Aprilia RS125 (1995-current)

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Bought an RS125-SP after passing my test (restricted licence) and had it de-restricted & tuned, giving about 35 bhp. For a 125, it was super quick, looked stunning and handled like a dream. Unfortunately reliability was awful. The engine seized (despite using top grade 2-stroke oil), most parts broke & had to be replaced and the electrics were diabolical. I probably spent the cost of the bike again in various repairs. Unfortunately, this bike is aimed at 17 year olds who don't have the money nor desire to keep on top of the maintainence so a reliable 2nd hand model is tough to find.

My one was a new 2001 model back when i was 17 so i cant comment on the newer ones although i've heard nothing apart from the body work has changed. Top marks on handling, will easily out handle most bigger bikes. Quality is unreal for a 125, well built, looks amazing and from a distence could look like a 4 or 600 sitting there. Performance is 17 year old mind blowingly good (when full power) 115 mph top end and gets there well but it comes at a price, thirsty on petrol, expencive oil and £500 - £800 engine re-builds every 2000-5000 miles (know from expierence and friends who also had them) so its a 17 year olds orgasm of a bike if they also have very deep pockets

My son just had to have one. I couldn't convince him to get a CBR and to be honest if I was 17 again I would want the RS. It was a 51 plate mint example with a good history and expensive oil, even after this it destroyed the piston within a fortnight, it had an aftermarket piston fitted! Loads of other issues - shock failed, speedo drives failed twice, electrics are dodgy, powervalve sticks, etc.. When they are going well they are superb but if you buy one make sure you have got good public transport or a push bike for back up. He has an SV 650 now, now problems.

the rs is a brill bike for its size but the reliabilty can be a issue if you don t warm it correct and use very good oil ($$$$) motul 500 is the best . The handling is better than most big bike s so the concer speed is very good . There is alot of people saying there rs will do 120 mph but this is VERY unlikely most will do 105 mph but any more and it will break . So if you treat the rs as a 80 mph bike and blast to 100 then and a again its fun all the way

Had mine for about a year from new when piston rings needed replacing. It seized in march '07, from an unknown reason (i was using the correct oil and it was fully warmed up etc). I finally got it back on the 20th of September... It looks stunning, but the engine is awful. it performs well, when it works, but mine has spent about 50% of it's life in dealers. After sales care is disgraceful, from both dealers I've dealt with. Handling may be amazing, and it may be a sexy bike but it's definitely not worth the problems it brings... just don't buy one!

Now...for a teenager this is the bike for you, espesh the new rs125 (06/07 model) the shape is arodynamicly perfect, the frame is made of a silicone alloy which is strong and looks gr8! The bike rides even better than it looks!!!!!!!! never had any real problems with it! spedo stoped workin and the exhaust has corroded but other than that its a dream!!!! as long as you look after it, it will look after you. i clean, wax and oil mine weekly and it keeps the bike in shape! so aslong as your willing to do this then the bike should last a hell of a lot longer than most of these teenagers that just rag there bikes and dont give a crap!! cost wise...i think they are very expensive to buy but your getting looks, quality and reliability! style is everything to me and this bike says it all really! speed... well mine goes 70mph restricted and should go a hell of alot faster when the 33bhp is released!! All i can say is buy now!!!

If you're buying a two-stroke bike you have to expect running costs and reliability issues. The bike is by far the best 125 on the market and has been for years. Stuff what the riders of fireblades and ZX-10s think, its not like they have never had to ride a moped is it. I need to regularly polish mine and the frame gets very "foisty" and dulls, I had to replace the exhaust due to corrosion and the immobliser/alarm that came fitted has turned out to be much more trouble than it's worth. A high maintenance bike that more than makes up for it with ear to ear sized grins. Strengths: Styling, Handling, general feel, insurance costs (compared to bigger bikes), HISTORY AND HERITAGE. Weaknesses: parts take months to be delivered, breakers like to charge copius amounts for bits and bats. The whole owners manual is Italian, It's a two stroke so it needs regular attention.

A great handling machine with Italian flair and panache. I've owned the bike for 4 years and love it but not without a few problems. It begs to be ridden hard but this can seriously affect the longevity of the engine. Cracking bike that needs alot of tlc. Running cost can be high when it comes time to fix things. Strengths; Pin sharp handling, good brakes and the smell of burnt two stroke oil. An addictive combination. A great introduction into sports bikes and what they're capable of. Weaknesses: False neutrals happen unless gearbox oil is changed regularly and chain tension kept spot on. Runs too cold in winter (cover part of the radiator). Brakes need to be well looked after ( use a braided line on front) fast road pads work well in dry, not so good in the wet. Engines let go regularly with no warning, this normally takes out barrel and piston: £250 parts plus 4 or 5 hours labour. Use the best synthetic oil you can find. Eats speedo drives, known fault £40!

As a 32 year old rider, I have had a few smirks from riders of bigger 4 strokes, I soon wipe the smile off their faces on the twistie B roads where I live! These bikes are just so entertaining, the handling is forgiving and razor sharp, keep in the power bans and the response is instant, and the low weight allows outrageous cornering. Just perfect for new riders to sharpen their skills before progressing to something larger. Strengths: Performance for size of engine, handling, entertaining riding experience, a 2 stroke in a world of 4 strokes. Weaknesses: Plenty of TLC needed to keep it sharp, although mine has been very reliable too date. Running expenses often a shock too 17 year old riders, leading to many knackered ones out their.