RS125 nameplate has been around since 1992
33+ years continuous
The Aprilia RS 125 nameplate has been on continuous sale (with brief gap during 2-stroke phase-out) since 1992 — making it one of the longest-running 125cc supersport nameplates in motorcycling. Yamaha R125 launched 2008, Honda CBR125R from 2004, Suzuki GSX-R125 from 2017. The Aprilia is the original.
2-stroke → 4-stroke = different bike
33bhp → 14.7bhp
The 2-stroke RS125 (1992-2010) made up to 33bhp from a Rotax 122 engine — though pre-1996 UK A1 licences capped it at 14.5bhp. After Euro 3 emissions banned 2-strokes in 2007, Aprilia rebooted with a 4-stroke 14.5-14.7bhp version (2010-on). Same name, completely different motorcycle. The 2-stroke is a kart with fairings; the 4-stroke is a learner sport-bike.
Why the 2-stroke disappeared
Euro 3 emissions (2007)
Euro 3 emissions standards (2007 mandatory for new motorcycles) effectively banned 2-stroke road bikes — they couldn't meet HC and CO limits without losing performance. Aprilia, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki all dropped their 2-stroke 125s in 2006-2008. Aprilia's 4-stroke replacement was the slowest-feeling A1 sport-bike most riders had experienced — power dropped from 33bhp to 14.5bhp.
Used 2-stroke RS125 = collector item
£4-7k for mint 90s/00s bikes
Mint 1990s-2000s 2-stroke RS125s now command £4,000-£7,000+ in collector condition. Significantly more than they cost new, even after inflation adjustment. Reasons: nostalgia for 2-stroke era, rarity of unrestored examples, steady decline in good donors. Realistic running costs (top-end every 10-15k miles, 2-stroke oil, jetting) mean these are toys — not commuters.
4-stroke build location
Piaggio Group + Asian supply
Modern RS 125 is built within the Piaggio Group (Aprilia is owned by Piaggio since 2004). Engine assembly is partially Asian-sourced (Vietnam factory). Final assembly in Italy. Build quality has improved through the 4-stroke generations but remains less polished than the Japanese rivals (Honda CBR125R, Yamaha R125).
RSV4-inspired styling
Aprilia race DNA
The 2021 RS 125 redesign brought styling cues from the £20k+ Aprilia RSV4 superbike — three-LED face design, sharp tail unit, twin-element fairing. Visually this is the most race-replica A1 sportbike on UK sale. Even rivals concede the RS 125 'looks the part' more convincingly than the R125 or CBR125R.
Why riders still buy the 4-stroke RS
Italian flair vs Japanese precision
RS 125 sells worse than the Yamaha R125 or KTM RC 125 in the UK — but has a loyal customer base. Reasons: best-in-class styling, Aprilia race heritage, distinctive Italian feel. Trade-offs: thinner dealer network, higher service costs, slightly less polished build. For buyers who'd rather have a slightly imperfect Aprilia than a perfectly competent Honda.
