Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha 125cc athletes

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Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha 125cc athletes

Comparison test: 125cc athletes

125ccs from Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha in the test

Please buckle up: While there is a shortage of innovations among the athletes in the large displacement classes, the coolest and racy 125cc generation of all time is at the start.

With the YZF-R 125, Yamaha demonstrated how cool such an eight-liter bike can look. Because the eye goes with the targeted young customers. Honda has also recognized this and vigorously pepped up the rather good CBR 125 R with optical borrowings from the Fireblade. And now Aprilia is sending a true-to-scale copy of the RSV4 superbike into the race with the RS4. So precisely that even the passenger seat cover of the big ones fits.

No question about it, the three exude real racing spirit and compete openly for this comparison and not in the 80 km / h throttle variant for 16 to 18 year olds.

Driving a 125cc has a very special dynamic. Where a difference in horsepower or two in peak performance is a small world, momentum becomes immensely important. The right switching point anyway. And the fight for every km / h top speed even more. Pull in your elbows, put your helmet on the tank and let it stand where you can. Hardly 150 kilograms under the buttocks can be thrown from one lean angle to the next without resistance, so as not to tear off while cornering. This is how flying should feel. The benchmark was set in 2008 by Yamaha’s Bonsai R6 and taken by surprise in the comparison test of the time.

I.The trump cards that gave her victory back then still stand out today. On the one hand, there is the extremely successful engine. In contrast to the other two, it has a very long stroke. That gives him a fat torque curve and the lowest speed level. You can easily swim along in city traffic at 5-6000 rpm. He also pulls through longer inclines confidently and forgives him if he is not presented with the next lower gear in time. Measured against the razor-sharp athlete outfit, the wide usable speed range is surprising in a positive way. If the gears are torn through with commitment, the 100 km / h mark is stormed after 14.8 seconds. The competition has to let go. And in the draft anyway. The YZF-R 125 could use an even longer gear ratio. Because with her nose on the tank and enough run-up she runs into the limiter at top speed.

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Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha 125cc athletes

Comparison test: 125cc athletes
125cc from Honda, Aprilia and Yamaha in the test

Yamaha doesn’t just make the most grown-up impression of stature. However, it is also the least handy of this trio – the word unwieldy would be out of place on a 125cc. This may also have its cause in the rather sluggish and less wet-gripping Michelin Pilot Sporty. But that doesn’t change anything about the strong performance of the Yamaha, on the street or in front of the outdoor pool.

The Honda CBR 125 R comes across much better there. Freshly renovated, she has abandoned the modest, almost narrow-chested appearance of her predecessor. She now stands confidently on suitably wide tires, the narrow cutting discs are a thing of the past. In terms of driving dynamics, there was hardly anything to complain about at the CBR. The slightly redesigned chassis also impresses. Well-balanced, equipped with soft, but sensitive spring elements, the CBR is a nimble street sweeper. Neither the wider tires nor the twelve kilogram increase in weight have changed that. The CBR doesn’t play around the corner, it plays with the curves. But as open as she is to changes in direction and lean angle, it never seems fidgety or nervous. Of course, there is some movement in undulating passages due to the soft suspension setup. Especially when you have to go from one corner to the next with full sail. But everything stays within the framework. However, the damping reserves are scarce for a passenger and the shock absorber is more likely to block than with the other two.


Aprilia RSV4 125.

In return, she offers her rider a fairly relaxed sitting position with the half-height handlebar stubs. The easy-to-use clutch, the slippery gearbox, and beginners in particular will appreciate the brakes that do not act very snappy. The engine, which was adopted from its predecessor with the exception of a slightly modified mapping, also causes surprised faces among drivers and opponents. A good choice. Although nominally one horsepower weaker and “only” a two-valve engine. Acts as if he couldn’t cloud a little bit of water and it was pretty thick behind his ears. Rotates up to 11200 / min, but like the Yamaha it can easily be moved at 56000 / min. Which enables sensible warm-up. Although the Honda collects the red lantern when sprinting to 100 km / h. But because of the slightly lower peak performance, she only gets it on the last few meters. Up to about 80 km / h she keeps up with the traffic light sprint with the Yamaha and turns the Aprilia a long nose for the first few meters. In the draft, it even latches just behind the YZF-R 125. And that, even though it is very long – the sixth gear theoretically reaches up to almost 140 km / h. However, this makes them the secret King of Autobahn. Because as soon as there is only a hint of slipstream or a tiny incline, the Honda continues to turn where the other two are in the limiter and runs away from them.

Even if you notice the efforts to save costs on things like the simple steel swing arm with the simple chain tensioner, the consistently solid workmanship has been retained. After all, it is six to seven hundred cheaper than the competition. And where it matters, it still shines with useful details. Stable pillion passenger grips, for example a flip-up instead of a removable tank cap. Or a cockpit that is the only one that is fully equipped with a water temperature display, fuel gauge and time clock. With the Aprilia RS4 – the 4 signals that a four-stroke engine is now doing its job – the equipment list, on the other hand, is based on the needs of a racer. What else could you expect from a machine with this gorgeous styling? Fuel gauge? Clock? Pah. The Aprilia offers top speed storage. The predecessor’s lap timer, however, is missing, but it also tore a crater around 1200 euros deeper into the account.

So the RS4 also pinches the polished aluminum frame and the beautiful aluminum banana swing arm. But it is the only one to offer an upside-down fork and a radial brake calliper. And it brakes like the devil.

The four-valve engine manufactured by Derbi also has a powerful bite. However, mainly between ten and eleven thousand revolutions. To start off, the clock should be 7-8000 revolutions. And even then, you need to engage the clutch with care if you don’t want the engine speed to drop too quickly, so that the other two hurry to the traffic light sprint. If it weren’t for the four-stroke sound, one could doubt whether that might not be the case. The Aprilia is passed through to the rear in spite of the relatively short translation. Their five or ten kilograms more weight than the Yamaha and Honda certainly do their part. After all, with 3.3 liters, the RS4 125 now consumes over one liter less than its two-stroke predecessor.

But Honda and Yamaha are even more stingy with 2.5 liters. And the fact that the Aprilia engine does not like to start so spontaneously, especially when it is hot, vibrates most clearly and does not set a acoustic highlight with scraping background noises, shows that there is still a lot to be improved in terms of engine tuning.

And yet: Anyone who gets involved in the game with the narrow performance peak, always turns the engine nicely in the optimal range and has the next gear ready in time, will reap it – that race feeling. The arrangement of notches, spacious seat cushions and wide flared handlebar stubs – which are, however, mounted in the fork bridge, which can be expensive in the event of a fall – also offers large pilots enough space.

And in terms of chassis, the Aprilia shows what is going on. If it hits the hook like a rabbit, it works almost as lightly as the Honda in an inclined position. The chassis is – as long as the Sava tires are warmed up – even more stable and precise than that of the Yamaha. If the racing line were a narrow chalk line on the road, the Aprilia would hit him. Then she wakes up, the desire for perfectly circled arcs, for precise driving, which is so eminently important on a 125cc.

The great strength of the Aprilia lies in the famous chassis. The great brakes and the grandiose look also earn applause: But that’s not enough to win.

MOTORCYCLE scoring / test result


Yamaha YZF-R 125.

Whether in pulling power, power delivery or starting behavior, the Aprilia’s engine, which is dependent on speed, cannot score in this environment. The Yamaha is still the measure of all things here. When it comes to the chassis, however, the RS4 125 shows all its strengths, even if the title of handling queen goes to the lively Honda.

Both Aprilia and Yamaha offer first-class brakes, the Honda system is much tamer tuned. Rather unusual for sports machines: the look back in the mirror is extremely good. Like the Aprilia, the Honda has gained a lot in weight, but is still the lightest.

The YZF-R 125 and CBR 125 R only consume 2.5 liters, giving them ranges of over 500 kilometers. Thanks to the four-stroke engine, the RS4 125 is now also significantly more economical with 3.3 liters. Very short at 4000 kilometers: the Honda inspection intervals.

Max points Aprilia RS4 125 Honda CBR 125 R. Yamaha YZF-R 125 Overall rating 125 92 99 102
placement 3. 2. 1.

Test result

1.Yamaha YZF-R 125
Great engine, great brakes and an excellent chassis. A hard combination to beat. The sharp design puts the crown on it.

2. Honda CBR 125 R
Newly renovated, the handy Honda impresses with its balance and a surprisingly good engine. First choice not only for bargain hunters thanks to a more adult appearance.

3rd April RS4 125
The weaknesses of the engine set-up cannot be ignored. But the mini superbike is also very popular. In terms of form, suspension and braking. And it also offers space for grown-ups.

Technical specifications


Honda CBR 125.

Aprilia RS4 125 engine
design type Single cylinder four-stroke engine
injection  Ø 32 mm
coupling Multi-disc oil bath clutch
Bore x stroke 58.0 x 47.0 mm
Displacement 124 cm3
compression 12.5: 1
power 11.0 kW (15 hp) at 10500 rpm
Torque 11 Nm at 8000 rpm
landing gear
frame Bridge frame made of aluminum
fork Upside-down fork, Ø 41 mm
Brakes v / h  Ø 300 / Ø 218 mm
bikes 2.75 x 17; 3.50 x 17
tires 100 / 80-17; 130 / 70-17
Tires Sava MC 25 Bogart
mass and weight
wheelbase 1350 mm 
Steering head angle 65.0 degrees
trailing 94 mm
Suspension travel v / h 110/122 mm
Seat height ** 815 mm
Weight with full tank ** 146 kg
Payload ** 179 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 14.5 liters
Service intervals  6000 km
price 4021 euros
Additional costs 174 euros
80 km / h throttling free of charge
MOTORCYCLE readings
Top speed * 125 (110) km / h
acceleration
0-80 km / h 9.7 sec
0-100 km / h 16.4 sec
Draft
50-80 km / h 15.4 sec
50-100 km / h 26.3 sec
consumption
Test consumption 3.3 liters
Reach country road 439 km

Honda CBR 125 R. engine
design type Single cylinder four-stroke engine
injection  Ø 30 mm
coupling Multi-disc oil bath clutch 
Bore x stroke 58.0 x 47.2 mm
Displacement 125 cm3
compression 11.0: 1
power 10.0 kW (14 PS) at 10,000 rpm
Torque 10 Nm at 8000 rpm
landing gear
frame Bridge frame made of steel
fork Telescopic fork, Ø 31 mm
Brakes v / h  Ø 276 / Ø 220 mm
bikes 2.50 x 17; 3.50 x 17
tires 100 / 80-17; 130 / 70-17
Tires IRC RX-01
mass and weight
wheelbase 1313 mm 
Steering head angle 65.0 degrees
trailing 90 mm
Suspension travel v / h 120/126 mm
Seat height ** 785 mm
Weight with full tank ** 136 kg
Payload ** 181 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 13.0 liters
Service intervals  4000 km
price 3390 euros
Additional costs around 180 euros
80 km / h throttling free of charge
MOTORCYCLE readings
Top speed * 126 (110) km / h
acceleration
0-80 km / h 9.3 sec
0-100 km / h 17.6 sec
Draft
50-80 km / h 12.4 sec
50-100 km / h 22.3 sec
consumption
Test consumption 2.5 liters
Reach country road 520 km

Yamaha YZF-R 125 engine
design type Single cylinder four-stroke engine
injection  Ø 28 mm
coupling Multi-disc oil bath clutch 
Bore x stroke 52.0 x 58.6 mm
Displacement 124 cm3
compression 11.2: 1
power 11.0 kW (15 PS) at 9000 rpm
Torque 12 Nm at 8000 rpm
landing gear
frame Bridge frame made of steel
fork Telescopic fork, Ø 33 mm
Brakes v / h  Ø 292 / Ø 230 mm
bikes 2.75 x 17; 3.75 x 17
tires 110 / 80-17; 130 / 70-17
Tires Michelin Pilot Sporty
mass and weight
wheelbase 1355 mm 
Steering head angle 65.8 degrees
trailing 86 mm
Suspension travel v / h 130/125 mm
Seat height ** 830 mm
Weight with full tank ** 141 kg
Payload ** 182 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 13.8 / 1.2 liters
Service intervals  6000 km
price 3995 euros
Additional costs around 170 euros
80 km / h throttling around 246 euros
MOTORCYCLE readings
Top speed * 130 (120) km / h
acceleration
0-80 km / h 8.5 sec
0-100 km / h 14.8 sec
Draft
50-80 km / h 11.4 sec
50-100 km / h 19.5 sec
consumption
Test consumption 2.5 liters
Reach country road 552 km

Manufacturer information, * vehicle registration information in brackets, ** MOTORCYCLE measurements

Price comparison of the Aprilia RS4 125, Honda CBR 125 R and Yamaha YZF-R125

Used Aprilia RS4 125, Honda CBR 125 R and Yamaha YZF-R125 in Germany

The three "small" Super athletes are a top entry into the world of racing motorcycles. So if you want to get a taste of this, you should take a look at the used motorcycle exchange. There the Aprilia RS4 125, the Honda CBR 125 R and the Yamaha YZF-R125 face each other in direct price comparison: Used Aprilia RS4 125, Honda CBR 125 R and Yamaha YZF-R125 in Germany

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