By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Aprilia RS 125 Replica (MY2017) vs Yamaha YZF-R125 (RE11)
Aprilia RS 125 Replica vs Yamaha YZF-R125: which one to buy for the riding you do.
Over rippled pavement, the Aprilia RS 125 Replica's aluminum frame and upside-down fork keep its line sharp. The Yamaha YZF-R125's taut chassis stays planted across them. It's already eager to flick toward the next bend.
So which one do you buy?
The YZF-R125 has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Small edge: YZF-R125
For the money you spend after the purchase, the YZF-R125 nudges ahead. The gap is too small to plan a budget around.
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: YZF-R125
The YZF-R125 edges it for the daily grind. It's down to lower running costs and friendlier manners. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
A touch ahead: YZF-R125
The YZF-R125 is slightly friendlier for a newer rider. Put it down to easier controls.
What makes each one tick
RS 125 Replica
There's barely any buzz through the seat or pegs, because a balancer shaft keeps the Aprilia's liquid-cooled single running clean. It doesn't chase revs for thrills. At corner entry, the twin-spar spine steers in crisply and holds its arc.
YZF-R125
The R125's single spins up freely, and its slick six-speed means you'll stir every gear. Off the brake lever, the bike drops into a turn with little effort and stays composed on its course.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The RS 125 Replica has the lower wet weight: 295 lb (134 kg) vs 309 lb (140 kg).
- The YZF-R125 makes more peak torque: 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) vs 8 lb-ft (11 Nm).
- The RS 125 Replica has the larger fuel tank: 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) vs 3.0 US gal (11.5 L).
Which one for the way you ride
On twisty roads, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
RS 125 Replica
What owners say
Strengths
- High-spec chassis for a 125
- Smooth, refined engine
Trade-offs
- Engine lacks top-end excitement
- Premium price at the top of the segment
YZF-R125
What owners say
Strengths
- Comfortable sporty ergonomics
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Slick gearbox and light clutch
Trade-offs
- Limited top speed and overtaking power
What they share
- Displacement
- 125 cc
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Power
- 15 hp (11 kW)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 100/80-17
- Rear tire
- 130/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| RS 125 Replica | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 32.2 in (818 mm) |
| Wet weight | 295 lb (134 kg) | 309 lb (140 kg) |
| RS 125 Replica | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power at | 10,000 rpm | 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 8 lb-ft (11 Nm) | 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,250 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 80 mph (129 km/h) | 81 mph (130 km/h) |
| RS 125 Replica | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 62 mpg (US) / 3.8 L/100 km | 94 mpg (US) / 2.5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) | 3.0 US gal (11.5 L) |
| RS 125 Replica | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 300 mm | 292 mm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| RS 125 Replica | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Rear Suspension Adjustable | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
