Aprillia RS125

[GreenFrogJSK]

Well, I'm new to this forum, although I've read a lot of threads only recently because BMW K1200r and K1200s drew me to motorcycles. So let me introduce myself a bit. I'm actually a car nut. But I am attracted to bikes nowdays because cars are freaking expansive to get and to maintain compared to bikes, and although bikes are more dangerous compared to driving in a 'cage' in case of accidents, they seem to be a lot more entertaining and actually go faster than most cars with 1/10 of their price. Actually, I just graduated from high school in PA and taking a year off in Seoul, Korea. Yes, I am Korean. I don't have family here in Seoul ironically, and I am living independently (esp. in terms of money), studying math and physics on my own, applying for scholarships and to other universities in the US as well as in Korea. I got into a good college with very strong engineering program in the States, but I don't have any cash to pay for the tuition, so here I am. enough about me.

Now, about the bike at hand...
well my younger cousin, only 16, actually had an Aprillia rs125 (or the small sportsbike with 125cc displacement from Aprillia. I am not 100% sure on the name.) Anyhow, he bought it used and rode it secretly. His parents had no idea, until he got himself into an accident. I guess that happened because he is young and inexperienced and unskilled at the same time. I think that combination can make you do stupid things, such as riding over 160km (around 100mph) on a 125cc bike (now that's pushing it, although rs125 is without much doubt the fasted production 125cc bike right now) and what was the term? sliding it on its side? something like that? you know what I mean. The bike ended up on its side in a corner and my cousin and the bike slid toward the guard rail. Luckily, he only broke one rib, and I think he is fine otherwise. I only got to talk to him on the phone. He was wearing a helmet and if he learns his lesson that's that.

He doesn't want to ride anymore, unless for a while, he wants me to pick up the bike from him if I want to and I can afford to pay for the repair.

He says the repair cost would be about $370 for the wheels, 300 for the fairing, and 50 for minor repairs. Of course the frame and the drivetrain is intact. Otherwise he wouldn't bother even letting me take over. Do you guys think this is a reasonable price to pay in order to acquire a used, crashed, nevertheless Italian and fastest in its class 125cc motorcycle?

If I save some money over the next two months and work hard while focusing on my primary task of completing my applications for scholarships and schools and preparing for entrance exams (wow that sounds a lot doesn't it? but that's what I'm doing though), I can handle the repair cost.

I need a personal transportation in the city and beyond anyway, and riding the bike in the winding roads in the mountains would be a lot of fun too. Of course, I need to get my driving license (automobile) which also covers motorcycles and scooters upto 125cc. I am considering using this bike as my first bike to learn how to ride and maybe next summer I will upgrade to Suzuki gs500. Yes, I did my hw.

I don't know how many miles a bike engine can handle. I didn't ask how many miles it had put on until now, but if you guys could tell me (although it depends on the particular engine and its condition) how many miles a 2T 125cc can handle. I won't spend over 700 bucks on the bike that I cannot really enjoy riding and ride for sometime.

wow, it ended up being really long. I'd apreciate if some of the experts could provide me some tips.

[bok]

it's a bit of an odd situation. i'd look to see how much these bikes go for used there and decide if the money for repairs and such would be more than buying a used bike/scooter. since you are on a tight budget, it might be too much to do monetarily.

the bike is a nice looking machine and all but not the most beginner friendly especially if you are learning through trial and error. sounds like there is no motorcycle training facility there, but if there is, i would highly suggest taking some training with some licensed instructors.

if you do decide to get this bike, invest in some decent frame sliders and/or leave as much of the plastic fairing off as you can while you learn to ride. so that you don't damage them when you tip/fall/crash.

[black mariah]

Everyone keeps saying these bikes aren't beginner friendly, despite the fact that they are built specifically FOR beginners. Everyone sees "two stroke" and assumes they're nasty little death rockets that only the most skilled in the world can ride, like they're old 500 GP bikes or something.

Lemme put it this way... if you don't want the bike, I'LL TAKE IT.

[bok]

my statement of "not the most beginner friendly especially if you are learning through trial and error." is actually quite valid since they have good power, but mostly it is because they can be damn expensive to fix/replace the plastics/parts if/when you do crash/drop the bike.

beginner friendly isn't all about the HP or torque it also has to do with maintainence costs and repairs when the inevitable newbie mistake comes up.

[black mariah]

http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/aprilia_rs125.shtml

Give that a read. It might help you make a decision.

[younggun]

my statement of "not the most beginner friendly especially if you are learning through trial and error." is actually quite valid since they have good power, but mostly it is because they can be damn expensive to fix/replace the plastics/parts if/when you do crash/drop the bike.

beginner friendly isn't all about the HP or torque it also has to do with maintainence costs and repairs when the inevitable newbie mistake comes up.

+1

[kabob983]

http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/aprilia_rs125.shtml

Give that a read. It might help you make a decision.

I read it. I'd still say igsnay, but that's just meh.

[black mariah]

My problem is I keep forgetting not everyone wants to do their own damn maintenance. Cylinder head replacement every 10k miles? Bring it.

[Bubble Gum Jr.]

that bike looks so badass.

[Shorts]

Well, I think there are 'easier' beginning bikes to learn on. And if you're using for commuting and around town, it might get a bit uncomfy for those 'casual easy' riding days. But again, personal preference. As for the 2stroke thing, there's a difference. There are a lot of low displacement dirt bikes, but you get on them andthey're scarey as all getup. They've got gobs of 'go' and low end, fast quick tugging low end. In the dirt, still a crazy ride and takes timeto learn to handle. In a street bike, same thing. Only difference is you don't have the same driving conditions.



As for the maintenance and working on your own bike thing, while fine, it is still work to do. I do all my own work too, on the trucks and now the bikes (what I'm comfortable doing). It is NOT tulips and daisies. I've been working on my bike for 3 weeks just to get it modified so I could ride it. While I'm finally feeling the weight of getting it going off my shoulders, it has still be a real chore NEEDING to do that work. I have to modify everything to work for me and my one hand. Believe me, NEEDING to modify and work on everything gets old real fast (I have one hand all the time, whether for fun or work). Yes, I'm glad and relieved once the project is done, but still frustrating and still cost money. Take it from someone who knows first hand. Now a days, that littleextra for labor is well worth MY time (and hassel, and frustration and headache..etc etc).


Maintenance is fine. Everything needs basic maintenance. If this ride is your primary, you need to figure out if you can afford the downtime and readily do the work.