Aprilia RS125 Extrema Sports Pro
Presented in the Spring of '92 and sold from June, the RS 125 Extrema replaces the previous series AF1 reaches its peak with the Futura Pro Sports, presented just before the Extreme.
As we saw in the 90s with AF1 AF1 Futura Summary Sport and '90, '92 sees the coexistence of two different models in two series: first the Futura AF1 Sport Pro and other new series RS Extrema Autumn '92 also available in new color replica Reggiani. However, unlike the '90s when both the Sports Summary and future are presented in time to take part in the Sport Production championship, for the '92 season, only the Futura Pro Sports is submitted in time to be entered in the league. So while the future Pro Sport is marketed primarily to be sold to those who run sports league in production, the RS Extrema lives its first year of life only as a street bike.
The Extreme is essentially a new bike to the future and an exciting new addition to "dress" features a new fairing and a beautiful, flowing tail, the most important changes are a brand new chassis - in aluminum - designed from scratch and to mark the sign of discontinuity with the AF1 series, a new aluminum swingarm with two arms instead of the single-arm steel previously used. Unfortunately, the quality of the Extrema is lower than the previous Futura in some detail how the rider and passenger footrests, but the quality of assembly and painting is still better.
The Extrema remains in production until the end of '94 and is flanked by two versions produced in Sport Production in '93 and coloration Reggiani Replica Replica Chesterfield in '94.
RS125 HISTORY
Racing improves the breed. Aprilia cut its teeth in the world's two stroke championships, so the public had the race team's R&D department behind them.
The Italians have always been good at making small capacity bikes. As far back as 1949, Mondial, Morini and MV Agusta dominated the championships. By 1998, new boys Aprilia had made their mark, first with the elbow-scraping Loris Reggiani in the 250cc class, then a year later with Fausto Gresini in 125cc class. It was at around this time the Noale, based factory launched the road legal AF-1 Sintesi, abike that most seventeen year old boys would have given their right arm to own. And for most lads of that age, that 's a huge sacrifice...
The AF- 1 was leagues ahead of anything of its time. It had a single-sided swinging arm for chrissakes, it was beautiful. The bike went through a fairly gentle evolution with first the AF- 1 Replica, then the AF-1 Futura before the RS was born in the guise of the RS125 Sportpro in 1993. followed by the RS125 Extrema. Along the way, many top GP riders made their names with the factory, giving birth to some stunning RS replicas: The likes of Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi, Max Biaggi, Marco Melandri and Harada all, having had bikes built in their honour,
Just seven years ago Casey Stoner took the 2000 Aprilia RS125 Superteens Championship, a series that still runs today in the UK. So, not only is the RS125 a dreams. We got our hands on a 2004 Manuel Poggiali Rep (2003-250GP Champion) and a brand spanking Jorge Lorenzo Rep (2006, 2007, 250GP Champion) to find out for ourselves just how good the kids have got it these days.
The simple fact that both of these bikes are in replica colour instantly knocks year off you. You see, I couldn't afford to own one of these little beauties in my teens so I had to make the occasional ten-minute blast on my wealthier mate's Futura. Despite the fact that these days I get paid to ride just about every modern sports bike (lucky bastard, I know). I've to come clean and tell you that I'm really very, very excited about having not one, but two 'full power' RS125s to myself for more than 10 minutes.
Jorge v/s Manuel
The ride up from DK's Newcastle under Lyme showroom up into the Peak District National Park is hilarious. Absolutely wringing the life out of old Manuel (the '04 Poggiali replica) in a bid to keep up with young Jorge harder than he's ever been ridden before, is the most fun I've had on two wheels in months. The fast, winding roads up towards Buxton provide the perfect playground for these two bikes as we race towards as imaginary finish line, motor screaming, slipstreaming on the straights and double daring each other stay off the brakes through the turns.
Power to weight ratio For a while I'm convinced that the new RS125 has a lighter weight and smaller frame is aiding both horsepower and aerodynamics as Jorge clears off from the lights and steals yards out of the corners on Manuel.
An RS125 in bits isn't going to get you into a girl pants, so do your research before blowing your young life's savings. Fools rush in, so tread carefully in this highly populated minefield
In a world increasingly concerned about greenhouse gases. fuel economy and other such nonsense, the thought of owning and running a two-stroke is to many people, about as appealing as stripping off, covering themselves in jam and taking a baseball bat to the nearest wasp's nest. Some might even say that the noise wouldn't be too dissimilar and that there's every bit as much chance of getting badly stung.
But, if you were born in a time before the ice caps started to melt, and started riding before all the rainforests were chopped down, then you'll know just how satisfying a two-stroke is to ride and more importantly, how simple it is to work on. There's a lot less to go wrong with a two stroke and despite a reputation for fragility and unreliability owning and running a stroker can often be one of the most rewarding times in a biker's life.
The RS125 is actually a pretty reliable bike but it doesn't take a genius to work out that most will have been preowned by seventeen year olds, so you can expect neglect and bodged repairs. Here's what to took out for,
Engine and gearbox
The simple fact is that two-stroke motors need to be cared for. The longevity of the RS125 engine is heavily dependant on using the right grade of oil. Fully synthetic is the only choice, with Motul 800 Factory Line being a popular choice amongst Aprilla dealers. Most of the problems associated with the RS can be avoided by following the correct service schedules, though unsurprisingly, this isn't something that most teenage owners are any good at. The piston and rings will need to be inspected at 5,000 miles and pistons should be considered a disposable service item Genuine Aprilia pistons can be pricey, but aftermarket ones are readily available and don't give any known problems. Engine seizures are rare with the RS, thanks to a reliable oil pump and qood carburation as standard. The biggest known fault with the RS motor is weak main bearings - any hint of bottom end noise should mean you walk away. The latest model is very expensive to upgrade to full power from learner legal. Our advice is to not bother - just trade it in for a full power version.
The RS125 Came with 2 types of engine from 1996 to 1998 Aprilia fitted the Rotax 123 type engine, and from 1998 to present day they fit the Rotax 122 type engine. Please note both the 122 and the 123 type engines are 124cc the 122 and 123 is reference to the type.
Now the confusion is around 1998 (the swop over year) you can not always rely on the date of registration as the bike may have been made in 1996 but not registered until 1998 and thus has the 123 type engine fitted.
Specifications
| Make Model | Aprilia RS 125 Extrema Sports Pro Chesterfield Replica |
| Year | 1994 |
| Engine | Liquid cooled, single cylinder, two stroke, reed valves induction |
| Capacity | 125 |
| Bore x Stroke | 54 x 54.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14.5:1 |
| Induction | Dell\'Orto VHSB 34LD |
| Ignition / Starting | Electronic / |
| Max Power | 34 hp 24.8 kW @ 11000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 25 Nm @ 9000 rpm |
| Transmission / Drive | 6 Speed / chain |
| Front Suspension | 40mm Upside-down forks. 120mm wheel travel |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock. 120mm wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | 2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 240mm disc 2 piston caliper |
| Front Tyre | 110/70-17 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60-17 |
| Dry-Weight | 115 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.5 Litres |
| Consumption average | 19.5 km/lit |
| Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0 | 13.2 / 37.9 m |
| Standing ¼ Mile | 14.3 sec / 148.0 km/h |
| Top Speed | 171.3 km/h |
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