Aprilia SX 125

Dedicated to today’s demanding young sports riders, the Aprilia RX and SX 125 incorporate many of the features that have contributed to the amazing success of the RSV and SXV. These two stylish, high performance motorcycles set new standards for the 125 market.

It was inevitable that the innovative SXV and RXV would extend their influence to other members of the Aprilia range sooner or later. The world-beating styling, performance and technology of these fantastic machines was obviously destined to engender a family of eye-catching and modern off-road motorcycles. The SX 125 and RX 125 are the latest off-road machines from Aprilia. Specialist and refined, they are the obvious choice for young riders who want to stand out from the crowd.

Styling
Aprilia was the first manufacturer to introduce dramatic innovations to the designs of essential enduro and motard motorcycles. In the same way in which the RXV and SXV have become style icons in their own right, the SX and RX are also destined to leave their mark on young off-road riders. Built as highly functional motorcycles, and for efficient riding and control, their styling leaves no room for pointless frills and gadgets. With unmistakable lines, the SX and RX are simply unique among off-roaders.

 

Engine
The single cylinder unit that powers these Aprilia’s 125 cc motorcycles is a state-of-the-art two stroke engine. It is a classic example of how race-developed technology can deliver extremely low emissions as well as top performance. On the RX 125 and SX 125, Aprilia has succeeded in perfecting its two stroke design to bring it in line with the strict new Euro 3 standard without any loss of performance or riding satisfaction. This sparkling single cylinder engine easily develops the maximum permitted power for its class, with all the lightness and zippy acceleration typical of a high performance two stroke.

This engine has already established a place for itself in the hearts of 125 fans, thanks to its many advanced characteristics, including liquid cooling, and a balancer shaft. The cylinder has a nickel silicon carbide (Nikasil) liner for an ultra-reliable, extended life. Lubrication is provided by a separate mixer system.

Brakes and Suspension

Active safety on the Aprilia RX and SX is ensured by advanced suspension and a braking system that sets new standards for stopping power and progressive action. The front brakes feature a 260 mm disc and two-piston floating caliper while the back brake incorporates a 220 mm disc and another floating piston.

The robust, steel, double cradle frame is coupled to an over-sized suspension system. At the front is a mighty, 40 mm upside down telescopic fork offering wheel travel of 260 mm.

At the back, the long steel swingarm used to obtain maximum traction is damped by a prestigious hydraulic monoshock with piggy back cylinder. Rear wheel travel is 270 mm.

Wheels
Specialist machines like the RX and SX demand top quality components, and wheels play a specially important role in determining ride characteristics, having to combine the contrasting properties of strength and lightness. The RX and SX are equipped with aluminium wheels. The RX is fitted with a classic enduro racing front wheel of 21” in diameter and a 90/90-21 tyre for fantastic grip on all sorts of surface. The 18” rear wheel is fitted with a 120/90 tyre, again in keeping with the best off-road traditions.

Just like top sports motards, the SX boasts lightweight 17 inch, wide profile wheels and generous sports tyres, 110/70-17” and 150/60-17” for maximum grip under all conditions.

Instrumentation
To confirm its determination to build advanced motorcycles that are also versatile and practical in everyday use, Aprilia has equipped the RX and SX with sophisticated digital instruments just like those on the bigger SXV and RXV.

Once again Aprilia motorcycles are going to feature in the dreams of young riders.

REVIEW

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.

Ride Quality & Brakes
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.

Engine
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

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
£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.

Equipment
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.