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Aprilia RS 125 updated for 2017

October 12, 2017

Symbol of Aprilia‘s sport DNA, the Aprilia RS 125 has been profoundly revamped to celebrate twenty-five years of success. The Aprilia RS 125 is still the point of reference for sport bikes dedicated to younger riders, a concentrate of content and style, ready for the best performance on the road and on the track. And while we wait for such beautiful machines in India the folks abroad keep getting updated versions.

Born out of racing, aggressive, capable of expressing dynamic character and light weight in a personal and recognisable style, the RS 125 for 2017 highlights Aprilia’s passion for sport with a concentrate of technological refinements worthy of a true Superbike. Exclusive ergonomics of a true super sport bike, sleek fairing, aluminium frame, a generous engine and the best components and technical features in a look that is now even closer to that of the RSV4 superbike.

The Aprilia RS 125’s new look takes its inspiration from the shapes and colours of its multiple title winning older sister, the RSV4 that is a protagonist in World SBK, an aggressive and original look that is highlighted by the triple headlight, a trademark of the “big sister”. The sleek fairing enhances the exclusive aluminium frame, an entirely racing-inspired refinement that no competitor can claim. A winning solution that Aprilia takes from its experience on the track to reduce weight and bulk and give the vehicle textbook agility and handling. The tapering lines of the slender tail fairing seem to melt away into nothing, joined together with the LED taillight that, in the spirit of road safety, guarantees outstanding lighting power.

The new RS 125 version is available in two liveries: Silver Speed and Black Speed. Both with a sporty orientation, they are also characterized by the graphics with the dominating “a” on a red background which is the emblem of the Aprilia machines that compete on racetracks all over the world. The graphics on the fuel tank recall the Italian red, white and green as a reminder of the RS 125’s exclusivity, the only small sport bike to be designed, developed and built in Italy.

The latest version of the Aprilia RS 125 also boasts the largest storage compartment in its segment, a space that can hold a 6” tablet. A practical USB port can also be mounted to conveniently recharge your smartphone or any other compatible device.

The beating heart of the Aprilia RS 125 is a modern and technological 125 cc single-cylinder, 4-Stroke, 4-Valve electronic injection engine with liquid cooling: reliable on the road and powerful on the track, it has particularly refined technologies such as double overhead camshaft timing (DOHC). With ultra-modern conception and design, lightweight and compact, it has allowed development of a refined chassis. Its power, optimally calibrated, guarantees responsiveness even at low revs. Vibrations are reduced to the minimum by a balancing countershaft. Euro 4 approved, it guarantees environmentally-friendly top performance. Max power is 15 HP (11 kW) at 10,750 rpm and max torque is 10.5 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Makes you think that a 150 or better yet a 200cc version of this would be a runaway success in India.

The 2017 Aprilia RS 125 is installation-ready for Quick Shift, the innovative gear shifting system that Aprilia has used and perfected on tracks all over the world. Just like with its big sister, the RSV4, the electronic system manages torque interruption for the engaged gear change, how far the throttle is open and the engine revs, allowing the rider to upshift while holding the throttle open and without using the clutch.

The exhaust, which is unmistakably racing inspired, is completely integrated within the lower part of the fairing. A solution with a strong aesthetic impact that effects the dynamic performance of the vehicle, based on the centralisation of the masses.

The general ergonomics of the Aprilia RS 125 are designed for the track. No other 125 can convey a racing character like the eighth-litre from Noale. The riding position on the RS 125 is unique: the semi-handlebars, forward-mounted lower than the steering yoke and the set-back footpegs, along with the saddle-fuel tank assembly, ensure a true super sport riding position without compromise.

Developed on the basis of Aprilia’s experience on the track, the spectacular perimeter frame consists of die cast aluminium spars with crossed reinforcement ribs. It is a lightweight structure, capable of providing high torsional rigidity in order to guarantee top performance on the road and on the track.

The solid upside-down fork and the rear suspension with racing-derived monoshock secured to the asymmetrical swingarm ensure performance, top level safety and comfort. The split 6-spoke design of the wheels emphasizes the purposeful character of the RS 125. A configuration that is once again merit of racing experience that ensures light weight and speed going into corners. The braking system uses a four-piston radial calliper on the front wheel, assisted by Bosch single-channel ABS, that grips a 300 mm diameter steel disc. The rear mounts a single-piston calliper that grips a 220 mm disc and has a tone wheel to guarantee anti roll over protection. Maximum performance and safety at every braking point. The license plate mount and turn indicators can be easily removed for track use.

Compact and ultra-lightweight, the new instrument cluster provides all the functions of true racing instrumentation: from the analogue Rev. counter to the multifunction digital display with handlebar controls for the speedometer, trip master, battery voltage, time and stopwatch with memory for 20 laps, cooling circuit temperature indicator and fuel reserve indicator, OBD warning light and ABS fault warning light. The AMP ECU that enables connectivity between the bike and your smartphone is also available as an accessory.