First ride: Aprilia RS4 125
For the first time on a sports 125, Aprilia now have a bike that features a four-stroke engine
Since 1993, more than 100,000 RS 125 two stroke bikes have been manufactured around the world. Aprilia are still making this legendary learner legal for the foreseeable future, but with 2-strokes sadly dying a slow death they need a four stroke solution. Their answer? The brand new RS4 125.
The RS4 125 will certainly be cheaper to run and not require the love and care that the RS 2 stroke does. Sure, it’s not going to be as fast as the RS is, but it can still deliver big smiles.
Aprilia obviously has a wealth of experience when it comes to building winning bikes and the RS4 125’s chassis is a lightweight ‘state of the art’ affair with die cast aluminium spars with cross reinforced ribs.
The RS4 is powered by a new water cooled 4-stroke 4-valve DOHC engine that features a Magneti Marelli electronic injection system. Output is 15bhp, the maximum allowed for leaner legal bikes.
With Aprilia belonging to the same group as Derbi, there are some similarities with the Derbi GPR 125 bike. The Aprilia’s engine does feature a larger piston though that gives the engine a deeper sound whilst the riding position is also lower.
Just as Yamaha’s YZFR-125 came along 3 years ago and gave 125 sports bikes a fresh style, Aprilia have now moved that on and for my money, the RS4 is the clear winner in the looks department.
The new bike is certainly a stunner and it is no surprise that it owes those looks to its big SBK winning big sister, the 1000cc RSV4 APRC.
The bike’s fairings were designed in a wind tunnel to offer both wind protection whilst maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. They appear exactly like the ones found on the litre bike. The exhaust integrated into the lower fairing is also a very nice touch.
The colour schemes ‘racing white’ and ‘racing black’ colour schemes are also a copy of the larger bike and by creating an identical look, Aprilia have given this 125 a big look and feel.
Just as the wind tunnel will have helped the bike go as quickly as possible, when it does come time to slow down, the RS4 125 also does this in style too. The bike features a 300mm disc up front which is easily stopped with the radial four piston caliper.
When you also consider this 125 has a pair of black anodized 41mm upside down forks as well, you can appreciate the high spec this bike has. It’s serious, but also serious fun.
