Honda CBR125R V Aprilia RS125 - riding comparison

[rdm3ch]

This has probably been asked before but has anyone ridden both the CBR125R and the Aprilia RS125 and have an opinion / comparison on what the bikes are like to ride?

I fell in love with the RS but decided on the Honda for reliability / rubust build, handle bar positioning etc. I wasnt sure about the top end rebuilds and the positioning on the RS. I love my CBR and thought it was a good choice but am starting to love it less with my gears jamming from time to time and it doesnt really feel nice to ride. I have little experience and dont know how nice a 125 can feel to ride but I remember the Yamaha on my CBT being much smoother and gear changes being a peice of piss.

I never actually sat on an RS, never saw one around so dont know how it would feel to be on one but whats it like to ride? A lot of people seemed to rate it when I first wanted one.

Detailed opinions appreciated.

[Tattoo Artist]

what fuckin shite poll, these are two very different bikes, theres no comparison, rs - faster - troublesome - better looking cbr - slower - not so troublesome - ugly

[Kickstart]

Hi

To be honest never ridden a CBR125. Small 4 strokes just don't appeal. However sitting on them both the CBR is tiny compared to the RS, and built down to a lower price.

By the way, gearbox problems do seem to be a common issue with the CBR125 (ie, faulty gearboxes rather than just an unpleasant gear change). If it is still under warrenty then talk to the dealer.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[rdm3ch]

[rdm3ch]

Thanks Keith, I have spoken to a couple of people off forums who seem to be having the same problem so I wondered if it were a CBR125 fault.

I think the size of the CBR appealed to me as well as the positioning, the Aprilia does look a little bigger so Id like to sit on one.

Thanks for the input, I think I'll have to have a word with the dealer as I've only had it a few weeks and the problem was there straight away.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Pity I need to sort the big end bearing on my RS otherwise I could bring it along.

RS seat is not that high, but wide and flat (getting narrower towards the front). Bars are low. Compared to a large bike it is not that wide, but compared to a CBR is is very slender.

Ultimatly the RS125 is not that fast, but it does feel like it wants you to thrash it (which is probably one reason they tend to go pop occasionally). I have had mine from new in 1993 and it has done ~18000km. But tends to be thrashed whenever it is used except for when it is running in a new piston / rings (pretty common).

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[spike_Alike]

They are both very different bikes. I can't say I've ridden either, but I know people with them. The CBR is a lot skinnier and smaller, definatly not as nice as the RS. The CBR definatly *sounds* better (I've mistaken the sound of my friends RS for a moped on occasions!).
Performance-wise its clear that the RS is quicker, being a stroker. My mates RS keeps up with my NSR (infact it's a bit faster, I just tend to lead). I'm under the impression that the CBR is easier and nicer to ride with less screaming and vibrating.

Personally, given the choice I'd have the RS. Simply because I'm not a fan of the CBR styling (and I do really like the RS looks) and I'm happy to put up with a less-comfy ride and more "problems" for improved performance.

I guess it depends what you want from the bike. From what I've read, the CBR is really learner friendly, and a solid bike.
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Bandit 600

[rdm3ch]

Its okay Keith, thanks for the thought.

Even though I havent ridden an RS, I agree they are different bikes and it probably does depend what you want from your bike. Im not too fussed about the RS being quicker at the moment. I chose the CBR for the positioning, size, reliability, learner friendliness etc. (And not sounding like a scooter is a bonus!) I really loved the look of the RS but I do think my tango orange CBR is pretty tasty! Maybe I would know how easy it is to ride if I had more to compare it to. I think I'll persevere for now, play around with my riding style, keep practicing and probably get the gear box looked at. Then have a go on an RS later to cure my curiosity.

[spike_Alike]

[rdm3ch]

Hehe, well my mum likes it too!

Here it is

https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x7/rdm3ch/tangocrop700.jpg

[spike_Alike]

That is rather eye catching, although it does remind me of Tony the Tiger!

Looks good
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Bandit 600

[rdm3ch]

Hehe, thanks, I think it reminds a lot of people of him.

[matthab]

I like the CBR125 rode one and loved it, shame my local honda dealer closed when i was going to buy one. Never ridden a RS thoe. That ones in orange at least the excuse "i didnt see you mate" cant be used,
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2005 - 2006:Peugeot jet force 50 TDSI (sold)
2006 - Present: Yamaha YBR125 06 (extras:pilot sporty tyres and screen)

[rdm3ch]

[beatnck]

rs125's need thrashing to get the best out of them, and they arent really that comfy.. but they handle like a dream, there is just so much feedback. i still take mine out every now and again, and compared to my cb1 400 it feels light and very very flickable.
in fact i dont really want to sell it, although i have been thinking about getting an rs250 for a weekend toy
ive never ridden a cbr125, but i would imagine it would feel torquier lowdown than the rs, but gutless at higher revs/speeds.
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no silly comment here!!

[Graprilia]

I actually own both the cbr and rs both are equally good bikes but for different reasons.

CBR good points

1. The cbr is less hassle easy to ride and easy to set off unlike the rs which needs warming up and is a bit more tempermental at times.

2. The cbr sounds a lot better as it is a four stroke compared to the two stroke.

3. If you are thinking of staying on l plates for a while the cbr is the better choice because legally the rs would have to be restricted so i have found the top end speed on the cbr quite alot higher.

4. The cbr with its remus exhaust is much much quicker up a hill than the RS

Rs good points

1. Handling is superb
2. Looks like a proper bike , real head turner
3. A bikers bike
4. When the l plates are off the potential to be a fanatastic bike
5. Gear box is amazing nice smooth gear changes

So , to conclude the Cbr is great if you just want to ride on the L plates but if you planning on doing the A2 test and passing quickly the de-restricted rs is the better choice.

[Kickstart]

[Catalyst]

Well i have to say rdm3ch that is one sexy bike!! I've only just got my geared 50cc 3 weeks ago but i'm already looking at 125's as i have to start saving. I am looking at the CBR or the RS.

Personally i think the CBR looks nicer, i think the RS looks a bit too 'plasticy' for me. My 50cc is an Aprilia SX50 and it seems to be running fine atm.

Sorry, i don't mean to hi-jack the thread or anything but what are the speeds on both? (top-end wise) As i know the CBR has a better low end. Surely the price difference between the 2 your getting a much better deal with the CBR?

Thanks, Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[rdm3ch]

Thanks Jack! I think my bike is pretty sexy lookin too in that colour

Thats a good point about the prices, from new the CBR is a bargain compared but having not ridden the RS I wont comment too much about what you might be getting for your money. The CBR is supposed to top out at around 75 but Im not 100% on the RS before and after restricting. I did have a magazine with details in to compare. You can do a performance comparison on bikez.com but it doesnt want to work for me!

[Graprilia]

[Kickstart]

[Graprilia]

Thanks Keith that has answered my question however if someone brought an new exhaust for the RS that would still make it learner legal, would`nt it? As long as it is a road legal one

[Catalyst]

Graprilia, basically, the RS has 15bhp (ish). For a learner legal 125 it has to have 14.6 maximum. Therefore the RS only being learner legal if restricted, Putting an exhaust on would make it go slightly quicker possible but inlikely with the restrictions.

Hope that helps,

Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[Kickstart]

Hi

As above. Learner limit is 11kW. CBR is a bit short of it, RS is pretty much on it. In either case a bit of fiddling will put them over the 11kW limit rendering both illegal for a learner to use on the road.

Just that the Aprilia can blow the limit into the weeds while the CBR will struggle to exceed it by much.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Graprilia]

The problem i find with my rs is on the straights its fine but when there even the slighest hill the bike will drop at least 10 mph which i feel is quite dangerous. Thats why i was considering purchasing a arrows exhaust