We all want to breathe cleaner air, but what a price to pay - Aprilia have stopped making the RS125 just because it's a two-stroke. We've lost one of the best handling bikes you can buy - whatever the capacity.
That's because the last versions of this race-bred stroker feature upside down forks with 40mm diameter stanchions. They are adjustable for preload, and have a generous 120mm of wheel travel. Rear suspender is a monoshock also adjustable for preload.
The aluminium alloy perimeter beam frame provides exceptional torsional rigidity. You would lose the benefit of such a cracking frame if you had a flimsy back end, so the RS125 gets a strong alloy swingarm - the design was developed on the racetrack for the Aprilia 125 Challenge Trophy. And they probably got some feedback from 125 World Champion Roberto Locatelli.
Steering, suspension and braking are all precise. You'll embarrass riders of bigger sportsbikes on this tiddler.
Wind tunnel testing was used to tweak the design of the fairing for better penetration and aerodynamics. It completely covers the underside of the engine, and even wraps around the clip-ons to form what Aprilia quaintly describe as "hand guards".
But they have a purpose - when you get down to it, the sleek lines mean you can make the best of the 125cc liquid cooled two-stroke single. You don't get a wide powerband so you have to use the box, but that's half the fun. Nobody needs an excuse to wheel this baby out of the garage.
The RS125 looks good too - whether you go for the red/black, grey/yellow or black/silver colour options. They all come with the "racing" logos that traffic cops just love to see on a road bike. Just dream of the day when they pull you over and ask: "Who do you think you are, Locatelli?"
