The Aprilia RS 125 is a GP bike with lights and a numberplate. That is why it is so much fun to ride. It is also why they are so expensive to run. This is actually my third bike and i don't see myself getting rid of it even when i do upgrade.
First of all anyone buying one of these has to remember the golden rule, sportsbikes are expensive to but, insure and run. This one in particular has a high maintenance engine that likes very expensive fully synthetic two stroke oil. If you don't give it the right oil it will seize (and thats not fun, trust me.) and fuel economy isn't great. Tyre life asn't that bad but then it only has about 33 hp. The brakes are lacking in feel as standard, braided brake lines and EBC HH brake pads made that better but its still not perfect and the gearbox is notchy and needs a hefty kick to engage second and sixth.
The flipside is this bike will put a smile on your face everytime you ride it. It can be used everyday as a commuter bike (i did it for 9 months) but it doesn't like it much, buy a honda CB500 for that. It likes smooth roads with lots of bends and with practice it is possible to slide the back wheel into and out of corners but thats not easy or recommended. If you use it on a track day it is possible to get your elbow down let alone your knee. The handling is superb and the sound is gorgeous, especially when compared to Honda's NSR125.
If this is your first bike after passing you CBT or bike test i can't recommend it, but with about 6 months riding experience it is the perfect start. All the young boys in their Nova's will be breathing your blue exhaust smoke while you are preparing to carry as much speed as possible into the next corner. Get one before the European Bureaucrats ban them.
And always get it serviced by an Aprilia specialist if you can.
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Very useful buying advice there -especially about the high maintenance engine - I was tempted to rate this very helpful, just wondered how much servicing does cost at Aprilla outlets? and some idea of cost of the fully synthetic two stroke oil? and do you find it uses much oil? how often do you replace or top up? Awesome review -CH
jellytotsgirl 06.03.2003 22:56
Good op, I'm not a biker chick afraid to say.
LostWitness 06.03.2003 22:50
"All the young boys in their Nova's will be breathing your blue exhaust smoke while you are preparing to carry as much speed as possible into the next corner." - Cool! :O)
Advantages: Nimble, light, ideal for short riders, reliable, excellent miles per gallon Disadvantages: Tall riders look ridiculous and find the riding positions uncomfortable.
maddycatty2k 16.04.2007 (19.04.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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Mar 6th, 2003
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