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Sport · 1997

RS 125

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MotoLibrary Score
39 /100 Commuter
Power/Weight
0.26 hp/kg
Torque
20 Nm
Engine
125 ccm

1997 Aprilia RS 125 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1997 Aprilia RS 125 sport motorcycle, Aprilia pairs a 124.8 cc (7.6 cu in) liquid-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 30.8 HP (22.5 kW) at 11,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 20.4 Nm (15 lb-ft) at 10,800 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 246.8 HP per liter and a 700 rpm working window between peak torque (10,800 rpm) and peak power (11,500 rpm), the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.

On the scales, the RS 125 measures 144 kg (317 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.21 HP/kg (4.68 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 810 mm (31.9 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,345 mm (53 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 13-liter (3.4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's Aprilia archive, this model family spans 21 indexed model years from 1997 to 2025, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
246.8 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.21 HP/kg (4.68 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
10,800–11,500 rpm
Standover Height
810 mm (31.9 in)
Engine
Displacement 124.8 ccm (7.62 cubic inches)
Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke
Engine Details Rotax 123: Aluminium cylinder with Nikasil coated liner. Reed valve intake.
Power 30.8 HP (22.5 kW)) @ 11500 RPM
Torque 20.4 Nm (2.1 kgf-m or 15.0 ft.lbs) @ 10800 RPM
Compression 12.5:1
Bore x Stroke 54.0 x 54.5 mm (2.1 x 2.1 inches)
Fuel System Carburettor. Dell Orto VHSB 34 LD
Fuel Control Membrane & power valve
Ignition SEM CDI TM14-04 101 888 00
Lubrication Separate mixing with variable displacement, volumetric pump.
Cooling Liquid
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Chain (final drive)
Clutch Multi plate in oil bath
Driveline Primary drive: Gearbox: 64/20 (3.2). Final drive: Chain: 16/39 (2.44)
Performance
Emission Details ECE R40-01
Exhaust -GS- e3 C 114.235
Chassis
Frame Type Sloping twin-spar frame in thin wall box section cast aluminium, with reinforcement cross-ribbing.
Front Suspension Upside down hydraulic fork, 40 mm
Front Travel 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear Suspension Swingarm with asymmetric members in thin wall box section cast aluminium. Hydraulic monoshock with adjustable spring preload.
Rear Travel 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Wheelbase 1345 mm (53.0 inches)
Ground Clearance 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 110/70-R17
Rear Tyre 150/60-R17
Front Brakes Single disc. Axial caliper, 4 pistons
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. 2-piston caliper
Rear Brake Ø 220 mm (8.7 inches)
Wheels Aluminium alloy. Front 3.00 x 17, rear 4,00 x 17.
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 117.0 kg (257.9 pounds)
Weight incl. 144.0 kg (317.5 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.1282 HP/kg
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Height 1090 mm (42.9 inches)
Overall Length 1960 mm (77.2 inches)
Overall Width 780 mm (30.7 inches)
Fuel Capacity 13.00 litres (3.43 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel 3.00 litres (0.79 US gallons)
Oil Capacity 1.00 litres (1.06 US quarts)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Replica Black, Grey Silver
Notes

Type GS

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Power
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Torque
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Seat Height
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Weight
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Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🟢
Beginner
A2 license compatible, manageable power.
🏁
Best For
Sport & Track
📏
Seat Height
81 cm / 31.9 in
⚖️
Handling
Very lightweight — easy to handle
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