Aprilia RS 125 2009 — Specifications

When you’re sixteen and dreaming of a Superbike, the reality of the A2 license lands like a bucket of cold water. Except Aprilia has always known how to transform this regulatory constraint into a commercial argument. The 2009 RS 125 doesn’t pretend to be a large machine: it frankly borrows the styling codes of the RSV-R 1000, including the full fairing, and fully embraces its role as a gateway to sportiness. The result is a machine that attracts attention in a school parking lot as much as on a well-engaged turn.

Under this highly worked Aprilia RS 125 fairing lies a 124.8 cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine whose square bore of 54 x 54.5 mm perfectly summarizes the philosophy. The Aprilia RS 125 2T engine develops 24.5 horsepower at 10,000 rpm with a torque of 17 Nm reached at 9,750 rpm. These figures are not impressive on paper, but on the road, the powerband of a two-stroke is nothing like that of an equivalent four-stroke. The six-speed gearbox and chain transmission allow you to play with the mechanics, and the Aprilia RS 125 top speed is capped at 135 km/h in standard configuration. For those seeking more, the Aprilia RS 125 unrestricted top speed and the persistent rumor of a full power output of 34 hp have fueled forums for years, but that’s another conversation.

The real argument for this 2009 generation is the chassis. The perimeter aluminum frame encloses a serious suspension setup: 40 mm inverted fork with 120 mm of travel at the front, adjustable preload monoshock and cast aluminum swingarm with variable section at the rear. This is not cheap kit. The 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tires provide a stable stance for a 137 kg machine fully fueled. Radial braking, with a four-piston caliper and 320 mm disc at the front, places the RS 125 a step above what a Honda CBR 125R or a Yamaha YZF-R125 do in this segment.

The high 805 mm seat and the sport-oriented riding position push back taller riders uncomfortable in a tucked position, but this is consistent with the target audience. This machine is aimed at young riders who want to learn to ride fast, not to carry their passenger on Sunday. At the original price of 5,699 euros, it clearly positioned Aprilia at the top of the sporty 125 segment. Today, on the Aprilia RS 125 used market, prices vary considerably depending on condition and replaced Aprilia RS 125 parts. Well-maintained examples still command good prices, which is a testament to the brand’s reputation in this category since the first versions of 1998 and 1999.

What this RS 125 2009 achieves is to never make its rider feel like they are on a machine restricted by law. The next generation evolved to a four-stroke to meet Euro standards, profoundly changing the character of the machine. Two-stroke enthusiasts, those who still scour the classifieds for a used Aprilia RS 125 2T in good condition, know exactly what they are looking for. A motorcycle that demands to be ridden high in the rev range, which forgives little laziness on the throttle, and which trains riders where others are content to transport users.