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The RS 125 is the undisputed leader among 125 cc supersports. Aprilia has always led the field in lightweight sports bikes, pioneering new concepts . Like all Aprilia sports motorcycles, the RS 125 has benefited from the sophisticated technology that has been developed over years of success in GP racing, and quickly transferred into production. Over the years, the RS 125 has forged a reputation as the standard setter for sports 125’s. Sales success has come naturally too, with the RS 125 topping the sales tables on all European markets. Lean angle is your friend aboard the sportbike 125 GP replica from Aprilia – the track-only RS125. Launching from a stop requires some clutch finesse as the little one dinger doesn’t have anywhere near the amount of torque as a 4-stroke engine. As you accelerate the Single seems to gain momentum in protest. But as the rpms progressively increase, the engine begins to spool up quicker. That glorious 2-stroke “braappp” matches engine speed and as soon as the crankshaft spins to that magic 10,000 rpm, the engine springs to life and finally rewards its riders with some decent acceleration. Remember to shift though, because if you keep the throttle pinned for just a few seconds longer, the fun is over just as quick as it started.

Aggressive, decisive, and with plenty of character to express its dynamic, lightweight nature in a personal, unique style that typifies Italian passion for motorcycle racing. For years the RS 125 has been unbeaten on the 125 Sport Production racing circuit. The RS 125 comes in two versions, GP-One Replica and SBK Replica, both destined to reinforce the market leadership of the RS 125, Europe’s best selling road sports bike. The Aprilia RS 125 brings the under 18 rider the best the European motorcycle market has to offer in terms of equipment and technology.

The sporty lines of this bike are the result of painstaking design and advanced aerodynamic research. Fruit of extensive wind tunnel testing, the aerodynamic form ensures total protection and minimum air resistance, giving a whole series of advantages including reduced fuel consumption and optimized performance under all conditions. The aerodynamic fairing and windshield, with integrated hand guards to eliminate all turbulence, allow the rider to really make the most of the incredible speed and performance of this bike. The styling of the front mudguard matches the rest of the bodywork. The RS 125 is proof that perfect aerodynamics mean stability and safety at high speed.

STYLE
The mean, cutting edge look of the new RS 125 tells you that this is a professional racing machine. The styling of the RS is based on that of the RSV 1000 R and, as with all Aprilia sports bikes, is the result of painstaking aerodynamic research. The fairing, for example, was perfected by extensive wind tunnel testing, to guarantee GP class wind protection and minimum drag for maximum racetrack efficiency. The fairing, windshield and tail not only look mean and aggressive, but allow the RS 125 to reach a blistering top speed, eliminating all turbulence around the rider. Man and machine really can become one when the machine in question is an Aprilia RS 125.

The latest generation twin halogen headlight also adds to the mean look of the new RS 125, and delivers a high power light beam for enhanced visibility and safety at night. The sleek tail looks exactly like the tail of a GP racer. Thanks to the effort put into the design of the RS 125’s tail, not even the passenger seat disturbs the bike’s impeccable lines. The crossed spoke wheels are not only lighter and more stylish, but safer and more reliable too.

ENGINE
The powerful but reliable, single cylinder, two stroke, Rotax-Aprilia engine needs no introduction. Over the years it has won a reputation for being unbeatable on the track and dependable on the road. Still today, this engine boasts technical solutions that are state-of-the-art for two strokes, including a crankcase reed valve intake, liquid cooling, an anti-vibration balancer shaft, and an automatic mixing system. The RS 125’s engine has been constantly updated over the years to keep in line with the latest emission control legislation without penalising performance. A catalytic converter and precision carburation has won Aprilia’s single cylinder two stroke homologation to Euro 3 standards. And the amazing thing is that this has been achieved without losing out on performance: the Aprilia RS 125 engine remains the reference point for all 125 cc powerplants.

CHASSIS

Without a doubt, the most advanced single component on the RS 125 is its frame. Developed from Aprilia’s vast experience in GP 125 racing, the RS 125 frame is made from cast aluminium alloy with cross-ribbing reinforcement. Despite its extremely light weight, this advanced structure achieves amazing torsional rigidity, setting the standards for Aprilia’s competitors. The box section, aluminium alloy swingarm has the highest torsional rigidity of all production 125 cc swingarms. Differential side members enable the exhaust to follow a path that maximises engine performance and enables more acute angles of lean to be achieved on bends without risking dangerous contact with the asphalt.

The suspension too plays a fundamental role in ensuring not only the RS 125’s performance, but its safety and comfort too. The 2007 RS 125 can rely on an upside-down fork that has been optimised for maximum performance on the racetrack while also delivering a more satisfying ride on public roads. The rear suspension features rising rate linkages based on Aprilia’s 125 GP racing technology, for excellent traction and superb comfort even over uneven road surfaces. The hydraulic monoshock that provides the damping for the swingarm is also adjustable in spring preload.

BRAKES
Like any self-respecting supersport motorcycle, the RS 125 has to have the best when it comes to components. The braking system is brand new, and designed for maximum efficiency under competitive riding conditions. The front brake is a genuine state-of-the-art, high performance system with a radial caliper and four opposed pistons. In addition to the 320 mm front disc, the system also incorporates a radial master cylinder and aeronautical hoses for maximum precision and unrivalled braking power. The rear disc is 220 mm in diameter and is also equipped with metal braided hoses for perfectly balanced, high performance braking.

EQUIPMENT
The world’s top racing 125 obviously deserves top quality equipment. In addition to a high-tech chassis, the Aprilia RS 125 benefits from the most prestigious components available. The compact and lightweight, latest generation instruments are derived from those of the RSV 1000 R and include an analog rev counter and a multifunctional digital display incorporating an on-board computer that can be operated directly from the handlebars. To keep everything under control, the instrumentation includes a speedometer, rev counter, coolant temperature gauge and a racing chronometer. The system even has provision for interfacing with the optical finishing line devices found at many racetracks.

The headlight cluster features a multi-focal double lamp unit and gives the bike an original, eye-catching appearance. Naturally, as well as looking good, the headlight cluster also adds to active safety during night-time riding and guarantees instant visibility in the day. The tail not only improves aerodynamic penetration but also incorporates a spacious lockable storage compartment to house items like locks and rainproofs.

As the leading manufacturer in 125cc and 250cc MotoGP competition, Aprilia has perfected the art of engineering championship-winning smaller-displacement race bikes. That expertise, along with Aprilia’s characteristically high level of premium components, makes the new RS 125 the best possible value for enthusiasts who take their track time serious – but who don’t want to sacrifice fun. As increasing numbers of motorcycle enthusiasts discover the challenge and thrill of honing riding skills on a closed circuit during a group track day or weekend, today’s 600 to 1000cc sport bikes with their huge horsepower and top speed numbers aren’t always the best choice. A smaller displacement machine actually helps to create a better, more confident rider because it requires more input and concentration to score good lap times. At the same time, it allows the rider to really push it to the limit while big displacement bikes often don’t inspire the same level of confidence.

At the heart of the RS 125 is a sophisticated single-cylinder two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, based on the same race-proven technology that has resulted in a continuous string of competition victories for Aprilia Racing. Able to reach triple digit speeds, the powerplant is packed with technical advancements including a crankcase reed valve intake, anti-vibration balancer shaft and an automatic fuel-oil mixing system. A robust 6-speed transmission delivers the power to the rear wheel with ratios designed to suit a variety of race track configurations. The RS 125 is fitted with high-performance, race-style, upside-down front forks and a hydraulic rear monoshock mounted in a rising rate linkage, designed to work in concert to deliver the highest degree of race track compliance. Torsional rigidity is excellent, again thanks to the bike’s development on the world’s toughest race tracks. The RS 125’s lightweight polished cast aluminum twin spar frame is reinforced with cross ribbing for additional strength while the advanced chassis is mated to a box section, aluminum alloy swingarm.

The evolution of the Shiver project has no limits. The Aprilia naked that has surprised the world with its technological content which is still not within reach of its competitors, has perfected itself even further with interventions that aim at increasing its personality, riding fun and ergonomic features.

In terms of special features, Aprilia Shiver 2010 is without doubt the benchmark bike in the medium cc naked sector. A highly evolved engine fitted with latest generation integral Ride by Wire, a multimap, a first-rate chassis which is able to satisfy all levels of riders, and technical outfit that no other bike even comes close to.

Today, these features are highlighted by an even more racing look, with the arrival of a new top fairing and aggressive Wave discs. At the same time, Aprilia Shiver has come even closer to satisfying the needs of riders, with totally revamped ergonomics, a 5 cm slimmer saddle to provide better control optimising bike handling not only on the road, but also when the engine is switched off. The rider and passenger footpegs are also new and contribute to lending the bike an enhanced sporting look. The moved-back rider footpegs and the new handlebar inclination allow for a more sporting use.

The main features of the Aprilia 750 Shiver my 2010 are:

V2 90° engine with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft and liquid cooling;
the integral Ride-by-Wire tri-map technology developed for competitions;
modular trellis/aluminium frame with significant torsional rigidity;
aluminium swingarm with stiffener brace and lateral shock absorber;
43mm upside down fork;
racing brakes with radial callipers and 320mm Wave discs
New more protective top fairing
New lower and slimmer saddle New racing style rider/passenger footpegs.

Design

The new Shiver roundly focuses on racing aspects. The new colours, the wave-style discs and the new racing rider footpegs are just a few of the signals that Shiver sends out to those observing it. The line remains very streamline and Italian and thanks to the clever use of the new colours and graphics, Shiver moves up a few notches as far as balance and aggression are concerned, highlighting some techniques that really make a difference, such as, for instance, the side shock absorber or the mixed steel trellis frame and aluminium plates.

Engine

The V90 engine is the result of the extensive experience Aprilia has in high performance mechanics. Thanks to its peculiar technical features the Aprilia twin-cylinder is able to combine an exceptionally high level of output with maximum exploitation rates and user-friendly riding options. The research conducted to reach top performance levels in its category has led to the decision to adopt some advanced cutting-edge technical solutions. The Aprilia V2 750 engine has a number of core features: extremely generous torque over most of the rpm range, insignificant vibrations, smooth full power delivery and output levels which are top in its category.

The 2010 version of Shiver naturally uses the multi-map integral Ride by Wire technology that has been developed even further exploiting the racing experience gained with the RSV4 superbike. This technical solution obviously represents the state-of-the-art version of engine control systems and Aprilia Shiver confirms its technological leadership position in its sector.

Suspension

The upside down fork has 43 mm stanchions with chill-cast bottom end to support the radial callipers and provide unparalleled smooth sliding action. The 120 mm travel makes it possible to easily face both urban and mountain roads.

The lateral shock absorber is fitted directly to the swingarm using a cantilever set-up and the spring preload and hydraulic rebound are adjustable; the rear wheel travel is 130 mm.

Brakes

Last year version already mounted the radial callipers, which are a solution that made this a pioneer bike in this sector. The Shiver 2010 version adds the new Wave discs and this choice not only provides for a different aesthetic impact, but also for a more decisive braking action.

The rear brake features a 245mm disc with single piston calliper to provide adequate support to the front system. The brake master cylinders have also been revamped to ensure even more effective braking response.

Both the front and rear systems have metal braided braking pipes, derived from the aeronautic sector, which eliminate the annoying buffering effect of conventional pipes and guarantee maximum braking accuracy and top-class system.

It also comes in an ABS version, and adopts a 2-channel Continental system which is able to guarantee maximum levels of safety when braking in all conditions.

The six-speed gearbox is very precise and I’m working my way up the gearbox without using the clutch. I did see around 165 mph at the end of the straight, but with more confidence in the tarmac conditions I could have left the braking later for an even higher top speed.

The deceleration from 165 mph going slightly downhill is certainly a job the Brembos do very well. The forces are damped through a 43mm adjustable Showa fork rather than Ohlins on the R, and the front tire is a 120/70-ZR17 Metzeler Racetec rather than a Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa.

Aprilia have swapped the Factory’s Ohlins for a fully adjustable item from Sachs. The 6-spoke aluminium wheels are not as light as the forged items on the Factory, and overall the RSV4 R weighs in at 11 pounds more than the Factory (a claimed 406 lbs for the RSV4 R versus 395 lbs for the Factory).

The interesting thing about the RSV4 R is that despite the extra weight it still handles like a dream. The frame and swingarm can’t be adjusted in all the ways the Factory can, but you really need to spend a lot of time on a racetrack to utilize that adjustability. The RSV4 Rs tech specs also reveals that the variable intake ducts are not in place, but acceleration from 9,500 rpm and up to 13,000 is still immense whilst the midrange is also powerful and very useful, particularly on the road. The 999cc V4 acts like it has a turbo kicking in above 10.000 rpm, but it’s just Aprilia’s masterful natural big bang engine kicking in for real.

The V4 is very addictive and I felt no significant difference in this area between the two RSV4s apart from perhaps a slightly “milder” throttle response. The one good thing about Estoril being slightly damp in the morning was that I finally got a good chance to ride a lot more using the powerful midrange. Aprilia says 85 ft-lbs of torque peaks at 10,000 rpm, but at these revs the engine was way too powerful for the level of grip we experienced in the morning session. Between 7 and 10K rpm the midrange produces great pull, and even below 7,000 rpm there’s plenty of go that’s exclusively reserved for the roads.

The RSV4 R feels very solid under both braking and acceleration. It’s down to the tires what sort of grip you can achieve, and since it was cold and not completely dry, the Metzeler Racetecs performed well.

The motorcycle looks tiny, but for a motorcycle with the size of a 600 and the power of a 1000 Aprilia really has nailed it when it comes down to ergonomics. I’m tall compared to Max Biaggi, but both of us feel at home on the RSV4 R. This is something we can thank Aprilia official test rider Alex Hoffman for, as he’s been instrumental in developing many things relating to how the RSV4 handles. You can look at pictures of me on the RSV4 R and think that the rider looks quite big on the bike but the feel is nearly perfect in the seat.

The whole package is so nimble and transferring weight is the easiest thing in the world. After each session I did the “hold a cup of coffee test” and felt almost no shake at all. This is very important as it proves how little vibration the V4 engine transfers to its pilot. I could mention a handful of Inline-Fours and V-Twins where this is not the case at all. The only time there’s a shake is when the RSV4 R reaches its upper rev range, and even the Sachs steering damper can’t tame the big lion completely then. There’s never danger for a proper tank slapper, but without the steering damper it would.

I turned up at the Mugello circuit a couple of months ago where the original launch took place. However upon arrival I was told the launch had been cancelled due to 5 bikes blowing their engines due to a poorly manufactured conrod.

Aprilia has made changes to the Shiver ergonomics, too, with a narrower and more comfortable seat and re-positioned footpegs. The handlebar position has been altered as well. As I discovered on a beautiful stretch of road in the south of France, comfort is impressive. I spent half the day on the Shiver and the rest on the Dorsoduro Factory and there’s a major difference in comfort to the Shiver’s benefit. In addition to improved comfort, the Shiver is also now more sports orientated as the pegs and handlebar have been adjusted to give the bike more front-end feel with more weight over that front.

The mixed steel trellis and aluminium plate frame is the most desirable feature on the Shiver. That’s what gives the Shiver a sporty feel over all other features. The Shiver rides great through the corners and despite having, for Aprilia, basic suspension the feel is great. The Shiver is a bike that loves corners due to that quality chassis from Noale. Despite being heavier than the top competitors, the Shiver feels solid and easy to throw through the corner combinations. The brakes have been upgraded with wavy discs for the 2010 model and the ABS system works well.

The Shiver features the most powerful version of the 750cc V-Twin engine and it produces a claimed 95 hp at 9,000 RPM. I still have to use the six-speed gearbox like a laboring ant, but on these southern French roads it’s only fun. The Shiver has more emphasis on the top-end power than the Dorsoduro so at the top-end revs things happen quickly and I found myself wanting more over-rev capacity for the fastest corners.

In Sport mode the throttle is aggressive and not the smoothest throttle in the world. In Touring mode, however, there’s not a hiccup reaching the top-end through a much smoother midrange. I didn’t try Rain mode as it’s only for, yes you guessed it, a rainy day. It’s easy to select modes, but as you use the starter button the engine must be running for you to change them. While riding you can change the riding mode, but only with a closed throttle which is unnecessary as there are no massive changes.

A small fly fairing is now standard equipment on the Shiver 750, which deflects a little more wind than before. As the 750cc V-Twin is friendly enough with a decent midrange I’d have no problems recommending it to new riders. Benefits for a new rider include a comfortable seat, big engine sound and ABS. For more experienced riders it’s difficult to see how you’d keep yourself excited for much more than a year, but it’s a great intro into Italian bikes and V-Twins.