Aprilia RS 125

* Aprilia RS 125 Price £3,899 :
* 124.8cc L-cooled single cylinder two stroke :
* Dry weight 114kg Insurance group 7 :
* Claimed power 33bhp :
* Issue tested: July 2001
* Contact: Aprilia UK on 0161 475 1800

From the crisp crackle of the motor to the beautifully sculpted alloy chassis this bike has the fragrant whiff of quality. Visually attractive too, it is a truly sensual experience. All this and it rides great too. As distinguished in motion as it is standing still, its more than a piece of sculpture. The suspension worked well with my eleven stone carcass; front spring rate was firmer than the Honda and offered much more sophisticated damping, allowing the bike to be braked deeper into turns. Cosmetics are still constructed form the same slightly flexible, crash resistant material as ever – it scuffs up, instead of shattering – always a plus point on a learner bike. And it is those same cosmetics that endow it with a slight speed advantage over the Honda. The RS is aerodynamic yet has a decent sized screen to hide behind. Bear in mind that in derestricted form, this is in no way to be considered a bike solely for learners. On a twisty 'B' road, this bike will hurry and harass much larger sports bikes. They may blow it away on the straights but show it a series of corners and they will be reeled in, believe me. Distilled essence of Mille R and RS 250. Ignore at your peril…