rs125 or cbr125r??

Question

going to get my provisional soon, wondering about a good first bike to buy. Hvae seen 2 I like, aprillia rs125 and honda cbr125r. They both seem good, but I am not sure what to get. the only gripes I have about each is: the cbr125's mirrors, they look like theyre on big sticks, and how the rs125 is said to be like really out of control. could anyone give advice which one to have?

Also, I've heard that some 125s sound like mopeds. are these two any of them that sound that way? or do they sound like a proper engine?

Thanks.

Answer 1

What a load of ****, there is hardly any good advice here at all. Legally running an rs and a cbr on a cbt then I'd go for a cbr every single day of the week. You are limited to 15 bhp on a cbt and I'd put money on it that these jokers have all been harping on about unrestricted rs's. Put a 15bhp rs against a 15bhp cbr(which you'll have to work to get as it is as mentioned by the only person here with half a brain a 4 stroke) and the cbr will be just as fast if not faster. They both handle very very well but the cbr is more reliable, will do 130 mpg as appose to 40mpg plus 2 stroke oil of the rs.

If your thinking of buying new then for the price of a rs you could take your test buy a decent second hand bike (that will be faster than both) and pay your insurance. If your buying second hand than be very careful of abused and badly rebuilt rs's. I do know of a few that have made 20k miles with no problems but I also know a great deal more that have had 2 or sometimes 3 top end rebuilds from being screwed around by idiots who have no idea how to look after a bike.

If the sound bothers you that much then the rs is not the one for you either but your best bet will be go look at a few bikes, listen to them see which feels best for you and go from there.

Answer 2

As some posters mentioned the Honda will be more economic and reliable. No one has yet mentioned that it is a 4-stroke engine. The Aprillia is a 2-stroke. You'll have to feed it oil along with fuel. It(the Aprillia) is much faster and a better handling bike. It is pretty much a race bike for the street while the Honda just looks like one. The Aprillia will probably run circles around the Honda but it's likely the first to need a rebuild. The Aprillia will also be louder, especially if you add an aftermarket exhaust. The two bikes have a distinctively different sound. Both can be made to sound good.... for a 125.

Answer 3

Depends what you want from the bike and how you intend riding it.
CBR = reliable, less likely to be stolen, more economic, good "sensible" learning machine.
RS = peaky power band, collectable by others, fast but you'll use lots of fuel constantly revving it, nutters bike.

If you only intend to pass your CBT and move on to something bigger I'd go for the RS because it doesn't have to last very long, if you intend keeping the bike for a year or two I'd run the CBR.
The RS engine is a race engine, but race teams only have to get them to last 2 races before they either dump them or completely rebuild them - this is a learning machine and I doubt you have the finances of a race team to keep your bike going.

Percentage wise more inexperience riders than any other group are injured/killed on the road, being a nutter isn't fine on any bike but if you've been riding for 10 years, are aware of when being daft if OK(ish) that's one thing. 2 weeks after passing your CBT going out thrashing the **** off your RS is likely to make you smile but also likely to get you points, pain and death.

I've been riding for over 20 years, instruct people in advanced riding techniques and know that there are very few bikes on the market whose riders are able to outhandle the bike. Save your big time fun for when you have some experience, ride in such a way that you live long enough to get some.

Oh yes all 125s sound like hairdriers, it comes with the territory.

Enjoy biking.

Answer 4

the guy above is talkin **** i have a rs and when it is workin it is great the cbr is a 4 stroke and the rs is a 2 stroke so there is no contest betwwen the 2 a rs 50 could leave a cbr at the lights. the rs will do 0-60 in 6 seconds the cbr in about 15 . the handling on the rs is renound for bein great and was voted the best handling bike . as 4 sounding like a moped the rs has got a higher pitch but imop sounds great

Answer 5

RS125s are an absolute laugh to ride and they look and sound great too. The CBR is better made but nowhere near as much fun. Get the RS, get some really sticky tyres on it and enjoy the Spring and Summer by grinding the hero blobs off of the footrests and into the tarmac.

Answer 6

Out of the two I'd have the aprilla. They good for arsing about on. And they bloody quick for a 125.
Have you though about goin for a trials bike instead. I had a DT125 that was wicked. Looked, went and sounded like a 250 at least. And you can do alot with the engines on them.
As for the mirrors on the cbr you can always buy some after market ones for about £20. But I'd have to say the CBR is one bike i wouldn't have. They are very reliable but they look so small. almost like they 50s. My friend had one and we used to all race of somewhere and have to wait for him to join us. They are that much slower then other bikes.
Hope this helps. Safe riding.

Answer 7

I've heard the RS engines have a tendency to screw up every thousand miles but dunno if thats true as i've also heard they're pretty reliable. Nothing beats the japanese reliability of a honda fresh off the lot. I just bought me a brand new honda and got loads of after sales service, 2 years breakdown and free first service.

If speeds what you're looking for then the RS but if its well built japanese efficiency then the CBR.

Answer 8

Neither is going to help you take girls anyplace and both are
easily outgrown. Suggest reader download 2006 Owners Manual of Ural Gear-Up.
Isn't this a proper engine?
See Source.

Answer 9

I can't comment on the two bikes you have mentioned as I have no experience of them. I had a Yahama SR125 and I have to say I couldn't fault it as a bike to learn to ride on. It is very forgiving when you make mistakes and not too heavy to pick up if you drop it (not that I am recommending you ever drop your bike!).

Answer 10

My mate had an rs 125 and it went like the clappers for a small bike...if it was me i would get an rs.. all bikes will sound tinny at this level mate...only way round it is do your direct access and get a ninja or summat.