Aprilia RS 125: the complete road and track test

The stringy one Aprilia Rs 125 she’s a sportswoman”entry-level” conceived primarily for young people with an A1 license, who wish to approach the world of two wheels from an authentic perspective racing. With this model, the technicians of Noale they wanted to create the best possible road sports car for sixteen-year-olds, while remaining within the performance limits imposed by law: a natural choice in light of the long tradition of the model, which has its roots in the glorious epic of 125 two-stroke from Grand Prix. Today’s Rs 125, despite having half the power compared to its progenitors, takes up its legacy and brings it to the road in two variants, standard and GP Replica, with prices starting from 5,699 euros. Aprilia made a standard Rs 125 available to us for a few weeks, and we took advantage of it to check its qualities, on the road and on the track.

1 What it’s like: Design

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In terms of designthe Rs 125 is immediately recognizable as an Aprilia sports bike: its aggressive features owe a lot to the larger Rs, especially as regards the front light cluster, and evoke the track in no uncertain terms. The bike is still compact and lightweight, with a sculpted fuel tank, wrap-around fairing and a tapered tail. The low semi-handlebars, the relatively rear footrests and thesaddle height Of 820 mm they give it sporty ergonomics, but not to the point of being excessive for everyday use. The weight instead it stands on 144kg with a full tank of 14.5 litres. The standard Rs 125 is offered in two colors and the one we tested is in Cyanide Yellowcharacterized by an alternation of yellow and black which enhances its personality.

2 How it is: Engine and equipment

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The engine is a single-cylinder four-stroke 124.2 cc Euro 5+ approved with four valves, double shaft distribution and liquid cooling. The maximum declared power is 15 HP at 10,500 rpm, i.e. all the fateful 11 ​​kW admitted for A1 licences, while the torque peak of 11.4 Nm it reaches 8,500 rpm. The six-speed gearbox uses a multi-plate wet clutch and the quickshifter it is available as an option (but is standard on the GP Replica version). The Rs 125 sports a functional LCD instrumentation designed to accommodate the optional Aprilia Mia system, which allows you to connect the vehicle to your smartphone via Bluetooth and act as a navigator. The electronic package it is instead made up of two-channel ABS developed in collaboration with Bosch and disengageable traction control.

3 What it’s like: Cycling

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To support and make the most of the engine, the Rs 125 relies on a cycling of absolute importance for the category. The chassis double beam in die-cast aluminum is already a “gem” for its segment, but it is also combined with an upside-down fork with 40 mm diameter legs and 110 mm of travel together with a monoshock with 120 mm travel. THE’braking system it features a 300 mm front disc combined with a four-piston radial caliper and a 218 mm rear disc. The rims are obviously 17″ and are fitted with 100/80 tires at the front and 140/70 at the rear.

4 How it goes: in the city and on the highway

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In citythe 125 from Noale convinces with ease and agility. The engine, although limited in horsepower, has a fair amount of acceleration and the chassis supports its resourcefulness to wriggle out of traffic. The fork absorbs urban bumps discreetly, while remaining quite supported, while the relative stiffness of the rear is not penalizing as one might fear on more accentuated bumps, such as the classic pavé. Abs And traction control they do their job very well without overdoing it, adding a certain feeling of safety to driving, especially in the wet. The steering angle is not bad for a bike of this setup racing and the great lightness is certainly a bonuses when maneuvering the motorbike when stationary. The seat height is important for a motorbike of this size, but the saddle is rather narrow near the tank, thus making it easier for the feet to rest on the ground, and it is also relatively comfortable. In motorwaywhere the 125s are now welcome, the bike sails serenely around 100 km/h while also offering good aerodynamic protection, not so crucial however in light of the low speed. By pulling your neck in sixth gear you can reach and even slightly overtake 120 km/hbut, without losing stability, you can feel that the little beast from Noale is at the limit of its capabilities.

5 How’s it going: mixed

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In the mixed hilly of Brianza, between tight hairpin bends, imperfect asphalt and variable slopes, the Rs 125 highlights its best qualities: the cycling precise, especially the 40 mm fork and the aluminum frame, convey the idea of ​​a compact, lively motorbike, ready to charge into corners and exit decisively despite the modest torque available. The change it responds well in both directions accompanied by the satisfying cry of a single-cylinder engine that is never in difficulty and the progression is decidedly convincing in relation to the displacement. Thanks to a very communicative front end and, again, the sporty riding position, the bike invites you to devour the road and to lean with confidence, bouncing from side to side when changing direction with extreme gracefulness. THE’braking system it shows no hesitations and is well modulated especially on the front, where the 300 mm disc and the radial caliper do not disappoint expectations. After covering several kilometers at a good pace, my back and wrists are not as tired as one might have feared.

6 How it goes: on the track

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To complete the picture, we took the Rs 125 to the curbs too. To be precise, on two different tracks but still ideal for putting the Venetian eighth of a liter to the whip: the Pista Azzurra of Borgo Ticino and the Castelletto Circuit. On the track it immediately emerges that the riding position, although sporty, is now decidedly more human than the 125s of the past, especially in comparison with the old two-strokes: the saddle is slightly higher but better shaped, the handlebars are also higher and less collected and the footrests do not force the knees to difficult angles. In the context of a circuitthe Rs proves to be docile at low revs and very manageable: the single-cylinder four-stroke is “soft” in the first part of the rev counter, but offers a clean and progressive response already from 3 thousand to 4 thousand rpm, and then extends with good regularity towards 10 thousand rpm. There is not the explosiveness of the two-strokes of the past, it is clear, but this also translates into a more fluid and less stressful ride, which allows you to concentrate on the trajectories. The great quality remains the same easy handling: chassis and suspension work in harmony, the front is communicative and conveys confidence and overall the feeling it’s still immediate. Not bad either feedback of the Michelin Pilot Street which however remain predominantly road tyres.

7 The verdict

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All in all, the Rs 125 keeps what it promises: it has the maximum degree of sportiness allowed by the limits of the A1 driving licenceit is light and compact, it is balanced enough for daily use and has demonstrated a nice character. Agility and feeling on the front they are higher than the average current 125 and it’s nice to drive. Aesthetically it is enchanting, with attention to every detail, without “cheap” looking elements. There driving position it favors sportiness, not comfort, but there are no doubts about the fact that this motorbike will be able to make the most thirsty sixteen-year-olds happy. performance. It represents an ideal choice for young people who want to get closer to the track and refine their technique without having to fight with the bike. Of course, the price of 5,699 euros it is not the most affordable in this displacement, but it is still proportionate to the contents and in line with its direct competitors. However, few of them can boast a pedigree comparable to his.

8 Pros and cons

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These are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Aprilia Rs 125 2025 found during our test on street:

• Nice and convincing design
• Extreme maneuverability
• Refined equipment for the category

• Motor “soft” at low speeds
• Minimalist instrumentation
• Remarkable price