Aprilia SX 125 and RX 125: designed above all for a young audience, fun for everyone [ROAD TEST]

Aprilia RX and SX 125

If your son or daughter turns 16, the Aprilia SX 125 for those who love asphalt or the RX for off-road lovers are the right compromise to make their first motorcyclist dreams come true. The passion for two wheels is raging, but do you want to make a prudent purchase? Aprilia, with its two new eighth-litre bikes, presented at the last Milan Motor Show, brings to the market two motorcycles with a unique design, characterized by double-section handlebars in black anodized aluminum and advanced technology that includes them among the motorcycles intended for those who want to stand out, right from their debut on two wheels. Although the law imposes a maximum power of 15 horsepower (11 kW) for all small 125s, sales are constantly growing, so guys, it's time to "really think about it". The two bikes share many technical elements, as they are the result of the same project. Both are equipped with a 125 cc Euro 4 single-cylinder engine, a new braking system equipped with ABS with anti-roll-over which, as we will see, in addition to preventing the front wheel from locking, prevents the rear wheel from lifting, thus allowing it to accompany us on our you travel in complete safety and even on days when the asphalt is wet.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Unique and highly innovative design for the two new ones from Aprilia

What immediately takes your breath away is the design of these two new Aprilia models. With the identical engine, “SX” and “RX” differ above all in brakes and wheels. The SX "motard" model is equipped with 17-inch spoked rims, with wide channel and generously sized sports tyres, 100/80 at the front while the rear is 130/70, so as to guarantee maximum grip in any condition , giving precise inputs and stability when traveling and, why not, a skid, or more in transverse jargon, an entry into a curve. An absolute mix of practicality and emotions that a small-displacement motorbike can offer. Beyond the rims, the SX has a 300mm front disc with a twin-piston floating caliper and a 220mm rear disc, also fitted with a floating caliper.

The RX model, which from 1984 to 1988 was part of what today we could call "the old generation" of enduro from the Noale company, today boasts high-level technical development, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also in terms of safety. In fact, the first technical gem that surprises (for both models) is the presence of a braking system with Bosch ABS, they are the only ones to have it in the segment, which on the one hand guarantees precision and total control in braking, on the other it regulates the lifting of the rear wheel during more decisive braking. The RX uses 21" spoked anodized rims at the front and 18" at the rear, which house knobby tires capable of guaranteeing absolute control in all terrain conditions, where the small 125 RX is braked by two beautiful wave discs, 220 mm for the front while for the rear the choice fell on a 220 mm disc, with a clear reference to the racing world. Both feature a completely new compact LCD instrumentation, completely digital, complete with speedometer, trip meter, clock, fluid temperature, maximum speed reached and clock, not only the tachometer and the fuel level meter are present.

The wide saddle, 880 mm from the ground, is soft with an extremely comfortable seat that doesn't tire even after covering many km. The riding position is very easy, truly within anyone's reach, even those who have never ridden a two-wheeler. The RX is a little taller, but nothing challenging, even if you are not very tall. The presence of a wide handlebar for both models allows you to dominate the bike very well when stationary, while in motion, in the progressive transfer of load to the front, maximum stability is perceived. The narrow side panels facilitate full support on the ground, even for shorter riders. It is important to note how the two Aprilia SX and RX, when stationary, provide awareness of their very low weight (declared 134 kg with a full tank of petrol).

Engine and performance:

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The engine is a 124,2 cc single-cylinder with different ratios for both models

The engine for both models is a 4 cc Euro 124,2 approved single-cylinder, with bore and stroke of 58 and 47 mm respectively. The distribution is single camshaft with 4 valves with liquid cooling. Power is 15 horsepower (11 kW) at 10.700 rpm and 11,3 Nm at 8.000 rpm. The behavior of the vehicle is predictable in any circumstance, during acceleration the engine proves linear throughout the entire range of use, while when starting from a standstill it is snappy thanks to a fairly short gear ratio, a hair more for the RX .

In fact, the SX model has a final ratio of 13/62, while on the RX model it is 13/69. The small modern 4-stroke engine must be kept "cheerful", in the medium-high range, to allow it to express the best of itself. The small single-cylinder is not afraid of anything, but obviously you can't ask the impossible of it. The clutch lever is soft, light to operate and allows quick and precise engagements, thanks to an always smooth and precise gearbox, on the other hand the gears are quickly rattled off. The blocks near the knobs are spartan, but effective, as is the instrumentation, which is easy to read.

Ride and handling:

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The SX is light and maneuverable on the road, while the RX is fun off-road and ready for adventure

Moving on to the chassis, the two new Aprilia SX and RX 125 models are based on the double steel beam frame and upside down fork with 41 mm stanchions, with mono shock absorber with progressive link system, with a swingarm also made of steel. The suspensions work well in all conditions, even if the standard calibration, soft for the RX version, is a little stiff compared to the SX model. Setting the curves is very easy and immediate thanks to the reduced weight of both models. Braking is powerful but extremely adaptable, thanks to the effective ABS system, which stands out in both models.

Price and consumption:

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To experience the motorbike at the age of 16, the gift costs parents 4.020 euros

Did you live your 16 years between the 80s and 90s? With the latest two Aprilia models it is possible to return to those years where a 125 was enough to feel like a real motorcyclist. As seen, a perfect mix of design, technology and performance for both, which also share the price of 4.020 euros.

Aprilia SX 125 is available in the Red Fun and Black Drift colours, the RX 125 in the single Red Fun graphic variant. But what is really surprising is the fuel consumption, which is really very low. Based on what has been declared and tested, the two Aprilia sisters manage to stay on average under 3 liters per hundred kilometres. All you have to do is drive it!

Tester clothing:

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Ease of driving, consumption, driveability
We do not like it:
Spongy front brake

Aprilia SX and RX 125: the Motorionline Report Card

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Handling:
Gearbox and transmission:
Braking:
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Matteo Pozzi collaborated
Thanks to Stefano Pelati for the photos of the Aprilia SX 125

Test clothing:
Jacket: Alpinestars Motion Waterproof Jacket
Pants: Alpinestars Denim Pants – Raw Indigo
Shoe: Alpinestars Vulk Shoes
Gloves: Alpinestars Masai Gloves
Helmet: LS2 Vector FT2