By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Aprilia RS4 125 (MY2011) vs Honda CBR 125 R (MY2005)
Aprilia RS4 125 vs Honda CBR 125 R: one garage spot. Here's what should decide it.
You'll notice the Aprilia RS4 125 snapping into a bend the instant you push on the bar. The Honda CBR 125 R's steering doesn't hurry you.
What makes each one tick
RS4 125
Underneath, the RS4 125 rides on an aluminum perimeter frame, and it carries a big bike's poise into the learner class. The throttle sends the single climbing eagerly toward its 10,500 rpm peak. It's happiest wound up. The bar's quick to turn on the smallest input.
CBR 125 R
Forgiveness runs through the CBR 125 R, whose single pulls modestly and won't catch a learner out. Corner entry stays neutral, and the bike doesn't fight the bars as it settles onto its line. On the highway, its 14 hp (10 kW) engine won't pass anything without a plan. Its brake lever bites progressively.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The CBR 125 R has the lower seat: 30.6 in (776 mm) vs 31.9 in (810 mm).
- The RS4 125 has the lower wet weight: 265 lb (120 kg) vs 273 lb (124 kg).
- The RS4 125 makes more peak power: 15 hp (11 kW) vs 14 hp (10 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
There's no real gap on commuting, twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike. Sit on both and let fit and price decide.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
RS4 125
What owners say
Strengths
- Top-tier sport bike
CBR 125 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Ideal trainer: forgiving and easy to ride
- Sporty, grown-up styling
Trade-offs
- Struggles on faster roads
Known problems to check before you buy
RS4 125
- Fuel pump reliability issues Fuel pump failures have been reported, which can cause loss of fuel pressure, hesitation under acceleration, or engine stalling.
CBR 125 R
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| RS4 125 | CBR 125 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 30.6 in (776 mm) |
| Wet weight | 265 lb (120 kg) | 273 lb (124 kg) |
| RS4 125 | CBR 125 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 125 cc | 124 cc |
| Power | 15 hp (11 kW) | 14 hp (10 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 8 lb-ft (11 Nm) | 7 lb-ft (10 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,500 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| RS4 125 | CBR 125 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) | 2.6 US gal (10 L) |
| RS4 125 | CBR 125 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 100/80-17 | 80/90-17 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-17 | 100/80-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| RS4 125 | CBR 125 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Quickshifter | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
