🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Aprilia Model: RS125 Generation: First Generation (Rotax 122 engine) Codes Engine Code Family: Rotax 122 Series Chassis Code Family: RS125 (various sub-variants exist, e.g., Extrema, Replica) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: High-performance 125cc sportbike, often seen as a gateway to larger Aprilia models and a popular choice for track days and spirited street riding. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda CBR125R, Yamaha YZF-R125, Suzuki GSX-R125, Cagiva Mito. Key Features Model Highlights: Lightweight chassis, potent Rotax 2-stroke engine, aggressive styling, capable suspension and braking components. Manual Value Proposition Owner Benefit: Empowers owners to understand, maintain, and troubleshoot their motorcycle, fostering self-reliance and informed mechanic interactions. Professional Benefit: Provides dealer-level information for independent technicians, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Regional Applicability: Global (assumed, based on common Rotax engine usage) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Variable (PDF format, typical for such manuals is 300-600 pages) Manual Type Type: Comprehensive Motorcycle Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine teardown, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting for Rotax 122 engine. Fuel System: Carburetor (likely Dell'Orto PHBH series) tuning, cleaning, and rebuilding. Fuel tank, lines, and petcock maintenance. Ignition System: CDI ignition system diagnosis, spark plug specifications, coil testing, and wiring. Cooling System: Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant types, flushing, and leak testing. Exhaust System: Expansion chamber, silencer maintenance, and gasket replacement. Transmission: Gearbox inspection, clutch service (friction plates, steel plates, springs), and gear oil specifications. Chassis: Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat and tank mounting. Suspension: Front fork (likely Marzocchi or Paioli) disassembly, oil change, seal replacement, and rear shock absorber maintenance. Brakes: Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake pad replacement, fluid bleeding, and fluid specifications. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), lighting, horn, and starter system troubleshooting. Wheels And Tires: Tire pressure specifications, wheel bearing service, and spoke tightening (if applicable). Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication). Troubleshooting: Diagnosing engine faults (starting issues, misfires, power loss), electrical problems, and brake issues. Repair: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Diagnosis: Utilizing diagnostic techniques, including electrical testing of components and systems. Wiring Verification: Tracing and verifying all electrical circuits using provided diagrams. Engine Management Analysis: Understanding and analyzing the operation of the engine's management systems (primarily carburetor and ignition timing). Common Fixes: Solutions for frequently encountered problems specific to the RS125 model. Mechanic Guidance: Information to facilitate informed discussions with technicians and evaluate their work. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance through full engine rebuilds, advanced troubleshooting, and electrical system diagnosis. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF (typical for professional manuals) Print Quality Printability: Printable on demand, allowing for clean, unstained pages. Binding Type Binding Type: Not applicable (digital format) Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 2-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled (Rotax 122) Bore X Stroke: Approx. 54 mm x 54.5 mm (varies slightly by sub-model/year) Displacement: 124.8 cc Power Output: Approx. 30-33 hp (varies by market and tuning, often restricted in some regions) Torque: Approx. 20-22 Nm Performance Valve Mechanism: Reed valve induction, exhaust power valve (APTS - Aprilia Power Transmission System). Fuel System Carburetor Type: Dell'Orto PHBH 28 (commonly) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (research for specific compression ratios) Oil System Lubrication: Pre-mix or Autolube (separate oil injection system). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed constant mesh Features Clutch Type: Wet multi-plate clutch Final Drive: Chain drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 1950 mm Width: Approx. 710 mm Height: Approx. 1135 mm Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 131 kg Wet Weight: Approx. 148 kg (with fluids) Fuel Capacity: Approx. 14 liters 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: Not applicable (motorcycles typically not rated by organizations like NHTSA/Euro NCAP). Active Features Braking System: Disc brakes front and rear, often with twin-piston calipers on the front. Lighting: Halogen headlight, LED taillight. Passive Features Frame Construction: Aluminum twin-spar frame. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Analog instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights. Driver Assistance ABS: No ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on this model. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 km or annually (refer to manual for specific details). Spark Plug Replacement: Every 6,000-10,000 km (recommendation, varies by plug type). Chain Lubrication Adjustment: Every 500-1000 km or after washing/rain. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: 2-stroke oil for Autolube system (e.g., Motul 710 2T, Castrol Power 1 TTS) or pre-mix with high-quality 2T oil and premium unleaded gasoline. Coolant: Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50% concentration with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 1.5 liters. Brake Fluid: DOT 4. Gearbox Oil: API GL-4 SAE 75W/90 or 80W/90...
Approx. 54 mm x 54.5 mm (varies slightly by sub-model/year)
Displacement:
124.8 cc
Power Output:
Approx. 30-33 hp (varies by market and tuning, often restricted in some regions)
Torque:
Approx. 20-22 Nm
Performance
Valve Mechanism:
Reed valve induction, exhaust power valve (APTS - Aprilia Power Transmission System).
Fuel System
Carburetor Type:
Dell'Orto PHBH 28 (commonly)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (research for specific compression ratios)
Oil System
Lubrication:
Pre-mix or Autolube (separate oil injection system).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed constant mesh
Features
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate clutch
Final Drive:
Chain drive
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 1950 mm
Width:
Approx. 710 mm
Height:
Approx. 1135 mm
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 131 kg
Wet Weight:
Approx. 148 kg (with fluids)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 14 liters
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
Not applicable (motorcycles typically not rated by organizations like NHTSA/Euro NCAP).
Active Features
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear, often with twin-piston calipers on the front.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight.
Passive Features
Frame Construction:
Aluminum twin-spar frame.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Analog instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and indicator lights.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
No ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on this model.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km or annually (refer to manual for specific details).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (recommendation, varies by plug type).
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 500-1000 km or after washing/rain.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
2-stroke oil for Autolube system (e.g., Motul 710 2T, Castrol Power 1 TTS) or pre-mix with high-quality 2T oil and premium unleaded gasoline.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50% concentration with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 1.5 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4.
Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 SAE 75W/90 or 80W/90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 0.8 liters.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude/temperature, power valve sticking, reed valve wear, aging electrical components, front fork seal leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Aprilia Legacy:
Aprilia has a strong racing heritage, particularly in the 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix classes, influencing the design and performance of their road bikes.
Model Evolution
Rs125 Lineage:
The RS125, introduced in the early 1990s, became a benchmark for small-displacement sportbikes, known for its potent engine and sophisticated chassis.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Italy
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Racing Success:
The RS125 platform has a distinguished history in motorsport, including multiple FIM World Championship titles.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high for performance and handling, with owner satisfaction often tied to meticulous maintenance of the 2-stroke engine.