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Little legendary queen
Derived from GP machines since its inception in 1993, the RS 125 has sold more than 100,000 copies in 30 countries. an undeniable success with young bikers. Then equipped with the Rotax 2-stroke engine that made the legend of small sports cars, the RS seduces apprentice pilots.
Many times overhauled, the little terror of circuits has suffered for several years now widespread competition from four-stroke engines. Yamaha YZF-R125, Honda CBR 125 R, Hyosung GT 125 R … The regulations in place having meant the programmed disappearance of the original engine, Aprilia crosses the course with the heiress RS4 125. At the same time, the RS 50 supports this launch.
Discovery
The styling of the novelty is undoubtedly based on the equally successful image of the brand’s hyper sport, the RSV4. The 125 incorporates the sharp aesthetic, the triple optic fork crown as well as the design of the rear shell with two mini-fins. The whole is well assembled and the various covers benefit from a qualitative surface effect. The air inlets under the front optics are fictitious. However, aside from this hardware, the RS4 borrows most of its design from another machine: the cousin or half-sister Derbi 125 GPR 4S. Both the cycle part and the engine are indeed identical.
Thus, the RS vintage 2011 incorporates the same original Piaggio 125 cm3 block. Four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, Euro 3 standards oblige … We also find identically the imposing perimeter frame and the asymmetric swingarm, both in die-cast aluminum. Ditto for the respectable 41 mm diameter fork with red anodized sleeves. Very nice parts, a guarantee of rigidity and behavior in line with the machine’s claims. On the other hand, the shock absorber does not have any adjustment system, just like the front suspension.
Like the frame, the braking system also seems oversized: at the front, a 300mm single-disc clamped by a radial-mount caliper and 4 pistons. The rear receives a 218mm disc and single piston caliper.
Rather qualitative, the rims are in alloy, with 6 split sticks. The excellent integration of the escapement is notable; you can hardly see it, under the engine. Unlike that of its younger 50 cm3. Some finishing details are annoying, however. The finish of the master cylinders and calipers is close to the crude aluminum foundry. The chrome footrests are flashy. Some terminals and electrical wires visible at the level of the motor and the fork crown are also regrettable.
Dedicated to the circuit, the Noale sports car, however, offers good storage space under the saddle. This is accessible by a lock surprisingly positioned in the pilot seat. In use, however, there is no discomfort. The eventual passenger can benefit from an easily removable folding seat and its footrests are also quickly removable … priority to competition!
The pneumatic ride surprises. It is indeed a pair of Sawa, Slovenian brand belonging to the Goodyear group, which equips the 125. Code name: MC25 Bogart. High notching rate, designed for wet conditions and front dimensions 110/80 and rear 130/70, in 17 inches. Difficult to predict their behavior, our test machines being shod with excellent Pirelli Supercorsa (in 150/70 for the rear) … Certainly a more rational choice for our sessions on the tracks.
Trajectory race
The saddle rises to 820 mm high, just like a mid-capacity roadster, but much narrower … a few centimeters more than the late RS 125. It is above all the space available on board, even for the most big, which surprises. The space between the 14.5 liter tank and the backrest allows the rider to step back far in his saddle and easily flatten out behind the bubble. This houses a large tachometer and a digital window grouping the tachometer, engine temperature bar graph and a choice of: odometer, two partials and maximum speed. The classic indicator lights for headlight, neutral, oil and gasoline warning light take place under the set. Aprilia also offers a choice of optional equipment (screw cover, license plate holder, mirror cover, etc.) to further enhance the racing style.
The RS4 comes to life in the very characteristic metallic hiss of the engine. You have to put the engine in the towers to get off to a good start. Very lively, the single cylinder flies towards the breaker set at just over 11,000 revolutions. It can be seen from the outset that the range of use is reduced: from 9,000 revolutions when the ignition is switched off. Maintained at this rate, Aprilia will immerse you in the art of the trajectory.
With 15 horsepower (European regulations) at 9,250 rpm and a torque of 1.1 m / kg at 8,500 rpm, the RS4 requires careful handling. As the ability to revive is limited, priority should be given to cornering speed and reduced use of the brakes. Lying on the tank, you can grab the last km / h, optimizing, lap after lap, the start of each curve. The lightest will border on 125 km / h at full 5, the largest and heavy will have a hard time exceeding 115. The 6th gear has not served us. An optional shifter (shifting on the fly) is available for around 100 €.
We then appreciate the precision and efficiency of the chassis. As the laps progressed, the flawless grip of the day’s tires allowed for delightful angles, to the detriment of the footrests, whose lugs were missing. Imperturbable in bends, keen on changing angles with its contained weight of 134 kilos (excluding fuel), the transalpine novelty also offers top-notch braking, powerful and enduring. The steering does not lock up when applying the brakes on the angle and does little weight off. The decelerations are then delayed as much as possible. However, sensitive to the movement of the pilot, adopting a steering cast on the handlebars of the RS4 also avoids the dry but healthy reactions of the machine. Despite its rigidity, this 125 also knows how to handle the optimism of its pilot. Damping is effective despite elements devoid of adjustment.
Conclusion
A reduced replica of the Italian brand’s spearhead, the 2011 RS4 125 vintage is a competition machine. Of course, we are far from the performance of the old ones in the sector, with a 2-stroke engine…. Rather recommended for light pilots, this sport flyweight remains a true top-of-the-range learning tool on the circuit. It is probably not on the track but rather on the sales that the competition will have to be sought. And on this niche, it is numerous! The little terror of Noale, sold for € 4,199, should highlight its advantageous equipment, its great sporting efficiency and its legendary image. Because a Honda CBR 125 R is only sold at 3,490 €, which is almost 1,000 euros less. Of course, its sporting claims are really not the same, but it will be more consensual. Much closer in performance, the very famous Yamaha YZF-R125 asks for € 4,299 from its buyer. Another real challenger, less well endowed, the Daelim Roadsport 125 R requires only 3,400 €. But it is above all his family that the RS4 will have to guard against with the almost twin Derbi 125 GPR 4S. Displayed at the same price, benefiting from an equally successful aesthetic, it is the prestige and the personal opinion that will make the difference between the two … as well as the bank account of teens or their generous parents.
Strong points
- Strong aesthetics directly linked to hyper sport
- Braking
- Cycle part
Weak points
- Comfort just for the eventual daily life
- Finishing details
Colors: Racing Black, Racing White and Replica Max Biaggi
Aprilia RS4 125 technical sheet
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