Aprilia RS 125 2020 — Specifications

Remember. An RS 125 two-stroke that assaulted the eardrums in the 1990s, capable of flirting with machines twice its displacement thanks to its smoky and hysterical single-cylinder. That era is over, and Aprilia knows that better than anyone. The 2020 version of the Aprilia RS 125 definitively turns the page on two-stroke to embrace a modern four-valve engine with injection, double overhead camshafts, a compression ratio of 12.5:1, and a bore of 58 mm. The Aprilia RS 125 engine is now clean, quiet, and consumes fuel reasonably. What purists still mourn, A2 license candidates appreciate.

Because that's really the heart of the matter. This machine first addresses young riders and new entrants into the world of sport motorcycling, those who want to learn to ride on a serious chassis without breaking the bank or being intimidated. The 15 horsepower delivered at 10,500 rpm and the 10.90 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm represent the legal ceiling of the category, but the engine delivers them with a progressive and rare availability for this segment. No violent surges, no flat spots in acceleration. The six-speed gearbox works cleanly, and the Aprilia RS 125 fairing—which faithfully reproduces the lines of the RSV4—deceives the eye to a remarkable degree. Headlights, flanks, truncated rear fairing, digital instrumentation directly inspired by the competition V4: the clone is assumed and successful.

The chassis constitutes the strongest argument in the case. The double-beam aluminum perimeter frame with transverse reinforcing ribs offers rigidity that direct competitors, the KTM RC 125 in particular, struggle to match in this weight-stiffness balance. The 41 mm inverted fork and the adjustable preload rear monoshock frame a wheelbase of 1,353 mm for a machine weighing 134 kg dry. For an Aprilia RS 125 with a catalog price of 4,929 euros, these technical specifications are solid. The 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tires remain within the standards of the segment and allow for lively and communicative handling. The maximum speed of the Aprilia RS 125 is around 120 km/h, which honestly positions the machine in relation to its rivals.

The braking system deserves an entire paragraph. ABS has been present since the 2017 model year, and its arrival has changed the nature of the machine. On a 125, ABS is not a reassuring gadget for timid riders: it is a pedagogical tool that allows you to explore the limits of braking without immediate punishment. The 300 mm front disc with radial four-piston caliper far exceeds what most competitors of the era offer. The exhaust integrated under the fairing lowers the center of gravity and visually frees the rear section. A few practical details complete the picture, a USB port as an option and a small compartment under the seat, without fundamentally changing the pure sporting vocation of the machine.

The question that many buyers ask when searching for a used Aprilia RS 125 remains. Is it better to invest in a recent example or go for a 2t from the past, a used RS 125 2t that still circulates on the good corner at variable prices depending on condition? The answer depends on the usage. For daily riding, technically progressing, and enjoying reliable mechanics without demanding maintenance, the 2020 four-stroke wins without discussion. For those seeking the sensations of a bygone era or the unrestricted Aprilia RS 125 full power 34hp, a detour through the archives is essential. The current version does not seek to resurrect a myth. It builds something else: an accessible, well-bred sport motorcycle that inspires progress.