Aprilia SX 125 2018 — Specifications

When Aprilia brings back a model from the archives after a few years of absence, it’s rarely just for show. The return of the Aprilia SX 125 in 2018 doesn’t break that rule: the brand from Noale reintroduces an A1 supermotard that openly looks to the SXV 450 and 550, those racing beasts that forged the manufacturer’s reputation on deformed urban tracks and parking lots transformed into playgrounds. The heritage is significant, but the small displacement rises to the challenge.

The first thing that strikes you is the perimeter aluminum frame, a solution you wouldn’t expect to find at this level of range and even less so at a price of €3,629. The cycle section is seriously constructed, with a 41 mm inverted fork at the front and a progressive-link monoshock at the rear. The wheel travel is generous, designed to absorb bumps without complaint. Shod with 17-inch spoked rims with sport tires in 100/80 at the front and 130/70 at the rear, the Aprilia SX 125 specifications reveal a machine built to turn, not to parade. The front brake with its floating caliper on a 300 mm disc allows for real attacks at the apex, and the integrated ABS incorporates a rear wheel lift-up prevention function, a technology previously reserved for large-displacement sportbikes. It’s a first for a 125.

The engine, for its part, is honest without being spectacular. A 124.8 cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine, 15 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 10.9 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm, all within a block that scrupulously respects the limits of the A1 category. Those looking for information on Aprilia SX 125 de-restriction are likely to be disappointed: there’s not much to gain beyond what the law allows. Top speed is capped at 120 km/h, which positions the machine in the upper-middle range of the segment, without miracles. The compression ratio of 12.5:1 and the four-valve cylinder head show that Aprilia sought to extract the maximum from the legal framework, but physics remains physics. Faced with a KTM Duke 125 or a Honda CB125R, the SX 125 doesn’t win on raw power; it relies on the dynamism of its cycle section to make the difference.

What truly distinguishes the Aprilia SX 125 2018 from its direct rivals is its clearly stated vocation. The 880 mm seat imposes a high riding position, typical of a supermotard, and the 120 kg when fully fueled guarantee a lightness that is felt from the first few meters. It shares its mechanical platform and chassis with the RX, the off-road version of the same family, but the wide rims and tires designed for asphalt radically change the machine’s temperament. The 7.5-liter tank reminds you that you’re not here for long journeys, but to slalom between obstacles and trigger smiles at a tight turning radius.

The target audience is clearly identified: young A1 license holders, riders who want to learn to ride fast without taking excessive risks, and supermotard enthusiasts looking for a solid base for a possible Aprilia SX 125 graphics kit or a few aesthetic modifications. The Aprilia SX 125 owner reviews generally confirm that the bike lives up to its promises within that specific scope. It won’t turn its rider into a world champion, but it will give them the tools to progress. On the used market, the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 models remain safe bets if the cycle section has been respected. The Aprilia SX 125 new price remains consistent with the level of equipment offered, especially when considering the two-channel ABS, which is far from a gadget on this type of machine.