Aprilia RS125

Originally Posted by LeeSV

The SV has almost landed me in the brown box a few times thats the reason for wanting something smaller, i also have a soft spot for 2 strokes. Surely the RS can't be that unreliable if looked after and not thrashed all the time?

Oh yes it can - those buggers seize at the drop of a hat. Need replacement rings on a very regular basis. My son's went twice in four months. Enough was enough, we sold it then.

Luvverly looking bikes though, and if you wind 'em up they go like stink.

[squirrel_hunter]

Not had an RS125, but I served my time on a TZR125. Yes 2 strokes like these are high maintenance but are worth it for the fun factor alone. I was quite lucky with my stroker as I didn't blow the engine; got close but luckily crashed before, but thats another story.

As has been said they would have been owned by a kid with no mechanical sympathy or mechanical knowledge and I have plenty of experience along these lines. So you could get lucky and get a well maintained one or not, but isn't that the same with all bikes?

If you want something smaller than the SV what about a 400? In my opinion some of the 400's (the ones I've ridden anyway) handle better than the SV. Consider a CBR400 NC23 or NC29 good sporty all rounders, theres also the ZXR400L if your after something newer as I think they were made into the late '90's (though I swear I saw one on a 53 plate the other day) or you could go for the pinnacle of 400 handling the RVF400 NC35. These bikes are fine under a 33 restriction as I did time on a restricted NC23 and loved it. They will teach you alot about cornering and once your restrictions over it will be like a new bike again and will keep you happy for some time after.

Alternatively just keep the SV

They are great fun in the corners, I still can't get through some of the trickier corners as quick on the SV as on my RS, but if you want to do any distance, dont get one! Mine blew up twice, in 3000KM!!! Most people say they're OK if you dont thrash them, but its impossible not too!

If you do get one I would suggest a brand new one or an old to rebuild as a project, thats the only real way to know that they're fine mechanically.

I still have my RS in the shed because I don't want it to go and would like to get it on the road along with my SV but I don't have enough money at the min

EDIT: The older style RS with the Rotax 123 engine would do an indicated ton, later models (2000 onwards) needed further derestricting to do this speed IIRC

First off, are you the guy off 125ccsportsbikes forums who bought an SV then complained that it wasn't powerful enough? Sorry if you're not but a guy on there called Lee with a red k6 and I had an argument about it as he insisted he could already ride beyond its limits.

On the RS125 though, I had one to learn on and kept it for 6 months or so after getting the SV. I can tell you that the RS is more fun to ride and also more rewarding, but the SV still wins for me because of how cheap it is to run and also that engine! If you get scared by it, then ride gently and build it up, it'll be worth it to keep the soundtrack.

Thanks, Larry.

Originally Posted by Larry

First off, are you the guy off 125ccsportsbikes forums who bought an SV then complained that it wasn't powerful enough? Sorry if you're not but a guy on there called Lee with a red k6 and I had an argument about it as he insisted he could already ride beyond its limits.

Got the wrong guy mate.

Originally Posted by Larry

On the RS125 though, I had one to learn on and kept it for 6 months or so after getting the SV. I can tell you that the RS is more fun to ride and also more rewarding, but the SV still wins for me because of how cheap it is to run and also that engine! If you get scared by it, then ride gently and build it up, it'll be worth it to keep the soundtrack.

Thanks, Larry.

Ah, i still prefer the noise of a stroker at full chat, is it still possible to pick up a 05 one new?

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

I personally think you should persever with the SV; Perhaps take it a little slower and learn how to ride a bit smoother - youll learn alot more about riding technique with the SV as opposed to riding the RS.

It wouldnt be unreliable as long as you use a good quality fully synthetic oil and elt the bugger warm up properly, and keep it clean and tidy!

Good luck with whatever you choose to do,

Matt

Not strictly true. Mine only ever had £11 per litre fully synth oil in it and the piston and rings changed every 8000 miles.

It still ate a piston ring requiring a £450 rebuild. And that was with Jap parts, Rotax parts cost more than a new engine!

They are ace bikes but I wouldn't move back to one now, especially for day to day use.

Agree with the rest of the post.

I leanred on a RS125 loved the bike to bits, fantastic - light, agile and quick. I was lucky with mine the worst that happened was I blew a hole in the exhaust when I ran out petrol and it back fired! Also the choke cable snapped but that was the worst. I was lucky when bought her though the guy that owned it before me was a trained bike mechanic so all the little faults had been sorted and she had just had her piston and rings done so she was good for another 10,000 miles.

But believe me stick with the SV much better bike alot more reliable more power (even when retricted) and they dont go bang on a regular basis!

[northwind]

RS250 anyone?

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by northwind

RS250 anyone?

Yes please

Originally Posted by northwind

RS250 anyone?

Was going to get one after my RS125 but it's even more thirsty and needs 2 pistons and rings every 8k. As a toy or track bike yes, but day to day a bit expensive.