By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Aprilia RS4 125 (MY2011) vs Yamaha YZF-R125 (RE06)
Aprilia RS4 125 vs Yamaha YZF-R125: one garage spot. Here's what should decide it.
Flick the Aprilia RS4 125 into a bend and it's already hooked into the turn. At the exit, the Yamaha YZF-R125's fueling doesn't hesitate as you open the throttle. Its single spins cleanly all the way to redline.
What makes each one tick
RS4 125
Inside its aluminum perimeter frame, the RS4 125 carries an engine that's always hunting for more revs. It comes alive at corner entry. There's real bite as the nose drops in off the bar. The aluminum spars answer each small push at the grips.
YZF-R125
Down low in town, the YZF-R125 tugs hard from low revs and squirts through gaps in traffic. It doesn't wait for the tach. On the daily commute, the riding position keeps your back fairly upright over every bump. The seat's thick padding takes the sting out of traffic.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The RS4 125 has the lower wet weight: 265 lb (120 kg) vs 304 lb (138 kg).
- The YZF-R125 makes more peak torque: 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) vs 8 lb-ft (11 Nm).
- Rear Suspension Adjustable: standard on the YZF-R125, not offered on the RS4 125.
Which one for the way you ride
Don't look for a gap on commuting, twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
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
YZF-R125
What owners say
Strengths
- Comfortable riding position for a sportbike
- Sharp, supersport-inspired styling
- Smooth, eager engine character
- Strong low-end acceleration for a 125
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.
YZF-R125
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Displacement
- 125 cc
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Power
- 15 hp (11 kW)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 100/80-17
- Rear tire
- 130/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| RS4 125 | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 32.2 in (818 mm) |
| Wet weight | 265 lb (120 kg) | 304 lb (138 kg) |
| RS4 125 | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 8 lb-ft (11 Nm) | 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,500 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| RS4 125 | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) | 3.7 US gal (14 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| RS4 125 | YZF-R125 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Suspension Adjustable | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
