Aprilia RS 125 2022 — Specifications

When Noale decides that a 125 deserves a real engineering budget, this is the result. The Aprilia RS 125 2022 isn't just a cosmetic update to tick the Euro5 box; it's a serious revision of a machine that carries the weight of 54 world titles on its flanks, twenty of which were won in the 125 category, back when two-strokes were screaming at 12,000 rpm. Those who grew up with an Aprilia RS 125 2T from the years 1998, 1999, or 2000 between their knees know what we’re talking about. Aprilia literally displays this heritage on the tank, without false modesty.

The Aprilia RS 125 fairing picks up the styling cues of the RS 660, without slavishly copying its big sister. The headlights sharpen, the turn signals blend into the optics, and the whole thing takes on the look of a compact predator. It’s successful, even if the rest of the bodywork hasn’t fundamentally changed. You don’t buy an Aprilia RS 125 decal kit for nothing; the base is there, solid. At €5,399, the Aprilia RS 125 price is even better justified when you look at what has changed under the fairing, because that’s where the real work has been done.

The Aprilia RS 125 engine has been completely reworked. New cylinder head, redesigned combustion chamber, more aggressive camshafts, iridium spark plug, redesigned exhaust manifold, Magneti Marelli MIUG4 ECU, improved catalytic converter. The result remains limited to 15 horsepower at 10,000 rpm by A1 regulations, but these 15 horsepower arrive earlier in the rev range, and the torque of 11.2 Nm peaks at 8,000 rpm with a better-filled curve than before. The rear sprocket goes to 58 teeth to boost acceleration. It’s not a miracle of physics, but it’s the difference between a motorcycle that grumbles and a motorcycle that responds. The Aprilia RS 125 top speed is capped at 120 km/h in legal configuration, and those looking for an Aprilia RS 125 unrestricted top speed or the fantasy of 34 hp full power will look elsewhere; this 2022 version plays the game of compliance while pushing enjoyment to the maximum of the legal framework.

The chassis retains its fundamentals that made the machine’s reputation: perimeter aluminum frame, 40 mm inverted fork, asymmetrical swingarm, monoshock. Bosch ABS makes its entry, welcome. The clip-on handlebars rise 18 mm, which relaxes the riding position and makes the machine accessible to various builds, seat at 820 mm. Michelin Pilot Street replaces the previous tires, and the 140/70-17 rear tire gains width to improve grip in corners. The radial four-piston caliper on the 300 mm front disc remains a benchmark for the category. An optional quickshifter completes the picture for novice riders who want to work on their six-speed gearbox timing.

On board, the instrumentation goes entirely to LCD, with all the useful data, two display themes, and compatibility with the optional Aprilia MIA platform to connect your smartphone. It’s clean, readable, modern. This Aprilia RS 125 2022 is clearly aimed at young A1 license holders who want a real sportbike, not a pseudo-roadster rebaged. Faced with the KTM RC 125 or the Honda CBR 125R, it imposes its style and racing pedigree without complex. Those looking for an Aprilia RS 125 used bike on the classifieds will find 2021 models at attractive prices, but the 2022 version justifies its new price thanks to the depth of the modifications made. To start in sport on two wheels, few machines do so much for the ego of the novice.