2011 Aprilia RS 125 Alitalia Questions???

[duelist83]

Hi there!!!

I recently bought a new 2011 Aprilia RS 125 Alitalia Replica and have a couple of things that bother me. I've read the manuel and I am trying to break the bike in by keeping it under 6000 rpm and not ripping it to shreds. The bike is extremely slow and I sometimes feel asif i'm not getting anywhere. Any advice will be greately appreciated on breaking it in or any other advice!!!

I also strugle a bit with the clutch control as I find the biting point very high up but still can't manage a fast pull away. The bike start moving almost before you release the clutch but it seems asif it only really goes at the last bit of the clutch?? Is there any recommendation on using the clutch better???

And finally for now, I find that the bike sometimes when I stop at a traffic light idles very high (around 4000 rpm) and after a little while the revs will drop?? Is this normal for the motor to rev this high when in standstill with no throttle applied?? I find pull away very difficult when the revs are this high and sometimes hear a bit of a vibration or shudder noise when pulling away when the revs are this high??

Hope I was clear on all this and everybody can sort of make out what I mean!!! Looking forward to all the responses!!! Many Thanks in advance!!!
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Bang Tidy!!!

[Paulington]

Hey Duelist,

First of all you've wasted your money. Older RS125s are better in both power, handling and aesthetics and I assume you will be wanting to take your test one day? The day you go to sell it you will have lost a LOT of money.

Okay, on to your problems.

The bike feels really slow and "as if it's not getting anywhere" because the bike only puts out 15bhp (when restricted) at full chat, under 6000rpm is barely at the power band, for example:

https://www.motorcycle.com/gallery/video.php/d/227811-2/2010_MD250H_RS125_Dyno_Chart_Aprilia.jpg.

If you read that dynograph, even at full power (derestricted which I doubt yours is), at 6000RPM it only puts out 8bhp which is around the same as an Aprilia RS50.

It will improve when it's ran in but until then (and until it's destricted) it will be slow, i.e. 0-60mph in about 5-6 seconds and top speed of 70-80mph? Bear in mind you CANNOT derestrict it until you have passed your FULL motorcycle test as you can only ride a bike of up to 14.6bhp on a Provisional licence which means derestricting it:

No licence.
No insurance.

Which means a NASTY fine and a minimum of six points which is nasty on a Provisional!

Secondly, you can adjust the clutch on an RS125, if you look at the clutch lever there is a circular piece of metal that turns at the part of the clutch lever closest to the yoke, this can be turnt either way which will adjust the biting point of the clutch. Play around with this until you find it comfortable! It looks like this:

https://www.bikedevils.com/ekmps/shops/bikedevils/images/pro-bolt-clutch-cable-adjuster-kawasaki-zx9r-9r-grey-2700-p.jpg.

The bit I am talking about is the blue bit.

Thirdly, if the bike is idling high at traffic lights it's going to be one of a couple things:

Bike not warmed up properly yet.
Bike running too lean. (Not enough fuel getting into the combustion chamber).
Clutch dragging on the bike.
Choke partially on at cold.
And a couple of others.

If this is happening only within the first 10-15 minutes of the bike starting then it's essentially normal, if it happens for longer than that then given your previous statements I'm going to say it's either running too lean OR clutch is dragging, the clutch dragging is more likely as you say the clutch almost has to be against the bars to disengage the clutch so chances are if you adjust the clutch so the biting point is around the mid-point of the clutch lever travel or a bit further out then the problem might dissapear.

If not, then you may wish to adjust the mixture screw on your carburettor (will be in the manual) with the bike running, that way you will adjust it so that it is idling correctly. However this requires a bit of work and to be honest with you it'd probably be better for you to ask a friend with more mechanical experience to get this done if you are unsure.

The reason you get juddering when you pull away at 4000RPM is because you need HIGHER revs than that to pull away on a bike like the RS125, it hasn't got a lot of power or torque at those revs so with a bike like that you need to go to a higher revs (6000+ RPM) and SLIP the clutch to pull away, with practice this will get smooth and your pull aways will be just as smooth too. Bikes shudder and vibrate when they don't have enough power/torque to pull away, just like cars.

I hope that helps!
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"Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."
Current Vehicles: '89 Kawasaki KDX200, '99 Yamaha XV535, '00 Honda ST1100 Pan-European, '08 Suzuki GSX-R1000, '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GS4 2.0 TDCi, '15 BMW 1 Series 116d Sport Turbo.
CBT: 27/08/08. Theory: 04/09/09. Module 1: 16/09/09. Module 2: 01/10/09.

[duelist83]

Wow!! Great answer and a lot of detail!!! That has answered a lot of my questions!! I didn't like the first part of your reply about me wasting money though!! lol!!

Oh well I guess I can live with that!!! No really thanks for your answer and the attention to detail!! I will definately put this in practice and hopefully it'll solve all my issues!! I guess the RS wasn't the best buy for someone with little or no real experience on the technical side of things.

I believe you might b right on the money with the bike being too lean as I struggle to get it started too sometimes, it seems that the bike is not getting through enough fuel. I hoped that this might have something to do with the motor being so new.

I plan on doing my full test soon and maybe getting it to full power!! I had a 204 RS before this one that was full power but I was never told by the seller. I seized it couple weeks ago due to not checking the 2-stroke oil!! I know, call me stupid!! So many of my mates have already!!! lol!!! Even with that one it also did the high idling at traffic lights so I thought it might be normal!

Anyway thanks for a great reply!! I hope I can call on you again if nned be!!!

Thanks!!!
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Bang Tidy!!!

[pinkyfloyd]

[duelist83]

Thanks for your opinion pinkfloyd!!! I hav heard it over an over really!! They are difficult bikes an I'm sure there are better options out there!!! They are however like u say good looking bikes that need a little more tlc!! Let's hope I do get the hang of it soon an enjoy every moment of the little machine instead of being another RS owner who constantly seek answers here for problems all the time!!

Thanks again!!
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Bang Tidy!!!

[Nexus Icon]

I counter the wasted money argument by saying that if there weren't people like us, prepared to buy new bikes, then we'd soon run out of 2nd hand bargains for the more fiscally aware to buy later on. Although no argument can counter the ridiculous position of buying a new bike, never riding it and then selling it at a loss.

I'm not knocking the logic of avoiding the massive depreciation hit but there's nothing quite as sweet as being the first owner of a vehicle, knowing it's absolute history and not having to just hope that it's been looked after. It really will be your pride and joy while you own it.

Also, the reasonably simple deristriction process of the RS means that you won't have to be in a hurry to upgrade to a bigger bike when you've passed your test. Simply derestrict and enjoy the Aprilia all over again.
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[chris-red]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Running in I would say to forget any idea of a fast getaway. To move off you probably want a least 4k revs, which only leaves you with a tiny window until you need to change up again. Use the time to practice clutch control so you can maintain the revs easily just on the clutch.

The clutch will provide some drive long before it is fully engaged.

The high revs without throttle isn't normal. Could be a few things, from an air leak (would hope not on a new bike), sticking cable, badly routed cable, etc.

[duelist83]

Thanks for all the replies guys!!! Really appreciated! The high idling is usually whn stationery in first gear with clutch in and no throttle applied!! I hope it's not a serious problem! Will get it checked out!!

Thanks again!!
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Bang Tidy!!!

[Paulington]

[chris-red]

Fancy explaining how a dragging clutch will cause a high idle?
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
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[hazza]

Yeah a dragging clutch would cause a low idle, not a high idle.
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3 Honda NC50's(Sold)-->'72 Puch Maxi S (Sold, want it back!)--> '90 Yamaha RXS 100 (Stolen)--> '87 Honda Cub 90(Sold) --> '95 Kawasaki Eliminator (Sold) --> '98 Bandit 600 (Sold) -->'07 SV650S (Current)

[Paulington]

[WannaBeDude]

Ref unrest no insurance ..

The assumption that's made by coppers is that driving outwith the provision of your license
means you don't have any insurance. But under Section 151 that isn't the case. Again,
it's in black and white. The copper shouldn't have seized the bike but he got the law wrong.
It's a common mistake made by coppers. Fortunately, statutory interpretation isn't left down
to uniformed thugs, it's the job of the courts, and it only comes into play when there's
ambiguity. In sections 165A, 143 and 151 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 there is no ambiguity.
It's clear. The copper was wrong.
____________________
Jogging on, destination living.

[Paulington]

[WannaBeDude]

Ref unrest no insurance ..

The assumption that's made by coppers is that driving outwith the provision of your license
means you don't have any insurance. But under Section 151 that isn't the case. Again,
it's in black and white. The copper shouldn't have seized the bike but he got the law wrong.
It's a common mistake made by coppers. Fortunately, statutory interpretation isn't left down
to uniformed thugs, it's the job of the courts, and it only comes into play when there's
ambiguity. In sections 165A, 143 and 151 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 there is no ambiguity.
It's clear. The copper was wrong.
____________________
Jogging on, destination living.

[Villers]

I love the 'wasted money' argument. If you want something that won't depreciate then a lot of the time vehicles (be it two wheeled or four) are a lousy investment. I really wouldnt let depreciation keep me awake at night, not to say I would be happy to throw away a fortune but for a 4k bike, losing 1200 snonkey bats isnt the end of the world. I work for my money, working makes me miserable, the things I do with it are what I enjoy. Me and the mrs have just come back from holiday, cost us nearly 4k between us, at the end of it we had both had a great experience and we werent looking to get every penny of that back.

I think I lost 800 on my RS125, over the space of about 14 months but I'll tell you what, I fooking loved it and enjoyed nearly every minute. I lost a similar amount on my Hayabusa, more on my ZX6R. I dont know whats gone on my RSVR but you know what? I honestly dont care, theres beter things to worry about than money!!

I cant believe someone asks for advice on his new pride and joy and the first thing that comes into someones head is that its going to lose money! Bah bloody humbug!!


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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[Livefast123]

If you are caught riding otherwise than in accordance with an licence then your vehicle can't be seized as technically you still have insurance. However, if you were involved in an fault accident then the insurance company would pay out for any liability and then they would come after you to get recompense. I have seen it numerous times and it is on the increase, if you can't / won't pay then they'll take you to court

As said, if I wanted a bike and had the money to pay for it then the depreciation would be irrelevant for me. It's all about enjoying the things you have and not worrying about the little thing called money. Mind you I don't think all of my bikes added together comes to the cost of the RS. I've always bought cheap and nasty, never lost any money on a bike

Nice first bike, enjoy it
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Current ride - Yamaha MT-07