2011 Aprilia RS4 125 Review

The new  Aprilia RS4 is the first step away from the lines-2, which made them famous. The 2-stroke RS125 is still sold (in Europe), but the emergence of this new 4-stroke 125 shows the direction of Aprilia for the future.

Everyone knows that 2-stroke engines can produce more energy than a similar size 4 stroke. The RS125 can be set to about 33 horsepower, while the RS4 can reach 125 only about 25 horsepower with a 180cc kit. The RS4 125 can not replace the RS125 in performance, but benefits from a reliable torque of 125 cc four-stroke engine that does not need a rebuild every 10,000 miles. The RS4 125 is also more environmentally friendly by using less fuel and oil compared to 2-stroke engines.

2011 Aprilia RS4 125

I tried the 125 in an RS4 student-legal version that generates 15 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 8.1 lb-ft at 8500 rpm is produced. The 75 mph top speed allows safe driving on motorways, and the engine will not fly after long road races. The torque curve allows four-stroke engine cruise of 8,500 rpm and a very decent range.

2011 Aprilia RS4 125

I, however, tested on a racetrack, so I spent most of the time trial in the range of between 10,000 and 11,000 rpm on the engine pulls better than anywhere else in the power range. It is a narrow range of driving fast, and soon I learned to lose speed should be avoided at all costs. Compared to a 2-stroke, however, there are plenty of midrange. I had fun slipstream of the other journalists in the circuit as they do in the 125 GP championship, but became a bit boring, as soon as I found no one to pursue.

RS4 brakes on the 125 are very sharp, which consists of a 300 mm disc and 4-piston radial caliper. I hardly used the 200 mm rear brake at all that, let's face it, the speed to be left out was never great.

Dry weight of the RSV is a purported 295 pounds, which is a light weight for a 4-stroke, but about 30 pounds heavier than a RS125.

I'm pretty big for the RS4 125, but briefly in the photos might think I'm in the place of the RSV4 RS4. The suspension is not adjustable, and to my surprise, Aprilia has found a good standard configuration, having nothing to complain about the chassis is concerned. I guess the best managed small motorcycle with a lighter rider, I go back to involve more than 16 years of age are. The tires are 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17 steps back one.

2011 Aprilia RS4 125

I was impressed with the amount of ground clearance when leaned over, and I noticed a considerable loss of speed as soon as I went from total fat to the vertical position due to the higher effective borrowing most of the rim. I was not aware of this principle, as sometimes move up in total fat, which is natural in a large capacity motorcycle. But at 125, it is best to use only the motor back to the best area of ​​transition as the bike stands upright on corner exit. There is not enough energy to break the rear tire, and nothing to gain up to maximum power is reached, while the bike is stood up.

2011 Aprilia RS4 125

Aprilia offers a quick shifter as an accessory, and no doubt is of great benefit to the small 125, as the acceleration suffers without lever version of rapid change. The RS4 125 is more or less a premium of 125 in the first place, but with the gears faster than a superbike is like for young people.

Pricing in the United Kingdom is not as rigid as compared to the competition are mostly Honda CBR 125R (£ 3,270 OTR) and Yamaha YZF R125 (£ 4.249 + reg + taxes). The Aprilia RS4 125 RRP is £ 3.999 + OTR £ 99 for quick gear changes. The little cold tiddler reach American dealers in early 2012 at a price to be determined.

I only tested the RS4 125 in the circuit, but it is clear that the small 125 functions as a road bike very good too. Inexpensive 2-stroke oil, fuel, fair and very little of it. The fairing is nearly identical to the large RSV4 superbike and two large headlights sure this 125 is like any other motorcycle in the rear view mirror of cars. Style exhaust is hidden under the fairing, and it sounds a bit more grown up than 2 times.

The seat is sporty and comfort levels are the same as in any sport bike, and this goes for ergonomics in general. The rear seat cover can be replaced by a passenger seat, and under no room for a few bits and bobs. The mirrors are large and provide good view of traffic coming from behind.