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Aprilia SR 125cc Sept '01 (51)
Overall Rating:
Review
I’ve had my Aprilia SR125 for almost 4 months now and have found it to be a great little machine. I managed to find a very low mileage ’01 example for a very good price. I bought it to supplement my Yamaha Neos which has been my staple transport to work for the last 3 years without fault but I feel it needed a rest.
The first journey was back from the place of purchase, 144 miles, which was rather a baptism of fire but one that was completed without incident other than the front brake staying-on at one point. I levered the pistons back with the key!
The SporterSR125, as Aprilia call it, has the usual under seat storage into which my large full-face helmet fits easily. There is a separate lock for this so therefore it is a little less convenient than having a cable from the ignition to a remote release. The sides of the storage bin are a little lower than usual so one has to make sure than nothing is sticking out beyond the edge of the storage bin when closing, this is slightly more difficult than on my other scooter. The weight of the scooter is quite a bit more than my Yamaha and this was a shock at first. It isn’t a lot bigger than the Yamaha but even though it is only supposed to weigh 30 odd kgs more, it feels a lot more. Perhaps it is just the centre of gravity. The Aprilia is quite high to start with and when it is on the centre stand it is lifted a good 3 inches higher still. This is really only a problem when physically manhandling it, which I have to do on a twice daily basis. The grab handles are very high for gripping when lifting the machine. Despite all the extra weight the machine is no longer than my Neos but it does feel much less spacious. I’m not exactly tall at 5’7” but my knees are quite close to the back of the front panel and my feet (in my size 9 boots) only have about ½” to move around in, it seems. I can’t get both my feet flat down either when stopped. All these seem complaints but it is just the comparison which the excellent Neos that highlights these.
When analysing the performance all the petty quibbles fall away. Although I am no lightweight at 14 stone I haven’t had the indignity of being beaten from the lights by anybody as yet. My first journey was back from the place of purchase when I had some guy on an ‘08 Honda 125 Dylan attempt to beat me away from the lights, he was left completely behind. I let him pass when I approached the speed limit . I was worried he was going to hit something such was his craning back to see what had just beaten him. At the next lights, he got the holeshot when the lights changed but I caught him immediately and passed him and left him well behind, I didn’t see him again. This has been the case with everyone who has attempted to beat me. It all sounds very childish but other scooter riders do seem to seek out the opportunity for me to humiliate them. The occasional car has attempted to squeeze me out from a narrowing road from the lights but I haven’t lost to anyone yet. I have had to let a Porsche Cayenne pull away before me though, I’m not stupid! All this acceleration does come at a price though. Fuel consumption is not good and combining this with a fuel light that comes on after 5.25 litres have been used doesn’t build confidence either. The tank holds 8 litres, the most I have risked using was 5.8 litres, perhaps I will get more confident with time. The actual consumption, fill-to-fill, worked-out from the kilometres-only odometer and converted to miles is usually 51-53 mpg. My journey to work is now very short, 3.8 miles and 10 minutes in duration. I am assuming that the auto choke is in operation during this time therefore I feel this is mainly responsible for the appalling consumption. The best figure I have had was 61 mpg but again this was in bad conditions flat-out on the M11 into a very bad rainstorm and then stuck on the North-Circular in a traffic jam, unable to cut the cars due to flooding and my visor steaming-up and being wet inside and out. I would estimate 65 mpg as achievable if one had a longer commute. Somewhat worse than a 4-stroke 125 then! The top speed probably isn’t all it’s made out to be. The speedometer is very inaccurate. I’ve had my wife drive next to me in the car with the GPS on and a true 60 mph is 70 mph on the Aprilia’s speedo. I have had it up to 80 mph on the clock down a short hill so I would imagine a true 70mph is possible. Even more with a longer hill!
The SR125 handles very well, to illustrate, when I take out my Neos now I have difficulty in rounding the first corner, such is the difference in the handling between the Aprilia and Neos. The SR125 handles like a dream, I really do not know how there can be such a difference. Roundabouts where previously I always have my right leg out expecting a slip are now taken feet-up and faster. The stability is excellent.
The brakes aren’t that brilliant but I suspect my SR125 is not typical. I have worked on the front brake and freed-up the pistons properly, no more staying-on! The brake pads probably need replacing as I don’t think the surfaces are parallel and I suspect a degree of solvent impregnation. The rear brake is very grabby for the first few applications after which it becomes a great brake, overall. Certainly combined braking using both front and rear seems adequate.
I’ve only done a few two-up journeys on the SR125 and my wife finds it is more comfortable and spacious than the Neos. The retractable footrests she finds better than the rear end of the footboards of the Neos. The performance is dented slightly but around town it is not really that noticeable. It will maintain 60mph and can cope with motorway speeds two-up.
The build quality is not as good as the Yamaha. Some of the plastic panels seem a bit cheap and don’t fit that well.
The lights are excellent and the electrical systems work without question.
Overall then I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend an Aprilia SR125 to anyone. Sadly they are getting a bit long in the tooth now and are slowly disappearing into history. Get one of these instead of a new 4-stroke and you won’t regret it.
Submitted by
UKBike Admin in Hassocks, West Sussex on 04/02/2010
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Triumph Speed Triple 1050cc Apr '09 (09)
Overall Rating:
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Wow what a bike, having owned a Triumph Daytona 955i (55 plate) previously was a little nervous about making the change but have to say its the best thing I've done. The comfort is outstanding, as is the handling / performance and within the first 150 miles she was fully over using every mm of rubber, something I battled with, with the Daytona over the years.

When I brought her (Sept 2009, 59 plate) she came fully loaded with extra's from the dealer, Carbon front mud guard, Hugger, Fly Screen, Belly pan, pazzo levers, matt black bars to match her paint job & a whole load of R&G extra's. Ive added Arrow slip-on end cans, radiator & oil cooler guard & have to say she's stunning.

Having only now done 650 miles due to the shite weather I can still honestly say this is a truely awesome bike & I'm looking forward to the summer to really lay down some miles on the tarmac .....
Submitted by
Hoppo on 04/02/2010
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Honda VTR 1000cc Sept '02 (52)
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i started riding october 2009 and since then bought 3 bikes first kawasaki er5 then suzuki gsx 600 f then suzuki bandit 1200. there was always something missing ,to say im fussy is a under statment then my chance came to own honda vtr 1000 firestorm and all i can say is wow it ticks all the boxes its comfy it handles exellent its really quick will be keeping this bike for a long time.
Submitted by
nemis on 03/02/2010
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Bultaco Frontera 250cc 80 (V)
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Review
Great Trials Bike
Submitted by
K-Dizzle1991 in Storrington, West Sussex on 03/02/2010
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Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850cc 85/86 (C)
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Fantastic Bike, an old classic.
Submitted by
K-Dizzle1991 in Storrington, West Sussex on 03/02/2010
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