, when the RAVE valve opens.

We also change the spark plug to an NGK BR10EG, or better yet, immediately to an iridium BR10IX, as recommended by the manufacturer. I also replaced the old battery, from a standard one to a Shorai, and gained 2.5 kg of weight, which is also quite far from the ground. And in general, it’s time to forget about lead.

That's all for the electrics.

Frame and suspension.

The decorative part is polishing.
A boring but enjoyable process when it comes to a pet. Polishing wheel, polish and off you go. Nothing to tell. Even the pendulum got it, the half was polished on top, rough sanding was done on the bottom, I removed the large scratches first. I checked the O-rings (no luck, 1 rubber ring burst, and even the plastic one got damaged), in fact, it was for the sake of replacing them that the disassembly was planned. Replaced everything.

Shock Absorber – This is one of the first on the list of recommended upgrades, right behind the exhaust and in front of the carburetor. The choice is huge, from Sachs SP (let me remind you that the basic Sachs is in stock without adjustments), past Bitubo and others to Ohlins TTX36... I decided to choose the golden mean Ohlins AP750 (HRCL) and I don’t regret it, I couldn’t overcome the fear that with TTX36 the pendulum would hit expansion tank.

The AP750 has adjustable length, spring preload, compression and rebound speeds, what else do beginners need? I think I can live without high/low speed compression adjustment. I decided not to change the fork yet, I just serviced it and changed the oil, let me remind you that you need 440 grams in each feather, viscosity 10W. I started assembling and made sure that everything was in order. It's funny that the tackle under the steering wheel came later than I took it all apart.

Fuel system.

Previously, the RS125 had a Dellorto VHSB34, then they decided that 28 mm would be enough for teenagers, and in the new ones they also decided to add TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) thanks to which, after airing, the tidy flashes with joyful lights. I restored historical justice, ordered a 34 mm, and even with a flat throttle, positioned as a Race Version, listened to the RS-drivers community. Satisfied.

On a note. Jet sizes for carburetor 28: 128 with catalyst, 120 without. The 34 has a standard 160, with replacement of the air filter they usually set it to 165. This is true for the Arrow exhaust system, as the most popular for this model.

There is one point when replacing the carburetor. The fact that you need to adjust the position of the needle and jets, I think, is already clear, but how to combine the vacuum valve of the gas tank and the new diameter of the carburetor pipe? A useful device comes to the rescue - a fuel line connector. It accepts both 5mm and 7.5mm tubes perfectly. As a result, we make the following chain:

Tank – 5mm tube – connector – connector – 7.5mm tube – carburetor 34.

It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the intake manifold is now of a different diameter. And you need to buy a new one, specifically for 34 mm. There is a way to save money here. The fact is that when the carburetor is replaced, the reed valve is usually changed. There is a choice: VForce3 or Italkit. I prefer Italkit, it is more well made, the transition from a rectangular window to a round one is smooth, the base is aluminum and even the aforementioned 34 manifold is included.

Air system.

I highly recommend leaving the standard filter. There is no point in fiddling with zeros and worrying about mileage, rain and other nasty things. It’s better to put a new filter in the standard airbox, the same Pipercross.

I wouldn’t even remember the air system if it weren’t for the negative experience. I listened to the advice of a foreigner, did not read the comments on other forums, and cut off and turned over the intake pipe. Do not do that! You are exhausted in selecting jets, there is no benefit, just leave a full-strength pipe for 2 holes (in the strangled one, 1 is closed with a jumper). As a result, it was restored to its original condition, and now it has also been replaced with a new one, otherwise the sealant began to dry out.

Piston group.

There were no objective reasons to change. Visually everything was perfect. But after trying the piston, I decided to change it, and then the girl said - don’t fool your head, change everything while it’s still available. The choice is large, but it is surprisingly easy to choose:

• 125 Mitaka – cheap, cheerful, no hassles. • 125 Aprilia – expensive, made by Italians at the Gilardoni plant. • 154 Polini – the most popular choice, but according to reviews it does not like high revs, 2 rings. • 140 Italkit – 2 times cheaper than the standard one, but made at the Gilardoni factory, Vertex forged pistons, 1 ring. Loves high revs. Pistons are lighter than standard ones.

Considering the manufacturer, I decided to take Italkit and was not disappointed. A copy of the standard one, except for the larger diameter, the casting is neat, the piston is 50 grams lighter, and has already been machined. I took out my Dremel 4000, licked the blower channels and was pleased with the choice.

Let me remind you of the banal things: along with the piston, we definitely change the pin and needle bearing; you shouldn’t skimp on such trifles.

Consumables

There’s not much to talk about here:
• I took off the clutch discs, measured them, they were still OK, and put them back. • Front brake pads need to be replaced. • Oil in the fork. As I said 10W. • Coolant. • Brake fluid, bleeding the brakes, intuitively simple. • Oil in the box, at the same time I replaced the plastic caps with aluminum ones. • Fuel and oil lines, old pipes have become stiff. • Chain – Regina O-ring, lasts longer, a little more difficult to lubricate. • Leading star, I took a Rental 16 teeth and some Japanese consumer goods with 17 teeth, I’ll record a video at maximum speed and return 16, dynamics are more important to me.

Appearance

Well, where would we be without decor?
The shovel behind was infuriating; not only are the numbers huge, they are also suspended on a huge handle. It was decided to replace it. I searched and found Evotech. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality, the paintwork is amazing, and I especially liked the gold inscription made by laser cutting the paintwork. I already wrote about replacing the plastic, but along with it I had to change the direction indicators with new ones - the mounting is different. When I took the tail, I chose the turns for the new mount, and before I ordered 2 more indicators, so now everything is in the same style, Feng Shui is observed

That seems to be all, all that remains is to repaint the wheel rims and the open spaces of the roads, fortunately the weather has long been favorable, it’s dry and the temperature rises to +7, the cycling season has long been open. Thanks to everyone who read to the end, I hope small-capacity technology still interests someone.

Price

A new modification of the bike, which is mass-produced nowadays, is called “Aprilia RS-4 125”. The cost of a new motorcycle of this model is from 250 to 280 thousand rubles.

Prices for used Aprilia RS 125 motorcycles from the early 2000s in Russia range from 60 to 150 thousand rubles, depending on mileage and condition.

Prices on a popular classifieds portal:

Screenshot of prices for motorcycles of different years from the portal moto.auto.ru

Specifications

In order to be able to sell motorcycles in countries with appropriate legal restrictions, the serial Aprilia RS 125 was developed in two configurations - with single-cylinder two-stroke 125 cc engines producing 15 hp. and 32.34 hp, with a maximum speed of 145 and 175 km/h, respectively.

Rotax engines have earned an impeccable reputation for reliability. Subject to the use of high-quality synthetic 2T motor oil and regular maintenance. There are no maintenance problems with them. Cooling – water. Fuel consumption ranges from 6 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (depending on driving style); The fuel tank is designed for 14 liters.

Main technical characteristics:

1. The gearbox is six-speed.
2. The frame is aluminum.
3. The front suspension is non-adjustable, while the rear suspension is pendulum with a monoshock absorber, adjustable for preload. Many experts praised the reliable, thick 40mm front fork, which provides excellent control.
4. Hydraulic disc brakes "Grimeca" with 320 mm front and 220 mm rear disc.
5. The height of the bike is 1100 mm; seat height - 805 mm; length 1955 mm; width 720 mm.
6. The front tire size is 110/70x17 inches, the rear tire is 150/60x170 inches.

The motorcycle pleases with its vigorous acceleration dynamics - it accelerates to 100 km/h in 7 seconds (Full Power version). Up to 130 km/h the bike's handling is ideal; above this threshold it becomes far from comfortable due to its low weight. The motorcycle is equipped with a pilot-friendly quick start button and a multi-function LCD display on later models.

Chassis

Separately, it is worth noting the frame of the bike: it is based on a similar part of GP racing cars. The frame is made of aluminum alloy with transverse inserts. Despite its light weight, it is incredibly rigid.

An inverted telescopic fork is installed on the front wheel of the bike and provides additional reliability and comfort during the ride. The rear suspension was created based on unique Aprilia technologies. The hydraulically adjustable monoshock absorber protects the driver from direct impacts to the body.

Tuning options

In addition to the traditional colors in red and black, the Aprilia RS 125 also looks good in tuning:

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Aprilia RS 125. Appearance tuning. Black/red color. Photo No. 1

Appearance tuning. Photo No. 2

Appearance tuning. Women's version. Photo No. 3

Tuning and interesting facts

It’s not just the factory design that can attract the attention of motorcyclists. In addition to the standard black and red colors, owners like to repaint the bike in their favorite colors. It looks quite impressive.

A slight modification to the engine will allow the Aprilia RS 125, which has a top speed of 175 km/h, to add about 10 additional speed units. All spare parts are made in Europe, which guarantees their quality and reliability. In addition to tuning, the device is perfectly adapted to repair. True, it is required quite rarely. Mostly necessary is the replacement of consumables such as oil or brake fluid.

Perhaps the only competitor to the RS 125 in this class is the no less fast Honda NSR 125. The model has no other rivals.

A significant increase in sales occurred after the unit appeared in the 2009 blockbuster Transformers. Megan Fox starred in several scenes riding an RS 125. This added to the popularity of the model, both among fans of the film and among motorcycle enthusiasts.

Cinema

In the 2009 film “Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen,” the main character, actress Megan Fox, starred in scenes on the legendary Aprilia RS 125 motorcycle. Sales figures for this motorcycle model jumped significantly after the film.

Still from the film “Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen.”

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Modification 2009

In 2009, the Aprilia RS 125 version was released, which included the following changes:

• The power of the two-stroke Rotax engine has been increased while maintaining its volume of 125 cc. Today, this model is available in two versions: with a standard power unit with a capacity of 15 horsepower and a racing full-power engine with a capacity of 34 horsepower.
• The tail section of the motorcycle was almost completely copied from the RSV 1000R, the fairing and plastic body kits underwent changes;
• The bike frame has become significantly lighter thanks to structural changes, which at the same time made it possible to maintain and even increase its strength characteristics.

To summarize, we can say that the Aprilia RS 125 is one of the best motorcycles in its class, suitable for both professional motorcycle enthusiasts and beginners in this field. The cost of the bike, of course, is rather high, but if the budget allows, then of all the competitors it is best to choose Aprilia - Italian quality and reliability are worth it. In addition, this motorcycle gained considerable fame thanks to the film “Transformers”: it was this bike that the beautiful Megan Fox rode.

Verdict, pros and cons of the motorcycle

pros

• Bold aggressive design, attractive appearance.
• Precise and precise handling, balance, can be used by beginner motorcyclists, light weight, excellent braking system.
• European build quality, reliability and durability.
• High-speed 125 cc 2-stroke engine with 33 hp power.

Minuses

• Small resource of the CPG in comparison with 4-stroke engines
• Sounds like a scooter or lawnmower.
• High fuel consumption AI-95.

Design

The Aprilia bike has not only a powerful Italian-made engine, but also a unique design. The proof of quality is the careful attention to every detail. The bike is equipped with an aerodynamic fairing, which is typical for professional motorcycles taking part in grand prix racing. Today Aprilia is sold in several colors to choose from.

Other external features are aimed at improving the maneuverability and controllability of the motorcycle.