EICMA 2010: Aprilia RS4 125

Unveiled at the 2010 EICMA Show in Milan this week, the Aprilia RS4 125 is introduced as the RS125's successor. It is a GP derived replica sport production motorcycle with some design features inherited from the Aprilia RSV4. This entry level motorcycle is meant to attract youngsters to riding and recruit new riders, although the mean, cutting edge look of the new RS4 125 tells you that this is a professional racing machine.

The legendary two-stroke Rotax-Aprilia engine that made the RS125 famous was dropped in favor of a new four-stroke single cylinder DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection and four valves coupled with a six-speed gearbox.

The chassis originated from Aprilia's 125cc Grand Prix racing program and it features an aluminum perimeter frame, an inverted 41mm fork optimized for maximum performance on the racetrack and a rear hydraulic monoshock linked to a single-sided swingarm derived from Aprilia’s vast GP experience.

Brake power is provided by a 300mm steel disc gripped by radial caliper with four opposed pistons while the rear uses a 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper with metal braided hoses for perfectly balanced, high performance braking.

Tail fairing and air intakes under the headlights are reproductions of those found on the bigger Aprilia RSV4. Wheels are light alloy with 6 split spokes.

The instruments include an analog rev counter and a multifunctional digital display with an on-board computer that can be operated from the handlebars. The speedometer, rev counter, coolant temperature gauge and exclusive racing chronometer put you in total control.