aprilia SX125

overall verdict
Apart from the tinny two-stroke noise coming out the back of the SX125 and RX125 the new learner strokers could pass for a bigger supermoto. But get on board and you’ll find that the power and handling simply doesn’t match up to the looks.

Engine

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Owners' rating

In days gone by performance two-strokes were about hard-hitting top end power, but emissions law has put paid to that. The once class-leading Aprilia engine has had it’s goolies removed to satisfy Euro3, and the weak bottom end builds in to an unexceptional top-end. Only low-rev fuelling is better than before.

Ride and Handling

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Owners' rating

Those wide alloy bars give great steering, but even here at the top end of the 125 supermoto class the suspension doesn’t match up to the racy looks. Huge travel and soft springs mean the bike pitches back and forth and loads up in corners. Sticky tyres keeps them right side up, but you expect more from Aprilia. Good over rough surfaces though.

Equipment

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Owners' rating

The area where the SX125 and RX125 scores over rivals is in kit – Brembo brakes, a digital dash and beautiful alloy spoked rims look lovely. But Aprilia still hasn’t equipped the motor with RS125’s electric start – so it’s left-side kickstart only.

Quality and Reliability

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Owners' rating

The build quality is superb – shiny fasteners, beautiful alloy components and tough looking plastics are up the spec of the rest of the Aprilia range. The 20 year-old engine should be reliable between piston ring changes given the necessary care – but since when do teens lavish care on a bike?

Value

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Owners' rating

£3099 is a lot of money for a 125, especially given that the eco-changes have taken away some of the performance edge. It’s nicely built, but we’re not sure it’s worth the cash for a bike you might only keep for six months.

Insurance

Insurance group: 7

Model History

New model for 2008.

Other Versions

Aprilia RX125: same frame, engine, suspension and bodywork as the SX125, but the enduro-style RX version features larger wheels (21" front & 18" rear), different gearing and knobbly tyres. It's also £200 more expensive.

Specifications

Top speed	82mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	22bhp
Torque	11.8ftlb
Weight	115kg
Seat height	870mm
Fuel capacity	10 litres
Average fuel consumption	35mpg
Tank range	76 miles
Insurance group	7

Engine size	125cc
Engine specification	Single-cylinder two-stroke, 6 gears
Frame	Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	None
Front brakes	Sliding two-piston Brembo caliper, 260mm disc
Rear brake	Sliding single-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Front tyre size	110/70-17
Rear tyre size	150/60-17

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