Aprilia RS 125 2019 — Specifications

Twenty years after the Aprilia RS 125 2T made its two-stroke engines scream on national circuits, the RS returns in a full-dress guise. And this time, it carries a four-stroke engine under the fairing. That’s sure to make a few nostalgic fans wince — those who still dream of the two-stroke Aprilia RS 125 engine, its blue smoke, and its waspish vocalizations under amphetamines. But Noale has made its decision, and the argument holds water: less maintenance, reasonable fuel consumption, Euro4 compliance, and a catalog price of €4,929 that remains digestible for a sportbike of this level of finish.

Because the level of finish, indeed, is where everything is played. The Aprilia RS 125 fairing doesn’t deceive anyone: it’s copied line for line from the RSV4. Headlights, shortened rear fairing, a fuel tank that hugs the knees, an inverted 41 mm fork emerging from a machined head — we are facing a miniature replica of the Superbike champion. The aluminum twin-spar frame with thin walls and reinforcing ribs is nothing like a scooter chassis in disguise. The wheelbase of 1,353 mm and the seat height of 820 mm outline a motorcycle that stands straight and proud, intended for riders who want to learn to turn well, not to pose for Instagram. The tires — 100/80 front, 130/70 rear, both 17-inch — adhere to the sporty philosophy without falling into the excess of slick-like rubber seen on some direct competitors like the KTM RC 125 or the Yamaha YZF-R125.

The engine, a 124 cc single-cylinder with injection, dual overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder, runs at 10,500 rpm to produce its 15 regulated horsepower — the legal ceiling for the A1 license. The torque of 10.9 Nm peaks at 8,250 rpm, which implies that you need to keep the six-speed gearbox active to stay in the useful range. No miracles here: the Aprilia RS 125’s top speed is around 120 km/h, like its rivals. The advantage of this four-stroke over the previous two-stroke generation is regularity. No dips at low rpm, no sudden pressure build-up that destabilizes a young rider, and reliability in use that really changes the game for those considering an Aprilia RS 125 used model after a few years of service.

The chassis is worth a look. The rear monoshock is adjustable for preload, the inverted fork correctly absorbs road imperfections while remaining precise on corner entry. Braking has benefited from real work with the arrival of ABS in 2017 — a concrete advancement in a category where accidents involving young license holders are still too frequent. The exhaust is integrated low in the fairing, which lowers the center of gravity and frees up the rear section. At 134 kg fully fueled, the machine remains maneuverable and does not discourage at a standstill. The Aprilia RS 125 deco kit available as an accessory allows for further personalization for those who want to stand out from the Noale red.

So, for whom? For the young A1 license holder who wants to progress on a real motorcycle and not on a quickly-brided toy. For the experienced rider looking for a second light machine for small roads. For anyone dreaming of an RSV4 but doesn’t yet have the budget or the license. The Aprilia RS 125’s new price of €4,929 positions it slightly above the average of the segment, but the level of equipment justifies the difference. On the Aprilia RS 125 used market, well-maintained examples hold their value, proof that demand remains strong. It’s not the 2T from 1999 that flew at speeds we prefer not to mention — but it’s an honest, well-bred sportbike, and it makes you want to ride.