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Sport · 1998

RS 125

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MotoLibrary Score
41 /100 Commuter
Power/Weight
0.17 hp/kg
Top Speed
155 km/h
Torque
17 Nm
Engine
125 ccm

1998 Aprilia RS 125 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Aprilia's sport motorcycle lineup, the 1998 Aprilia RS 125 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 24.1 HP (17.6 kW) at 10,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 17 Nm (12.5 lb-ft) at 9,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 193.1 HP per liter and a 1,000 rpm working window between peak torque (9,500 rpm) and peak power (10,500 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 0.17 HP/kg (5.98 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, while factory top speed is listed at 155 km/h (96 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Aprilia archive, this model family spans 17 indexed model years from 1997 to 2025, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
193.1 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.17 HP/kg (5.98 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
9,500–10,500 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 122: Aluminium cylinder with Nikasil coated liner. Reed valve intake.
Power 24.1 HP (17.6 kW)) @ 10500 RPM
Torque 17.0 Nm (1.7 kgf-m or 12.5 ft.lbs) @ 9500 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 PHBH 28 BD
Fuel Control Membrane & power valve
Ignition Nippondenso CDI 071000-0910 QCA91
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: 63/19 (3.32). Final drive: Chain: 17/40 (2.35)
Performance
Top Speed 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)
Emission Details ECE R40-01
Exhaust -MP01- e11 - 0039
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 142.0 kg (313.1 pounds)
Weight incl. 144.0 kg (317.5 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.1056 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 0.60 litres (0.63 US quarts)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Replica Rossi, Replica Harada Black
Notes

Type MP01. Alternative front tires: 110/80R17, 100/80R17, 100/80-17. Alternative rear tires: 140/60R17, 130/70R17, 130/70-17.

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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
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Brakes
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Suspension
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Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

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Beginner
A2 license compatible, manageable power.
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Best For
Sport & Track
📏
Seat Height
81 cm / 31.9 in
⚖️
Handling
Manageable weight for most riders
100 ? 600 : hp > 50 ? 400 : 250; return Math.round(base + (this.km / 10000) * 150); }, get insuranceCost() { const hp = 24.1; return Math.round(hp > 100 ? 800 : hp > 50 ? 500 : 300); }, get total() { return this.fuelCost + this.maintenanceCost + this.insuranceCost; }, get monthly() { return Math.round(this.total / 12); } }">
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