Aprilia RS4 125 Review

The RS4 125 - the first Aprilia sport bike in this engine class with a 4-stroke engine allow young enthusiasts to take advantage of the maximum levels of technological innovation, chassis efficiency, active safety and component quality. They belong - not only from a styling point of view - to the same range of extremely high performance Italian motorcycles in which the Aprilia RSV4 stands out, the extraordinary bike which conquered two world titles in the 2010 Superbike season.

APRILIA SPORT BIKES: WINNING DNA

In its short history, Aprilia has earned 48 world titles (37 in Moto GP, 2 in Superbike, 9 in off-road competition) and hundreds of championship races, to become the most victorious Italian and European brand in just a short period of history in Moto GP.
It is precisely in the youngest classes of Moto GP that Aprilia established itself as a true "school of champions". On Aprilia 250 and 125 bikes in the RS series (RS, RSV, RSW and RSA) riders such as Biaggi, Rossi, Melandri, Stoner, Lorenzo rode to their first great triumphs.
Every weekend, all over the world, Aprilia bikes take to the track, from international venues to local races, holding high the honour of Italian and European motorcycling, supporting the biker's desire to race and cultivating young riders destined to enter the world championship scene.
Aprilia has always drawn from this wealth of success and technical skills for mass production - both in the philosophy which inspires the product and the aesthetics which are often taken from the racing bike - establishing itself from the start as an absolute leader in the 50 and 125 super sport segment, categories in which the Noale brand has introduced timeless innovative concepts and solutions and dictating trends which would be followed by all of its competitors.
From 1993 until today, more than 100,000 Aprilia RS 125 two stroke bikes have been manufactured and sold in more than 30 countries around the world.

The Aprilia RS4 125 is the natural successor and most advanced evolution to date of the Aprilia RS 125, the bike that has dominated the 125 cc sports class for years, which set the benchmark for the one-eighth litre sports segment and which is still today the most highly sought after vehicle among riders competing in the Sport Production category.

Aprilia RS4 125 introduces the highly advanced, all-new four stroke powerplant to the sports segment, while adopting styling and technical solutions inherited from the RSV4, the superbike that led Aprilia to victory in the WSBK 2010 championship.

- Aprilia RS4 125 marked a milestone in the evolution of the 125 cc motorcycle.
This is the first Aprilia 125cc sport bike equipped with a four stroke engine.

- For the first time on a 125cc motorcycle, Aprilia offers the innovative Aprilia Quick Shift system, a sophisticated technical solution derived directly from its big sister, the RSV4 APRC.








Aprilia RS4 125 Model Highlights
Below is a summary of the peculiar characteristics of the Aprilia RS4 125:

- RS4 125 - 125cc 4 stroke, single-cylinder electronic injection engine, liquid cooled, 4 valves, dual overhead cam (DOHC) with six speed transmission
- RS4 125 - Aprilia Quick Shift system available, the sophisticated technical solution derived directly from its big sister, the RSV4 APRC
- stiff aluminium perimeter frame derived from racing experience
- 41 mm upside down fork
- front brake with 300 mm disc and radial four piston calliper
- Superbike inspired analogue/digital instrument panel
- fairings derived directly from the RSV4 for total aesthetic coherence with the SBK bike
- LED taillight


DESIGN
The livery and eye-catching forms of the Aprilia RS4 125 echo the looks of the Factory version of the Aprilia RSV4 supersports bike. And the RS4 shares more than just a family resemblance with the most hardcore street version the bike dominating the world SBK championship.
The design of the fairings and tank, the unique looks of the front end, with the headlights suspended over the gaping air intakes, and the spectacular tapered tail fairing are identical to their counterparts on V4 1000 cc supersports model that set new standards in terms of style and technical content for the superbike segment.

Extensive aerodynamic studies have minimised surface areas without compromising wind protection, and the fairings showcase the superlative mechanicals of the Aprilia RS4 125 rather than conceal them. As a result, the frame and engine are not hidden away but proudly flaunted as fundamental elements of the design of Aprilia's new small supersports models. With the triple headlight, the Aprilia RS4 bikes have a decidedly aggressive look that lends a unique character to the entire front end. The LED taillight merges stunningly into the ultra-compact tail fairing and offers excellent luminosity.

The fairing, product of extensive wind tunnel testing and race experience, offers excellent wind protection together with superb aerodynamic efficiency. And as well as contributing to the extremely aggressive looks of the bike, the top fairing and tail fairing also maximise performance in terms of speed.
On Aprilia RS4 125, one additional detail underscores the level of sophistication of the bike: the exhaust, which is unmistakably inspired by competition machines, is completely integrated within the lower part of the fairing. A solution that is not just visually effective, but which also contributes significantly to the dynamics of the bike by helping to centralise masses.


ENGINES
With the new RS4 125, Aprilia confirms its global leadership in the small capacity sports and young-targeted bike segment, creating models that exceed the expectations of even the most discerning rider.

The sophisticated chassis architecture of the Aprilia RS4 125 is complemented by state of the art engines.

The Aprilia RS4 is powered by an all new 125 cc water cooled 4 stroke single cylinder engine with four valves and electronic engine boasting a sophisticated double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valve timing system. This engine produces the maximum power output permitted for the class with a smooth, linear delivery and ecologically - as it meets even the strictest emissions regulations in effect.

With a six speed gearbox allowing the rider to make full use of the power available in all conditions, the Aprilia RS4 125 offers unbeatable performance in its class not just in terms of absolute power at high engine speeds, but also in terms of usable power band, minimised vibration and outstanding mechanical reliability.

APRILIA QUICK SHIFT
For the first time on a 125 bike, Aprilia offers the innovative Aprilia Quick Shift system, a sophisticated technical solution derived directly from the extraordinary big sister, RSV4 APRC, which in turn is derived directly from Aprilia's experience in the World Superbike championship.
The operational principle is similar, although partly simplified, to that of the RSV4: on the RS4 the system also guarantees torque interruption for gear change based on the speed which is engaged, the level of gas opening and the engine rpm, but for the 125cc, the shift time is a fixed parameter.
The advantage of this system - available as a separate accessory - is that the rider can easily upshift keeping the gas open without using the clutch, thereby making the gear change simple and quick.

CHASSIS
The chassis is without a doubt the feather in the RS4 project's cap: built based on the exceptional experience which Aprilia has gained in WSBK and the 125 and 250 classes in Moto GP, it uses die cast aluminium spars with crossed reinforcement ribs. With its state of the art design, this extremely lightweight structure offers high torsional stiffness.
The front suspension also boasts a class beating layout, with a sturdy 41 mm upside fork, black anodised stanchion clamps and a wheel travel of 110 mm, while at the rear is a monoshock linked directly to the asymmetric swingarm.

The Aprilia RS4 125 boast class beating brake systems: each bike uses a 300 mm steel disc at the front, gripped by a four piston radial calliper, and a 220 mm disc at the rear with a single piston calliper.
The 17" wheels are shod with 100/80 rubber up front and a 130/70 tyre at the rear.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
The multifunctional analogue/digital instrument panel with LCD display draws directly from its big sister, the RSV4, while the design of the split 6-spoke design of the wheels further emphasises the purposeful character of Aprilia's latest small capacity sports bikes.

The passenger saddle is yet another example of the extreme level of sophistication of these new bikes from Aprilia. Instead of fiddly screws, a practical quick release button allows the passenger seat to be exchanged with the tail fairing cover in an instant to transform the bike from two seat to single seat configuration (available as a separate accessory).
Under the saddle there is also space for a practical glove-box, the most spacious in its category.

COLOURS
The Aprilia RS4 125 are available in two colour schemes - "Racing Black" and "Racing White" - and in the bold "Replica SBK" livery which takes its colours from big sister, Aprilia RSV4 SBK, the bike ridden by Max Biaggi in the World Superbike championship.


Aprilia RS4 125 - International Specifications/Technical Details

MSRP Price: TBA

Engine type Four stroke liquid cooled single cylinder with electronic injection and 4 valves.
Timing system Double overhead camshaft - DOHC
Bore and stroke 58 X 47 mm
Engine capacity 124.8 cc
Compression ratio 12.5 ± 0.5:1
Ignition Electronic with CDI capacity discharge
Start up Electric
Lubrication Wet sump
Gearbox 6 Ratios, 1st 11/33 (0.33) 2nd 15/30 (0.50) 3rd 18/27 (0.67) 4th 20/24 (0.83) 5th 25/27 (0.92) 6th 23/22 (1.05)
Primary drive Gears, 69/29
Final drive Chain, 60/13
Clutch Multiple discs, in oil bath
Frame Aluminium perimeter frame
Front suspension 41 mm upside down fork, wheel excursion 110 mm
Rear suspension Asymmetric swingarm with monoshock, wheel travel 130 mm
Brakes Front: 300 mm stainless steel disc with radial 4 piston calliper
Rear: 218 mm stainless steel disc and calliper with single 30 mm piston
Wheel rims In light alloy with 6 split spokes, with sealing profile for tubeless tyres; front: 2.75 x 17"; rear: 3.50 x 17"
Tyres Front: 100/80 - 17", rear: 130/70 - 17"
Dimensions Max. Length 1953 mm
Max width 740 mm
Max height at top fairing 1,138 mm
Saddle height 820 mm
Wheelbase 1,350 mm
Fuel tank capacity 14.5 litres (including 3.5 litre reserve)
Emissions compliance Euro 3

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Aprilia Tuono 1000R Review

Aprilia had the wonderful idea of inspiring their biggest naked motorcycle, the Tuono 1000 R, on their superbike master, the RSV 1000 R. It resulted in the most powerful and aggressive naked motorcycle of all times, one which not only leads the class, but determines other manufacturers to put their hands on a pencil and take a few notes.

The Italian manufacturer created a unique looking motorcycle featuring great technological achievements that tend to take it away from the streets and head it straight towards the track, where it came from in the first place.

Initially Aprilia was known for producing small displacement motorcycles with great success, but in 1998 they introduced the RSV Mille which displaced 998cc. The bike was highly successful and entered the superbike world to gain experience which was later used on enlarging Aprilia’s line of products.

One of the bikes that appeared as a consequence of the RSV Mille is the Tuono, a naked bike first introduced in 2002. Its V-Twin engine displaced 998cc and the bike came with loads of attitude, perfect for riders seeking for in and out of town adventure. I know what you’re thinking and yes, the circuit wasn’t out of the question either.

In its first years of production the Tuono would have looked more like a naked sportsbike, but with the years passing by and the tendency changing more towards streetfighters, Aprilia quickly took measures and made it look a bit more suitable for the fight with the British. The result is the first production streetfighter to ever see the streets.

Streetfighters gained popularity in the last years and that is mostly due to the competition between the models that stand tall and represent this relatively new category. One of those bikes is the Triumph Speed Triple which features a 1050cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder engine developing 131bhp at 9,250rpm. The Triumph features no kind of fairing whatsoever so it is a more qualified streetfighter. It is practically defined through its two headlights which seem like a bug’s eyes. The rest of the bike’s exterior is very stylish and modern featuring sharp lines which speak about the bike’s capabilities. Also characteristic to the Speed Triple are the blacked-out engine components, rims, and the single-sided swingarm. A powerful competitor that is!

Call it everything you feel like, but never ugly. The Aprilia Tuono 1000 R is one aggressive looking machine that reveals the Italian style with success. Basically an RSV 1000 R without the fairing, it is the most unique looking naked motorcycle on the streets today.

The small nose fairing which was developed in the wind tunnel seems also taken from the RSV 1000 R, but significantly reduced to the bare necessity, consisting in air intake, headlights, and a small screen. It looks like it’s going to bite you so it is best to be cautions. This threatening beast had its handlebars raised for greater comfort and for easy city use. Even though it doesn’t cover its engine with plastic, it still features those nice, lateral spoilers and the one found at the inferior side of the bike. These elements have also the purpose of protecting the rider’s legs from the wind.

Taking your eyes off the sophisticated-looking mechanics you immediately notice that the fuel tank, seat, and the bike’s rear end look exactly like on the RSV 1000 R, with blended in taillights and everything that comes as a must on a sportbike.

For 2008, the Aprilia Tuono 1000 R is painted Fluo Red, Dream Blue, and Diablo Black.

It was time for me to get a feel of another big naked and I couldn’t have been more anxious. The Aprilia Tuono 1000 R is known for its powerful acceleration and versatile behavior so I was in for quite a ride. I quickly fired up the two cylinders which are positioned in Aprilia’s favorite engine configuration the V-twin which in this case outputs 139hp and 107Nm.

As soon as I gave it a go, it made me say to myself that this is a bike for the experienced rider who wishes a distinct feeling concerning acceleration, handling, and versatility. I was properly accommodated, thanks to the rearranged footpegs, but most important, the inviting sound coming from the back determined me to get the best out of it.

The 998cc V-twin pulls very strong from down low, making the bike perfect for city use. It also feels light and maneuverable so it can be leaned easily. It feels practically like an RSV 1000 R with raised handlebars and lowered footpegs. The feel in the throttle and the adrenaline levels are all the same making this bike perfect for doing wheelies and stunts in generally.

It also proves being a great performer when it comes to the open road because it accelerates linear all the way through the powerband and the six ratios of its gearbox. This last unit proved very easy to operate and the clutch that separates it from the massive engine is also effective and characterized by smoothness. The incredible amounts of torque delivered by the engine keep the bike going strong in any given gear, but I mostly appreciated second gear and third for city use while fourth and fifth prove ideal for the roads surrounding a big city. Passing cars on the freeway doesn’t require you to downshift. You aren’t even advised to blink because you’ll surely miss it.

The twisty roads are its best friend as the chassis is perfectly adaptable to any riding style and the engine backs it up by accelerating strongly out of the corners, leaving the rider extremely impressed and willing to take this baby back home. I would have done so but it was time to form a better impression on the bike so when the opportunity arrived I pushed it as far as it went in top gear. The result on the speedometer: I wasn’t willing to take my eyes off the road, but an accurate estimation would take it as high as 160mph. Keep in mind that this is not for the faith hearted! Dropping the needle from such numbers is being done with the help of new Brembo Gold radial calipers working perfectly when applied on the two 320mm discs. At the rear, brakes are also Brembo Gold only that this time we are talking a 220mm stainless steel disc. Both front and rear braking system deliver strong braking power for those emergency stops or eve some amazing wheelie.

Keeping things in control while riding the bike rough on almost any kinds of roads is the Showa upside down fork and Sachs monoshock, both being fully adjustable and very reassuring. These units practically define the bike’s road behavior so it is important to be perfectly balanced, just like on the Tuono.

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