Aprilia Rs 125 - 2008 "Bike Of The Year"

For the second straight year, the Aprilia RS 125 was awarded the title of Bike of the Year. Among those who voted for the winner of the “125” category were almost 94,000 readers of twelve different European magazines, among them Italy’s In Moto that preferred the RS 125 to the Cagiva Mito and the Yamaha YZF-R 125, awarding it 27.6% of votes.

For the RS 125, it was the umpteenth acknowledgement of an unparalleled career, in which it has cemented its technical and stylistic leadership in the category that Aprilia has dominated for over twenty years. The RS 125 is now directly linked to the extraordinary performances of the Noale production house in the velocity sector. It isn’t by chance that, after the 2006 and 2007 windfall in the 125 and 250 World Championships (winning the Riders’ and Constructors’ titles in both classes), Aprilia already has 125 and 250 victories in 2008 that were earned at the season’s first Grand Prix in Qatar.

The stream of technological data from the track to the road is key to the success of Aprilia’s street replicas with the young public. Beginning with the AF1 and ending at the current RS, the line evolved from the exceptional Futura and Estrema, leaving intact the DNA that links them to the Aprilia 125s of the Grand Prixs and yesterday and today’s protagonists of the 125 World Championship.

There has been a constant technological progression that, beyond stile and mechanics, also involved the liquid-cooled propulsor from its single-cylinder debut, now capable of unattainable performances. In its latest evolution, the Aprilia RS 125 is even cleaner and meets the strict Euro 3 emission limits normative, thanks to meticulous carburetor control and the adoption of an exhaust catalyst.

The award of 2008 Bike of the Year once again confirms the extraordinary appeal the 125 Aprilia street replicas enjoy among their fans.

credit: www.topspeed.com

Yamaha YZF-R125 - advanced 125 supersport

For 2009 Yamaha have updated a few details and added new colour schemes for the popular YZF-R125 as follows; Burning Blue with new graphics and silver wheels, Sunset Red and Midnight Black with new graphics

In 2008 Yamaha launched the all-new YZF-R125, an exciting new member of the R-series family which is aimed at taking the number one position in the sports 125cc market.

Featuring a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine running in full-sized Deltabox chassis – and clothed in aggressive R-series style bodywork – the YZF-R125 is aimed at the young first-time 125 buyer who demands best-in-class engine and handling performance, and winning R-series style.

The R125’s all-new 124cc 4-stroke engine is the most advanced in the category, and just like its larger-capacity R-series brothers, it has been developed to deliver class-leading performance.

In order to achieve this goal, Yamaha’s engineers have created the company’s first ever liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder 125cc SOHC engine. The new R125 benefits from a 4-valve cylinder head which delivers high levels of intake and exhaust efficiency for ultra-responsive performance.

Fuel injection - for instant throttle response, this new high-tech 125 features a compact fuel injection system fed by a large-capacity airbox which, combined with the two inlet valves, delivers optimum intake efficiency together with excellent throttle response across the rev range.

Free-revving short-stroke engine featuring bore and stroke dimensions of 52mm x 58.6mm, the compact short-stroke engine has a free-revving character which enables it to deliver strong acceleration. This short stroke layout – combined with the performance-boosting qualities of the 4-valve head, fuel injection system and free-flowing exhaust – gives the R125 the strongest overall performance in the 125 4-stroke class.

Performance is also enhanced by the fitment of a free-flowing large-capacity R6-style mid-ship muffler, whose location helps to centralise mass for neutral handling performance. The exhaust system accommodates dual catalysers, as well as an air induction system which introduces air into the exhaust to enable more complete combustion of any unburnt gases, and in doing so it helps to reduce emissions to even lower levels.

6-speed transmission - To optimise the class-leading performance characteristics of its all-new high-tech 125cc liquid-cooled engine, the R125 is equipped with a 6-speed transmission which ensures strong acceleration and a competitive top speed.

Engine - Technical highlights

• Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
• SOHC 4-valve cylinder head
• Wet-sump lubrication system
• Fuel injection
• Electric start
• 6-speed transmission
• R6-style mid-ship muffler
• Dual catalysers
• Air Induction system

Full-sized chassis with Deltabox frame

Just like its larger R-series brothers, the new R125 features a lightweight Deltabox frame which delivers an optimum balance of strength and rigidity for class-leading handling performance. The twin spar Deltabox design has proved to be one of the lightest and best-handling frame designs in the supersport category, and its use on the new YZF-R125 underlines Yamaha’s total commitment to building the best-handling machine in the class.

One of the most significant features of the new R125 is that it has been constructed with a full-sized chassis, which is unique in its segment. For example, the wheelbase on the new Yamaha R-series is 1,353mm, over 58mm greater than a typical sports 125, which helps to enhance stability.

The larger physical size of the machine also allows our designers more freedom in creating a sporty yet comfortable riding position. And finally, the larger chassis gives the machine far greater presence on the street.

Aggressively-styled full-sized supersport bodywork

With its unmistakeable R-series styling, the R125 stands out in the crowd, and is easy to mistake for a much larger capacity machine. The dual headlights have a distinctive R-series look, while the low frontal area and small tail are clearly influenced by the bigger R-series bikes. And like the chassis, the bodywork is full-sized, making this new sportsbike the most impressive looking machines in the class.

Aluminium swinging arm

Complementing the race-bred Deltabox frame is a cast aluminium swinging arm. By keeping unsprung weight low, this high quality swinging arm allows the link-type rear suspension system to operate more efficiently and deliver more responsive handling qualities.

33mm diameter front forks

Equipped with large-diameter 33mm tubes, the smooth-action front forks are designed to deliver accurate steering together with good rider comfort. For easy manoeuvrability this high quality front suspension system features a steering angle of 24.2degrees and trail of 86.1mm. And with 130mm of wheel travel – over 20mm more than some other models in the class – the full-sized forks on the new R125 perfectly complement the Deltabox frame and aluminium swinging arm to deliver stable yet responsive handling.

Large diameter front disc

High build quality is evident wherever you look on the new R125, and the front braking system is another example of Yamaha’s commitment to using only high-specification components.

The large diameter 292mm front disc is slowed by a compact twin-pot caliper which delivers strong and progressive braking performance for good controllability over a wide range of speeds. The large single front disc is complemented by a 230mm rear disc, giving the R125 rider accurate control in town as well as on the open road.

Lightweight alloy wheels with wide-section tyres

As well as ensuring that the unsprung weight is minimised in order to enhance the front and rear suspension performance, the distinctive 10-spoke alloy wheels give the R125 a unique look.

The lightweight wheels are fitted with some of the widest rubber in the class, with a 100/80-17 tyre at the front, and a massive 130/70-17 tyre at the rear, which ensure high levels of traction and underline the YZF-R125’s position as the main contender in the sports 125 class for 2008.

Range of quality accessories

Yamaha have developed a range of quality accessories for YZF-R125 owners wishing to customise their bike. The line-up includes a double bubble screen, a yoke, a seat cover, roller protectors and a tank pad.

Chassis - Technical highlights

• Lightweight steel Deltabox frame
• Cast aluminium swinging arm
• Aggressive R-series styling
• High quality components
• Leading build quality
• Full-sized chassis and bodywork
• 1,355mm wheelbase
• Sports riding position
• Dual R-series style headlamps
• 292mm diameter front disc brake
• 230mm diameter rear disc brake
• Ultra-compact tail cowl
• Compact LED tail light
• 33mm diameter front forks
• 130mm front wheel suspension travel
• 130/70-17 rear tyre; 100/80-17 front tyre
• Range of accessories:
• Double bubble screen
• Seat cover
• Carbon yoke protector
• Roller protectors
• Tank pad

Available colours

Burning Blue
Sports White
Impact Yellow
Midnight black

credit: bikerholic.com

2009 Aprilia RS125 First Ride

Year after year, we squint at the computer screen just to get a glimpse of some of the ultra-cool euro spec-only motorcycles seen at international bike shows the like Cologne and Milan. We slowly digest the words searching for that precious phrase: 'coming to the US.’ A few choice words after are then blurted out as we discover that yet again a cool new bike is being withheld from us.

But for 2009, it seems we’ve finally gotten our wish as one such bike is coming to America for the first time ever. And you can have one—just as long as you don’t plan on riding it on the street. That’s right, despite its road-going good looks, complete with a headlight and taillight, this bike is strictly for closed-course only thanks to EPA emission standards. Meet the 2009 Aprilia RS125.

Whether moving or at a standstill, the RS125 is a sharp-looking motorcycle and despite its petite size by no means is it a playbike. Everything from its glossy, sponsor emblazed bodywork to the race-replica magnesium painted triple clamp, polished frame and swingarm, multi-spoke wheels, and gold brakes look they’re straight off an Aprilia GP racer.



Powering this pint-sized replica racer is a liquid-cooled, 125cc 2-stroke manufactured by renowned Austrian engine builder, Rotax. Engine fueling is achieved via a 28mm Dell’Orto carburetor and a reed valve intake, while a sleek left-hand exhaust does away with spent fuel.

The engine is wedged inside a rigid GP-inspired slim twin-spar polished aluminum frame and is suspended via a 40mm inverted fork and a hydraulic rear shock. Up front, braking duties are handled by a single 320mm disc with a radial-mount, four-piston caliper, while a single 220mm, twin-piston caliper extends on the back of the polished and curvaceous swingarm.

With a claimed dry weight of just 280 pounds, there’s no question that the RS125 is a small bike. However, to our surprise, hopping aboard it isn’t as cramped as we anticipated and is nowhere near as tight as a full-on 125 GP racer. The handlebars include standard road-going fare such as turn signals, headlight switch and horn. Instrumentation consists of a swept analog tachometer that also houses a digital display providing speed, trip information and coolant temperature.

Firing the engine is as easy as pushing down on the handlebar mounted choke lever and thumbing the starter button. There’s no need to mix any special fuel concoction as the engine is oil-injected, so gas and oil are topped off separately. The engine comes alive quickly and greets its rider with the pungent aroma of burnt oil and gas. Once warmed up, it idles evenly around 1000 revs.



Launching from a stop requires some clutch finesse as the little one dinger doesn’t have anywhere near the amount of torque as a 4-stroke engine. As you accelerate the Single seems to gain momentum in protest. But as the rpms progressively increase, the engine begins to spool up quicker. That glorious 2-stroke “braappp” matches engine speed and as soon as the crankshaft spins to that magic 10,000 rpm, the engine springs to life and finally rewards its riders with some decent acceleration. Remember to shift though, because if you keep the throttle pinned for just a few seconds longer, the fun is over just as quick as it started.

Out on Willows Springs International Raceway’s 1.8-mile Streets of Willow course, the six-speed transmission does an admirable job of keeping the little engine zinging for most of the track, although the final drive gearing is defiantly on the tall side considering the engines modest power output. Going up both the front straightaway into Turn 1 or onto the back straightaway, you’ll defiantly be wishing for more juice. Everywhere else you’ll be giggling inside your helmet, for what the RS lacks in the power department, it makes up for in handling.

Changing directions requires almost no muscle movement and is as simple as looking ahead at where you want to go. In fact, the little RS turns-in so sharply, that it takes a few laps for your brain to acclimate to just how immediate this replica-racer responds. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself tackling every aspect of a corner—from entry to exit— faster than you probably ever have.



Ground clearance is plentiful as the racetrack-inspired rearsets are high and even with the OE Dunlop street rubber, the little RS is capable of obtaining some astonishing levels of lean. Body position is far more essential as compared to a big 4-stroker and fortunately there is enough room within the cockpit for even a tall rider to maneuver their weight where it needs to be. And when you put it all together through fast sweepers like the Streets 20-degree bowl turn, you’ll be going fast enough to feel the laws of gravity making it a sensory experience like nothing most have ever felt aboard any motorcycle, myself included.

Near maximum lean, the machines rigid frame, swingarm and soft suspension make for an interesting ride. Paired together with its modest power output, quick handling, and absurd levels of lean, you won’t find yourself using the front brakes much, which in effect makes it so the bike’s fork never needs to use all of its travel.

Suspension adjustability is limited to only rear spring preload adjustment; nonetheless, given its small size and the fact that it’s so light; you won’t miss the lack of adjustment. For the rare time you might need to slow down, the brakes are more than capable of stopping the bike in a hurry.

Within our market, where 4-strokes rule, the eighth-liter RS is a refreshing alternative despite its less than everyday practicality. While the $5499 RS125 certainly isn’t for everybody, pound for pound, it’s a blast to ride on the track. Not only is it fun and responsive, it’s a motorcycle that just begs to be ridden on the pipe and at maximum lean. And when you ride it just right, it rewards the rider with a Zen-like experience that has to be experienced to truly be understood.

Aprilia RS125 Highs & Lows

Highs:

• Razor-sharp handling
• Looks cool
• GP race replica at affordable price

Lows:

• 125 needs more power
• Not street legal
• Limited suspension adjustment

credit: www.motorcycleusa.com